Our most controversial opinions two weeks into the MLB season: Can a team really lose 120 games? And can one player hit 30 home runs and steal 80 bases?
Analogous to hot sauce: Sriracha. Drawing a positive comparison between a promising up-and-comer and a renowned player from his team’s past is heartwarming – and a bit spicy.
Hot sauce alternative: Habanero. Amongst a variety of flavors, this is a classic option that may have slipped your mind, but still delivers a strong kick.
Trout’s postseason record shows a disappointing 1-for-12 performance with three walks during the 2014 loss to the Royals. Despite being one of the top players in the world, he has remained loyal to a franchise that has failed to make it to the playoffs even with talented players like himself and Ohtani. However, with Ohtani’s departure and the Angels’ lackluster offseason, Trout’s loyalty may be waning. In a surprising admission during spring training, he revealed that he had been urging team owner Arte Moreno and president John Carpino to make a big move in free agency. Unfortunately, this did not come to fruition and it’s possible that Trout’s public demands are a sign of his frustration. If the Angels underperform and Trout stays healthy, he may feel inclined to advocate for himself and request a trade to a team with a better chance at making the postseason.
Go for a leisurely stroll.
Ragans is predicted to have a season with a 4+ Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and place in the top 8 for the American League Cy Young award. Crochet, Jones, and Sale are all expected to have seasons with 3+ WAR, with Jones potentially finishing in the top 5 for National League Rookie of the Year. Ragans showed promising performance last year and is expected to continue improving with more playing time. While Crochet and Jones have limited experience in the major leagues, I believe their skills are genuine. I am optimistic that Crochet will have enough playing time to fulfill my prediction. The same question applies to Sale, but his pitching velocity this season is the highest it’s been since 2018.
Passan: Forecasts, emerging players »
Our predictions » | Moves that rocked the offseason »
Some of our predictors brought the heat, while others have taken a mild approach, so we have taken the liberty of ranking the predictions — and identifying their hot sauce equivalent.
Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman are all expected to produce runs, creating multiple opportunities for Will Smith, Teoscar Hernandez, and Max Muncy.
Comparable hot sauce: Frank’s Red Hot. We also have a fondness for the tried and true, and your reference to Gehrig and DiMaggio certainly caught our eye. However, ultimately, your prediction that two additional players will achieve a milestone that four players in the same lineup accomplished last year is not as daring as it is unexciting.
We’re heating up
The New York Mets are expected to qualify for the playoffs in 2024, while the New York Yankees will not make it.
According to Passan, Elly De La Cruz will surpass all other players in stealing bases during this century and also hold the record for being the first player to hit 30/80.
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During the current era of Major League Baseball, only 23 players have stolen 80 or more bases in a single season. This feat was most recently achieved in 1988 by Rickey Henderson and Vince Coleman. However, De La Cruz, the talented 22-year-old shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, is on track to break this 35-year streak and also hit at least 30 home runs.
Predicting future stars »
Could not reword.
“Is the superiority of the Yankees over the Mets evident? Undoubtedly so, however, they both compete in a highly competitive division as of April 10th, with all teams holding a record of .500 or higher, making it a closely contested race throughout the entire season. Furthermore, the absence of Jonathan Loáisiga from the bullpen, although not a major concern, may have an impact. Despite a strong start of 10-2, five of their victories were close, and their impressive lineup has already been blanked twice.”
Baseball players give their opinions »
While winning 120 games may seem challenging, losing the same amount is equally difficult. However, consider this: The White Sox have completely changed their pitching lineup, yet that stands as the strongest aspect of their team at present. Alternatively, we could argue it is the least weakest aspect of their team. They are currently struggling to make hits, especially with Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert sidelined due to injuries, and there seems to be no improvement in their offensive success on the horizon.Hot sauce equivalent: Carolina Reaper. Peppers this hot can affect your vision — and maybe that’s what happened here. Are you sure the Red Sox are the AL East team you meant to mention for a World Series pick?
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The temperature is rising.
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The Detroit Tigers are predicted to emerge victorious in the AL Central.
