From The Whiteboard: MLB Predictions

The sun is coming out and the days are getting longer, and you know what that means: Baseball season is finally here. MLB opening weekend has made its arrival, and after a cold winter, baseball season is back in full swing, and I am ready to be sitting in the stands with a coke and a hot dog.  

Now that we have seen baseline performances from all 30 major league teams, it is time for my way-too-early MLB predictions.  

Growing up watching baseball, whenever someone would ask me who I was rooting for I would say, “Ask me again towards the last inning.” Unfortunately, I am not as skilled at nailing my predictions as I was back then, but I have since learned to do my research, so maybe I do still have my touch.  

 

Will the Dodgers do it again? 

It has been 24 seasons since the MLB has seen back-to-back World Series champions — will this be the year that the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves repeat champions for the first time in franchise history?  

The LA-based team has made it to the postseason for 12 consecutive seasons, and last season marked their second World Series win in the past five years. With immense depth on the roster, it is no surprise why the defending champs are projected favorites for 2025. 

With Shohei Otani back on the mound, the Dodgers might just win it again. 

 

American League picks 

I have heard a disconcerting number of people predict the Boston Red Sox to take the AL East this season. Maybe it is just my deep-rooted loathing for Boston talking, but I am going against the grain on this one. I see the AL East ending in a battle between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees.  

The O’s have a strong roster this season with Colton Cowser improving on his rookie season and Gunnar Henderson continuing to be a star. Still, I have faith in my Yankees to take the AL East. 

As for the AL Central, I predict the Detroit Tigers just barely scrape by over the Kansas City Royals. The Texas Rangers are a clear favorite for the AL West, and I would like to see them go far — just not further than the Yankees.  

 

National League picks  

As far as the NL East goes, my vote is for the Philadelphia Phillies. With a stacked lineup of veterans after stealing Bryce Harper and Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals as well as having Jordan Romano and Jose Alvarado on the mound, the Phillies have the potential to bring momentum into postseason. 

The Chicago Cubs are a favorite to win the NL Central, and I think I can get behind that. I do not see them doing anything remarkable this season, but acquiring Kyle Tucker may pay off for them.  

And unfortunately, we already know that the Dodgers will win the NL West and be a World Series contender, if not champion.  

 

The Bronx Bombers are back. 

After opening weekend, there is one team that everyone is talking about: the Yankees.  

Obviously, losing Juan Soto hurt, but I think he is going to find great disappointment with the New York Mets. They had a solid run last season, but this year they are going to flop.  

I am predicting a clean-shaven Aaron Judge to lead a group of bearded Yankees to the 2025 World Series. And to whoever changed the grooming policy, I would like a word. 

Is this pick biased? Absolutely. But I do have solid ground to stand on after the Yanks set a franchise record over the weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers with three consecutive home runs off the first three pitches. Better yet, they went on to hit six more throughout the game, three by the captain himself. Aaron Judge, please never leave us.  

Ironically enough, five of these were hit off of Brewers pitcher Nestor Cortes who was traded by the Yankees in December following last season’s World Series loss. Talk about a rough start.  

 

World Series 2025 

Mark my words, this October we will be experiencing a major case of déjà vu as we watch the Yankees and Dodgers play in a rematch. Each team is off to a hot start following opening weekend, and I am excited to see how the rest of this season plays out.  

My prediction is that the Dodgers will take the trophy in game six to close out this season. For once, I would really love to be proven wrong.  

White is the sports editor for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on X.