The start of spring training for MLB teams signals the start of a new season--a chance for your favorite team to “win it all.” It often leads to hopes that, for many teams, won’t be met. With that said, here are my predictions for teams that actually have a chance to win this year:
National League
West: San Francisco Giants
The Giants added Mark Melancon and with full seasons of Will Smith and Derek Law, the Giants strengthened their biggest weakness.
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Central: Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are the team to beat. They have the most talented roster (on paper) and won the division last season by 17.5 games. However, losing Dexter Fowler hurts but a full season with Kyle Schwarber and Brett Anderson could help.
East: Washington Nationals
Adam Eaton will join Trea Turner to form one of the best tandems in baseball that will only pile up more runs if Bryce Harper returns to form and Daniel Murphy duplicates his 2016 numbers.
American League
West: Houston Astros
The Houston Astros have been busy this offseason, adding Brian McCann, Josh Reddick and Carlos Beltran. The Rangers won the division last season, but with the loss of Mitch Moreland and Beltran, there’s a lot of uncertainty.
Central: Cleveland Indians
The AL Central division is one of the thinnest in baseball and features only 2 teams that really have a chance, the Indians and the Tigers. The Indians won the division by 8 games last season and that number could climb with the addition of Edwin Encarnacion and the return of Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar, Michael Brantley and Yan Gomes.
East: Boston Red Sox
Over the past 5 seasons, the Red Sox have 2 AL East titles. They have an impressive offense and a starting rotation with aces David Price, Chris Sale and Rick Porcello.
