Major League Baseball: Early Predictions for 2021
Major League Baseball (MLB) remains on course to run with a full season in 2021, although there are still a few issues to be ironed out before the final schedule is confirmed.
The MLB is targeting a start date of Thursday, April 1, with all 30 clubs expected to play on the Opening Day.
Read on as we take a look at the 2021 MLB season and make some early predictions for the upcoming campaign. There are many sites out there taking bets. Listen to the experts in choosing legal and safe options.
Toronto Blue Jays Ready to Rumble
The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t won the World Series since 1993, and according to the experts they are outsiders in the betting to end that barren run.
However, their big-money acquisition of George Springer has sparked talk that the Blue Jays could upset the oddsmakers this season.
Springer has already been part of a World Series-winning roster with the Houston Astros, and he will be eager to add another success to his tally.
With Lourdes Gurriel Jr, Teoscar Hernandez, and Bo Bichette also in their ranks, this should be an exciting year for Toronto.
Guerrero Jr has a Point to Prove
Another reason for Blue Jays fans in both Canada and Japan to feel optimistic centres around Vladdy Guerrero Jr – a player who has a massive point to prove in 2021.
The 21-year-old has been heavily tipped to be ‘the next big thing’ in MLB, but things haven’t quite worked out that way thus far.
However, he has put plenty of work into his fitness during the offseason to ensure that he hits the ground running when the action gets underway.
His father was a nine-time All-Star in the MLB, and Vladdy will need to step things up if he’s to begin to emulate his old man’s achievements.
A Tough Year Ahead for the Cubs
The Chicago Cubs were the best team in NL Central in 2020, winning the division for the third time in five years with a 34-26 record.
However, they went 21-23 during their final 44 games before being swept by the Miami Marlins in the Wild Card Series.
The Cubs now appear to be in rebuild mode, with veterans such as Jon Lester, Kyle Schwarber, and Jason Kipnis no longer part of the roster.
With President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer expected to make more changes ahead of the new season, it could be a challenging year for the Cubs.
Seattle Prospects Tipped to Shine
The Seattle Mariners rebuild is already well underway, and 2021 could be the year that fans start to see some payback for their patience.
The Mariners had five prospects listed in Baseball America’s annual pre-season top 100, with two of those ranked in the top four.
Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic were listed at three and four, respectively, while Logan Gilbert, Emerson Hancock, and Noelvi Marte also made the top 100.
The outfield duo of Rodriguez and Kelenic has been tipped to be the foundation for the Mariners’ future success, and it will be intriguing to see how they perform this season.
Correa One to Watch in Houston
Carlos Correa’s situation in Houston could be worth watching, with the former first overall pick set to head into free agency alongside Lance McCullers Jr.
Correa has made it clear that he wants to stay in Houston, although he has yet to reach an agreement with the franchise over his 2021 salary.
While his talent isn’t in question, his inability to withstand the rigours of a 162-game season from a fitness perspective is a cause for concern.
If he can stay healthy during the upcoming campaign, Correa may yet get the opportunity to remain with the Astros.
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