West Division Preview
1. Kansas City Royals
Last year: 85-77, 2nd place in division
Trade/Draft Additions: Joey Ortiz, Sam Moll, Emilio Pagan, Lawrence Butler, Brandon Williamson, Jose Butto, Ernie Clement, Michael King, Aroldis Chapman, Jay Jackson, Jeff Hoffman, Kutter Crawford, Wilson Contreras, Ketel Marte, Whit Merrifield
Trade Departures: James Karinchak, Nick Sandin, Bryce Elder, Elias Diaz, Justin Turner, Bryan De La Cruz, Pablo Reyes
After finishing second in the West last year the Royals decided to bring in veteran talent to help overtake the Expos. The pitching staff is now one of the best with the additions of Michael King, Aroldis Chapman, Jay Jackson, Kutter Crawford, and Jeff Hoffman. They Join Spencer Strider, Ryan Pepiot, Zac Gallen, and Drew Rasmussen in what looks to be a dominant rotation. Ryan Pepiot has the potential to have a Rich Hill/Jharel Cotton type year and challenge for the Cy Young. The lineup is led by MVP candidate Matt Olson with help from Bobby Witt Jr, Adolis Garcia, and JD Martinez. Wilson Contreras and his -3 arm and Ketel Marte were brought in to fill the holes at catcher and second base. While this lineup is not quite as good as the Expos, the potential is there to be a top 4 offense in the league.
Most likely scenario: The balanced Royals are strong throughout the season and return to the World Series while taking the division.
Predicted record: 101-61, 1st Place
2. Montreal Expos
Last year: 91-71, 1st place in division and World Series Champions
Trade/Draft Additions: Bryan Woo, Michael Busch, Orion Kerkering, Erick Fedde, Hunter Goodman, Andruw Monasterio, Adbert Alzolay, Cristopher Sanchez, Kevin Ginkel, Thomas Pham
Trade Departures: Seth Lugo, Orlando Arcia, Jose Leclerc, Merrill Kelly
The defending champion Expos made relatively few moves in the offseason and mainly traded depth for future picks. The core of the powerful offense returns led by Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, Yordan Alvarez, and Bo Bichette. This should again be one of the best offenses in the league. Mid-season addition Pedro Lopez returns to head up the rotation followed by Jesus Luzardo, Bryan Woo, Christopher Sanchez, and Kenta Maeda with Josh Hader closing. Look for Manager Auman to pick up another ace during the season to solidify this group.
Most likely scenario: The Expos put up a ton of runs, but fall behind the Royals due to their pitching staff.
Predicted record: 90-72, 2nd Place
3. Baltimore Orioles
Last year: 63-99, 3rd place in division
Trade/Draft Additions: Eury Perez, Bobby Miller, Brice Turang, Wilyer Abreu, Jake Irvin, Gabriel Arias, Colin Rea, Will Brennan,Cal Raleigh
Trade Departures: Jordan Montgomery, Caleb Thielbar, Michael King, Ketel Marte
During the offseason, the Orioles continued their process of rebuilding by hipping off vetererans Jordan Montgomery, Michael King, and Ketel Marte for draft picks along with young players like Cal “the big dumper” Raleigh. The Orioles also picked up some pieces in the draft including number one overall pick Eury Perez and sixth pick Bobby Miller. The middle of the diamond is the strength of this team. MVP candidate Mookie Betts will play second base this year and will team up with Francisco Lindor in a potent double play combo. Gunnar Henderson will provide some pop and defense at third base. The outfield has Daulton Varsho, TJ Friedl, and Lars Nootbar. All have solid stats for the upcoming season alothough none would be considered stars. The starting rotation is deep with Perez and Miller joining former first round picks Luis Castillo and George Kirby. The bullpen is an area of concern as there are no dominant closers on the roster, although Alex Lange and Justin Topa have solid stats. The key question for Manager Dudley is whether he feels this team will be able to challenge for the title over the next two years or if he is better off trading Betts and Lindor for future pieces.
Most likely scenario: The Orioles surprise and challenge the Expos for second place before fading in the last month of the season.
Predicted record: 81-81, 3rd place
4. Detroit Tigers
Last year: 61-101,4th Place and lost in the division
Trade/Draft Additions: Zach Neto, Emmet Sheehan, Connor Phillips, Alec Marsh, Corey Julks, Luis Medina, Quinn Priester
Trade Departures: None
The Tigers look to be slightly improved from last yearDespite not having a high draft pick, they a few good pieces in the draft like Zach Neto and Emmet Sheehan. Their best acquisition of the past year may have been Yainier Diaz off of the free agent market in June. He joins a lineup with some real talent that includes Vladimir Guerrero, Fernando Tatis, Cedric Mullins, and Giancarlo Stanton. The rotation is solid with Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Nick Pivetta. While there are some bright spots, the team does not have enough to compete with his stronger divisional rivals.
Most likely scenario: Manager Callahan moves aging stars Stanton, Joc Pederson, Kris Bryant, and Kevin Gausman for future draft capital and lands in the cellar for the second straight year.
Predicted record: 65-97, 4th place