In 1997, at the age of 23, Jeter had his second full season as a player, recording a batting average of .291, an on-base percentage of .370, and a slugging percentage of .405 (103 OPS+). He also scored 116 runs (ranking 4th in the AL) and had 190 hits (ranking 3rd in the AL). As a shortstop with average defensive skills, Jeter contributed 5.0 wins above replacement (WAR) to his team, the Yankees, who finished the season with a record of 96-66. This season, Volpe is expected to have a better performance than Jeter. He already has a strong defensive presence at shortstop (with a career defensive runs saved (DRS) of +18) and his approach at the plate has greatly improved. Volpe is now making smarter decisions when swinging and producing more solid hits towards the opposite field. In his inconsistent debut season, he recorded 3.3 WAR, a number that could potentially double in his second year.Hot sauce equivalent: Chili lime. You took two flavors we weren’t quite sure went together and yet you made them work. The only reason this isn’t spicier is, as you admit, this is more about circumstance than the performance of either team.
I was fully committed to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as my predicted MVP before the season started. However, I am now changing course as it turns out I chose the wrong Junior!Alden Gonzalez »
Castillo: Without Gerrit Cole, it’s all about the bats »
The Red Sox have had a strong start thanks to the efforts of their pitchers and defensive plays. This may come as a surprise, but it is true. Looking at rookie center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela, along with Jarren Duran and Tyler O’Neill, all of whom are fast runners, reminds me of past successful teams such as the 2013 World Series champions who had Jacoby Ellsbury in center and Shane Victorino in right, or the 2018 World Series champions who boasted exceptional outfield defense with Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Andrew Benintendi. The team’s new pitching coach, Andrew Bailey, has implemented a strategy of throwing fewer fastballs and it seems to be working well. In the first two starts, four out of the five starting pitchers had earned run averages (ERAs) below 1.00, although Nick Pivetta has recently been placed on the injured list. While hitters Rafael Devers and Triston Casas have yet to make a big impact, Tyler O’Neill has already hit six home runs.
The first two weeks of the season feel like a re-introduction: Remember Mike Trout has morphed into remember this Mike Trout? Short sample size and all, he’s back to being the best player in baseball. He’s had three 10-WAR seasons in his career, the last in 2018, and he’s going to have another one this season, in his 14th
In the major league, this will mark his 33rd year. He has not completed a full season since 2019, but he is expected to remain injury-free. Under the leadership of Ron Washington, the Angels are predicted to have a winning record.
Tristan Cockcroft reported that Bobby Witt Jr. emerged as the MVP and played a pivotal role in helping his team, the Royals, secure a division championship.
The NL Central may not be the strongest division, but according to FanGraphs’ projections, the Pirates were expected to finish last on Opening Day. However, after 32 years since their last division title and facing consistently low spending under owner Bob Nutting, there is a possibility of them finishing first. For this to happen, multiple factors would need to align, such as Oneil Cruz and Ke’Bryan Hayes becoming standout players, Henry Davis making significant progress in his development, and Paul Skenes shining in the rotation alongside Jared Jones. It is also crucial for key players like Bryan Reynolds, David Bednar, Mitch Keller, and Jack Suwinski to stay healthy and perform well. Additionally, ownership would have to approve midseason acquisitions to give the Bucs a boost. It’s a tall order, but it’s not called a mild take for a reason.
The Royals, led by Maikel Garcia, Seth Lugo, MJ Melendez, Vinnie Pasquantino, Cole Ragans, and Brady Singer, will be playing in October for the first time in nine years. Their key to success will be addressing their weak bullpen, which they will do through midseason acquisitions of Tanner Scott and Carlos Estevez.
There are significant obstacles preventing De La Cruz from accomplishing this goal, apart from his age and inexperience in the MLB. He has a high strikeout rate and struggles to reach base, which is crucial for this prediction to come to fruition. In his first season, he only managed to get on base 30% of the time.
According to Alden Gonzalez, the Pirates are predicted to be the champions of the NL Central division.
Feel the fire
Mike Trout will have a 10-WAR season
“Witt, who has a contract through 2034, could potentially become as well-known in Kansas City as their famous BBQ. Choosing him for MVP this year isn’t too surprising, but predicting his team to go from a 106-loss season to division champs adds even more excitement. The only thing holding back the true heat of this prediction is the fact that it’s in the AL Central division.”
