11. Houston Astros
It’s not wise to count out the Astros based off the past few years but it is still tough to see them replicate the success they have had over the past few seasons based off of what they lost over the last few months
12. Tampa Bay Rays
Much like the Astros, it is tough to completely count out the savvy Rays but despite that, I see it being hard for them to make the postseason after they traded away Blake Snell over the winter. They still have talent, just not enough of it.
13. St. Louis Cardinals
Just when it looked like the Cardinals were just going to run it back (as the kids say) with the same team basically from 2020, they went out and stole Nolan Arenado from the Rockies. Folllowing him away from Coors will be a fascinating story to watch unfold.
14. Milwaukee Brewers
I wish the Brewers would have went after a little more pitching for the upcoming campaign. While the Brew crew’s bats are good (albeit streaky) the team needs a little more depth in the starting pitching rotation for me to put them in the upper NL echelon.
15. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are hoping a revamped bullpen will be key for them to win the NL East. The team has plenty of talent but in the brutal NL East, it seems like they still might only be the fourth best team in the division.
16. Los Angeles Angels
Is this the year Shohei Ohtani completely breaks out and becomes a cultural phenomenon? For everyone who is hoping to see Mike Trout in October (myself included) it may take something like that to happen.
17. Cleveland Indians
The Indians still have Bieber and Ramirez and I loved the addition of Eddie Rosario but it’s hard not to see this team regress a little after the loss of Lindor. Also the bullpen seems to be weaker after the loss of Brad Hand.
18. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs seem to be in a little sort of transition as they look to be in that trying to compete but know a rebuild is coming and probably sooner rather than later. The Cubs could still be an annoying team that decides who wins the NL Central.
19. Boston Red Sox
Fans in Beantown are hoping Chris Sale can bounce back and regain some of his old form. They also hope that injuries will not ravage the team much like it did last year. However, the talent level of the Red Sox seems to lack their AL East counterparts.
20. Miami Marlins
It will be interesting to see if the young Miami Marlins can build off of last years very surprising playoff run and possibly even get back there this year?