Here are our picks for the Division winners and Wild Card winners for the 2022 MLB season:
American League
AL East
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays were one win short of making the playoffs last season. One of the league’s youngest and most talented teams, Toronto will rely on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, along with veterans George Springer and Matt Chapman, to boost the offense. While not the flashiest names, the Blue Jays also sport a solid starting rotation featuring Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Hyun-Jin Ryu. Add second-year starter Alek Manoah to the list, and Toronto has arguably the best rotation in the AL East. Guerrero Jr. has already proved he has what it takes to live up to his father’s Hall-of-Fame name. Now, he has the potential to become a serious Triple Crown contender and MVP candidate.
AL Central
Chicago White Sox
After failing to win a playoff series last season, the White Sox will look to young centerfielder Luis Robert to make significant strides this year and potentially insert his name into the MVP race. Newly signed AJ Pollock should bring some veteran experience to this young squad and Jose Abreu handling first base. However, Chicago is most lethal in their pitching despite their offensive repertoire, with Cy Young candidates Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease forefronting the rotation. Expect Chicago to finish ahead of the 93 wins they compiled last season and once again play host to playoff games come October.
AL West
Houston Astros
Though Houston fell short last season, losing to Atlanta in the World Series, this team possesses much of the same makeup as last year, save for shortstop Carlos Correa choosing to leave via free agency. However, where there are losses, there are gains as future Hall-of-Famer Justin Verlander will return to head the rotation following Tommy John surgery. The Astros should have no trouble winning another division title given their offensive potency behind Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, and MVP candidate Alex Bregman.
Wild Card
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox enter the season with a questionable starting rotation, especially since ace Chris Sale will miss some time with an injury. However, this team defied all odds and surpassed expectations by reaching the AL Divisional Series last year. Though they dropped the series to the Astros, Boston took a 2-1 series lead before ultimately losing three straight. Though the rotation may lack depth, the Sox made headlines by signing former Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story to a multi-year deal. Between Story, Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, and promising young slugger Bobby Dalbec, the Sox have a dynamic offense that includes DH J.D. Martinez and outfielders Kike Hernandez and Alex Verdugo. This should make up for a spotty rotation and secure Boston a second-consecutive playoff appearance.
Minnesota Twins
This offseason, Minnesota captured perhaps the most prominent offensive free agency acquisition by signing former Astros shortstop Carlos Correa to a long-term deal. Correa should be an immediate boost to the Twins’ offense, including Byron Buxton, Max Kepler, and Miguel Sano. Though their rotation may be their Achilles’ Heel, it also is packed with upside if veterans Sonny Gray, Chris Archer, and Dylan Bundy could bounce back to their once-dominant form. On paper, the Twins don’t appear as attractive as the New York Yankees or Anaheim Angels. Still, they play in a less competitive division having the benefit of playing the Royals, Tigers, and Guardians multiple series this year. Keep an eye out for this squad.
National League
NL East
Atlanta Braves
Despite losing World Series MVP Freddie Freeman to free agency, the Braves have bolstered their lineup by acquiring power-hitter Matt Olson from the A’s. In addition, star player Ronald Acuna Jr. will return from injury to rejoin the roster. It makes it even more impressive that the Braves could win the World Series despite losing Acuna to a season-ending injury last year. Add Olson and Acuna to a lineup already stacked with heavy-hitters such as Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson, Marcell Ozuna, and Ozzie Albies, and Atlanta has one of the best offensive rosters in the majors. The Braves should also get ace Mike Soroka back midseason to boost the rotation behind veterans Charlie Morton and Max Fried. Not only that, the addition of closer Kenley Jansen in free agency should provide much-needed insurance at the back of the bullpen. Atlanta has the tools for another repeat.
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals
Ten years ago, St. Louis won the World Series thanks to the bat of Albert Pujols, the defense of Yadier Molina, and the arm of Adam Wainwright. Though these three potential future Hall-of-Famers are way past their prime, they provide veteran leadership to assist the young bats of Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, and Tyler O’Neill. Milwaukee may be better on paper, but the Cardinals are no stranger to the postseason and could go on another run to clinch the division title.
NL West
LA Dodgers
The Dodgers are prime to lock up a division title and could be even more dangerous than last year’s team that reached the NL Divisional Series. Plagued by injuries to key players last postseason, the Dodgers appear healthy to begin the season. Even more noteworthy, LA landed one of the most prized free agents by signing reigning World Series MVP Freddie Freeman to a long-term contract. Add Freeman to a lineup that includes Cody Bellinger, Trea Turner, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy, and you would be hard-pressed to find an easy out. Their starting pitching is no pushover either. Behind Walker Buehler and Jose Urias, LA has the recipe for success in its division and should have no problem fending off the Giants and Padres for the crown.
Wild Card
San Diego Padres
If injuries hadn’t derailed the Padres’ season last year, this team was primed to make some noise in the postseason. With another year of experience under their belts, San Diego should leap from an up-and-coming team to a serious contender. Until young star Fernando Tatis Jr. returns from an injury that ended his 2021 season, veteran sluggers Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer, and Wil Myers should be able to keep this team right up at the top of the division with the Dodgers and Giants. The only area of weakness hinging on the Padres’ success is their starting pitching. However, with all of their offensive weapons, this team has what it takes to make up for its mediocre pitching and clinch a playoff berth.
Philadelphia Phillies
Bryce Harper finally returns to the postseason this year. In the offseason, the Phillies bolstered their offense by signing free agent Kyle Schwarber to add to a lineup featuring Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins, and Nick Castellanos. Though they play in the competitive NL East, the Phillies are one of the best offensive teams in the league and can hammer the ball out of the ballpark. Their rotation is not to overlook either, as Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suarez can shut down an opposing squad. Still, it will be the offense that leads them into the postseason. Get ready for another MVP season from Harper.
