Opening day 2025 is less than 9 weeks away. While there's still some offseason business to be done, it's not too early to turn our attention to the season ahead.
With that in mind, here are five early predictions for the 2025 MLB season.
Yes, you read that correctly. The A's will be in the playoffs for the first year outside of Oakland since 1967. When you look at what they did in the second half of last season, it's not hard to see why this is achievable. After July 1, the A's went 39-37, and after a few painful seasons lacking talent, they assembled a young core that was not only talented, but started to struggle with serious production. More importantly, the A's spent this winter strengthening their roster for 2025 and beyond.
One thing the A's do, which is often a hallmark of playoff teams, is hit from the field. They finished last season with 196 home runs, eighth most in baseball. Brent Rooker, a player the team extended earlier this month, leads the way with 39 homers. Zack Gelof, JJ Bleday, Lawrence Butler and Shea Langeliers all hit 17-plus, making it a lineup full of guys who can do damage. With the addition of Luis Severino via free agency and Jeffrey Springs via trade, the A's rotation could bolster this offense.
Sacramento may have some returns from some other teams in the American League, so the arrow points to October.
At one time, the Blue Jays were a young, hungry team just like they were going to dominate the American League next. But after they were hit with wild cards in 2022 and 2023, they missed the playoffs last season, and after other teams in the Al East got better, Toronto looks like a team with no real direction. team.
After a terrible first half to 24 years, it would make sense for the organization to consider moving Guerrero to the table if the right offer is to be made, especially with the All-Star first baseman playing the best of his career of baseball. Alas, the Blue Jays made no such move, leaving the industry wondering: What exactly were the plans north of the border?
Now, the Blue Jays face a major conundrum heading into 2025. Not only is this the final year of the roster as currently constructed, but both Guerrero and Bichette will be free agents at the end of the season. Time is running out for Toronto, and despite a big free-agent signing in Anthony Santander, their window looks all but closed. After poor attempts to improve on Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto and even Roki Sasaki, moving one or even two stars may be the only left or right move on the chess board.
The Baltimore Orioles have developed one of the best young position players in baseball, led by shortstop Gunnar Henderson and catcher Adley Rutschman. But one thing that comes with being an AL contender, though, is starting pitching. Sure, several of their starters have been injured over the past three seasons, but you'd think that would only inspire them to be more aggressive in the starting pitching market.
But after seeing Corbin Burnes depart for the D-Backs, and Blake Snell and Garrett Crochet finding new homes elsewhere, we're once again wondering how the Orioles plan to fill out their rotation. Even starters in this winter's second and third tiers of free agency, such as Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, Walker Buehler and Nathan Eovaldi, eschewed Baltimore.
Currently, the O's rotation consists of Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez, both of whom are quality starters, but like the rest of Baltimore's crew, they have dealt with injuries. Then, Dean Kramer, Albert Suárez and newly acquired Tomoyuki Sugano make up the back end of Baltimore's rotation. That's not particularly inspiring.
Sure, the Orioles are still talented, but with their consistent rotation, it's going to be hard to project them beyond a universal-card team.
The biggest prize this offseason is the one and only Juan Soto. After one year in the Bronx with the Yankees, Soto decided to take his talents to Queens and playing for the Mets, signing a 15-year, $765 million deal. For a team that's all the way to the NLCS in 2024, it's a monster addition that marks a window of contention.
Despite losing Soto to their city rivals, the Mets, the Yankees are not sitting on their hands this winter. In fact, they emerged as the most aggressive team this offseason. First, they added to their starting pitching, signing Max Fried to the largest contract ever for a left-handed pitcher. They then spoke to closer, center field and first base, acquiring Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt.
Across town, the Mets lineup is strong, with the duo of Francisco Lindor and Soto one of the best in baseball. But one area where the Mets still have questions is their rotation. While re-signing Sean Manaea was a solid and necessary move, the additions of Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes showed that the organization's promotional infrastructure full of confidence. Only time will tell if it is necessary.
Another plus for the Yankees is that the American League has become increasingly thinner in the offseason, and while the Guardians and Astros have both made some changes to their rosters, the Bronx Bombers are clearly the best in the AL on paper. team. Meanwhile, the Mets have the Phillies and Braves to deal with in the tough NL East.
The Mets won the Soto battle, but when it comes to success in 2025, the Yankees have set up their own battle to win the war.
The Milwaukee Brewers weren't expected to be very good last season, but in manager Pat Murphy's first year, Milwaukee escaped with a strong bullpen, consistent starting pitching and rookie Sensation Jackson. Chourio's huge spark. However, after some subtractions this offseason, including All-Star game tight end Devin Williams, there could be some competition in the NL Central.
The Chicago Cubs entered their first two seasons as the team expected to win the division, but the postseason continued to elude them. This winter, they finally landed All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker. Tucker adds an MVP-caliber player and impact bat to the lineup to a team that desperately needs one.
Cincinnati Reds The third Central team is the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds take a step back in 2024, with their starting pitching inconsistent and infielder Matt McClain, who was crucial to their success in '23, sidelined after shoulder surgery. season. After the season. Cincinnati made the much-hyped hire of long-time manager Terry Francona, which should provide an organizational boost. And, of course, they have a superstar in the making in Elly de La Cruz, who took a step forward last season and made his first All-Star team.
There will be no runaway winner in the NL Central this season. Each of these teams may have moments where it looks like they're about to take off, and each team will run into some speed. But don't be shocked if we get to September and the Reds, Cubs and Brewers are still competing for wins.