A mild prediction for a tough season on the South Side is equivalent to garlic pepper in the hot sauce world. However, the suggestion of a whopping 120 losses adds some extra spice and salt to the mix.
The 2024 MLB season has been underway for two weeks and teams have completed around twelve of their 162 games. Although it may not be sufficient for definitive statements, we refuse to let that hinder us.
The top prospect for each of the 30 MLB teams ».
The highest recorded temperature for this event is subpar due to the poor performance of the team, however, there are numerous positive developments occurring in Detroit. The team has had a strong beginning with stellar pitching and defense. Additionally, there are several reasons to believe that the Tigers will improve as the season progresses. Four of their regular players under the age of 25, including Spencer Torkelson, Colt Keith, Riley Greene, and Parker Meadows, have yet to hit their peak but are expected to do so. If you follow the reports on emerging talent, the excitement only grows with Jace Jung and other high-potential players making their way up the ranks. The Bengals should not be underestimated.
The Yankees have achieved 90 wins, allowing them to start their golfing season earlier. On the other hand, the Mets have reached 83 wins and will still continue their playing into the month of October.
Paul Hembekides believes that Anthony Volpe will have a more successful age-23 season than Derek Jeter.
According to Jorge Castillo, Trout will not be playing with the Angels for the entire season.
Flushing’s Finest had a slow start to the season, losing five games (including two in extra innings) and currently sit only two games behind the last wild-card spot in the NL. Edwin Díaz has returned to top form and the patchwork rotation no longer has any looming threat of a key injured player jeopardizing their chances at the playoffs.
If you have concerns about the depth of our pitching, rest assured that other teams are also lacking in this area. Fortunately, the Red Sox have a significant amount of money available to make necessary adjustments during the season.
The upcoming season in the AL Central is bound to be more enjoyable, that is, if your definition of “fun” includes a division champion with 85 wins. Witt and the Royals will play a significant role in this, as Witt has been making waves in the league and is set to join the elite club of 40/40 Gold Glove Award winners, alongside Barry Bonds.
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Spicy sauce equivalent: Pepper X. The Carolina Reaper held the reputation of being the spiciest pepper for a long time. It wasn’t until recently when the Guinness Book of Records recognized the existence of Pepper X. This perfectly exemplifies De La Cruz’s bold statement. Prior to his sudden emergence last summer, it would have been difficult to believe that a 6-foot-5, 200-pound shortstop with unmatched speed, strength, and power could exist. But De La Cruz is the real deal – and as unbelievable as it may sound, he has the potential to bring his skills to a level of 30/80.
Every year at this point, we request our MLB specialists to confidently make a declaration about a specific aspect of the season based on the limited data. They were given the freedom to choose any topic, with the condition that it be daring and a realistic possibility.
Comparable to a spicy sauce: Hammajack OG. Yet another choice from the Central Division and a locally-made hot sauce.
The team from 2013 had previously experienced a season of losses, but ultimately emerged as champions. This current team can also achieve the same success.
However, this is a wager on his exceptional abilities – his sprint speed is ranked fourth among all MLB players, and he has the ability to hit home runs that travel 450 feet to the center of the field. In 1985, Coleman managed to steal 110 bases with a .320 on-base percentage. The following year, Henderson’s performance was nearly equivalent with 28 home runs and 80 RBIs. De La Cruz’s start may seem daring, but with six stolen bases and three homers in just 12 games, he is on the right path.
Best and worst possible outcomes for the 24 Yankees.
Jesse Rogers reported that the White Sox have tied the 1962 Mets for the most losses in a season with a total of 120.
In the upcoming months, Chris Getz, the new general manager, will continue dismantling the team. Even if the White Sox improve their performance and no longer face a potential 120 losses, they will likely struggle again in the last two months.
Alternative wording: A comparison to hot sauce: the sampler platter. Each item on its own may have been perceived as daring, but you’ve given yourself the option to choose the one that proves your point to be correct.Hot sauce equivalent: Hell Fire Detroit Poblano. Picking any team to win the AL Central — outside of the White Sox, of course — is on the mild side, but we like to see the rising Tigers raising the heat in Motown.Eric Karabell: The Dodgers will make RBI history
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