They look practically unbeatable . . . on paper.
But the fact is the games have to be won on the baseball diamond and there have been numerous teams throughout the ages that looked invincible, but they failed to get it done once October baseball rolled around.
The Dodgers should be favored with all the talent they have and perhaps the biggest star in the game with Shohei Ohtani (reigning National League MVP) and a deep roster, including some of the best pitchers in the sport. But again, they have to go out on the field and prove it. The Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and perhaps the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks look to be formidable foes to the Dodgers in the National League pennant race this year.
Over in the American League, there are numerous teams that could raise the flag come October. The New York Yankees are the reigning A.L. champs and they have been bitten by the injury bug already in spring training. They will be without top pitcher Gerritt Cole (Tommy John surgery) for the entire season as well as starting pitcher Luis Gil (out until at least June) and one of their sluggers (Giancarlo Stanton) is sidelined with bad elbow issues. They better pray that last year's A.L. MVP Aaron Judge stays healthy or it could be a long, disappointing summer for the Bronx Bombers.
This should be another interesting season around the league and here goes another shot at predicting the outcome for the upcoming season with a look at the divisional races as well as the final outcome once the post-season starts.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
East
1. Boston Red Sox - They spent a lot of money on free agent players and are hoping some new pitchers can make a difference. We will see.
2. Baltimore Orioles - The Orioles sore spot is the starting pitching, but they can score runs. Another playoff appearance should happen.
3. New York Yankees - They could finish anywhere from first to third place in baseball's best division. They must maintain a healthy roster.
4. Toronto Blue Jays - The team from Canada could be a dark horse playoff contender this year.
5. Tampa Bay Rays - They have good pitching and likely too many question marks after that.
Central
1. Cleveland Guardians - This team is solid, but they have to contend with three other teams that could win this division.
2. Detroit Tigers - The roar is back in Motown and this team could make the playoffs again.
3. Minnesota Twins - Injuries hurt the Twins last year, so don't count them out this summer.
4. Kansas City Royals - A scrappy team that will be in the mix in a balanced division.
5. Chicago White Sox - Looking to avoid 100 losses this year.
West
1. Texas Rangers - Injuries knocked them out of contention last year. They should be solid again in 2025.
2. Seattle Mariners - Pitching is strong, but the offense is among the worst in baseball.
3. Houston Astros - An aging ball club trying to rebuild/reload on the fly.
4. (Sacramento) Athletics - The future Las Vegas A's are shaping up with a decent roster that could surprise some teams this year. Stay tuned.
5. Los Angeles Angels - This team is still in rebuild mode.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
East
1. Atlanta Braves - This team could win the World Series if they stay healthy and play up to capabilities.
2. Philadelphia Phillies - The Phillies regressed last year in playoffs, but will contend and they have to be ready once October rolls around.
3. New York Mets - Juan Soto will thrill the fans, but after that who knows?
4. Washington Nationals - This team appears to be on the rise, just not quite there yet this year.
5. Miami Marlins - Looking to avoid another disastrous season after making playoff just two years ago.
Central
1. Chicago Cubs - Cubbies looking to rebound after an up and down 2024 season.
2. Cincinnati Reds - New manager Terry Francona expects this team to contend for division title and they should.
3. Milwaukee Brewers - They seemed to over achieve last year, so other teams will be ready to play them all summer long.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates - Pitching sensation Paul Skenes is worth the price of admission. Bucs are building for a better future.
5. St. Louis Cardinals - This team is a mystery.
West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers - As long as they spend, they'll win.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks - This team made it to the World Series two years ago and added ace pitcher Corbin Burnes to their roster this season. Watch out!
3. San Diego Padres - Talented team that needs to get out of the gate sooner if they want to make the playoffs this year.
4. San Francisco Giants - Another .500 type finish is likely for the Giants.
5. Colorado Rockies - Young team that looks to be trending upwards . . . should be better this season.
The outlook for the 2025 post-season . . .
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Wild Card Round - Orioles over Tigers; Yankees over Guardians
ALDS - Rangers over Yankees; Orioles over Red Sox
ALCS - Rangers over Orioles
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Wild Card Round - Cubs over Reds; Diamondbacks over Phillies
NLDS - Dodgers over Diamondbacks; Braves over Cubs
NLCS - Dodgers over Braves
2025 WORLD SERIES - Los Angeles Dodgers over Texas Rangers (in six games)
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