BY MIKE RIFKIN
NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION WINNERS
EAST – PHILLIES – After a fantastic 2024, the Phillies were eliminated in the NLDS by the rival Mets. 2025 might be a last dance of sorts for this core in Philly as both Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos are both free agents after the season. If they stay healthy, Philly is as dangerous as anyone in baseball.
CENTRAL – REDS – After a disappointing season, the Reds brought in future Hall of Fame manager Terry Francona to lead a young core led by Elly De La Cruz. But the NL Central is wide open and if the Reds young players play up to par they can win this division.
WEST – DODGERS – Yeah, the defending World Series Champs are going to be even more dangerous in 2025. They have an all world lineup that they were able to retain. And upgraded the rotation with the additions of Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell, plus Tyler Glasnow will be healthy. Oh, and there’s a good chance at some point this season we see Shohei Ohtani pitches this season, life is good for the Dodgers.
WILD CARDS : D-BACKS, METS, PADRES
AWARDS
MVP : ELLY DE LA CRUZ – Cruz stole 67 bases last season while having 25 homers and 76 RBI. If the 23 year old can help the Reds win the division, he should get some MVP consideration.
CY YOUNG : ZACK WHEELER : Somehow Wheeler has not won a CY Young. Last season Wheeler was 16-7 with a 2.57 ERA and 224 strikeouts. Wheeler has been one of the best pitchers in baseball, and this is the year he gets his recognition.
MANAGER OF THE YEAR : Terry Francona : The future hall of famer is returning after taking a season off. If he can do for the Reds what he did for the Red Sox and Guardians, the Reds are in a good spot.
NLCS : DODGERS DEF D-BACKS
AMERICAN LEAGUE
EAST : RED SOX – The Red Sox were very active this winter. Bringing in veterans Alex Bregman, Walker Buehler, Aroldis Chapman, along with Garret Crochet. The Red Sox have a fantastic manager in Alex Cora, and they can take advantage of an interesting AL East.
CENTRAL : TIGERS : The Tigers had an unbelievable run to the playoffs last season, and now they’ll take the next step. Tarik Skubal was sensational at the top of the rotation last season, and now they pair him with Jack Flaherty. The lineup should do damage, but it’ll be even more dangerous if former first overall pick Spencer Torkleson takes a step forward.
WEST : RANGERS – People might forget that the Rangers won the World Series in 2022, last year they had some injuries. If they can keep Jacob DeGrom healthy that’d be a massive game changer for them. That offense led by Corey Seager and Marcus Semien should be dynamic again.
WILD CARDS : BLUE JAYS, ORIOLES, ASTROS
AWARDS
MVP : RAFAEL DEVERS – I think Bregman being added to this lineup should help Devers. But Devers is such an elite talent, and this is the season he hits over 30 homers and drives in over 100 runs.
CY YOUNG : TARIK SKUBAL : Skubal won the AL Triple Crown last season, and he was dominant. I expect that to continue this season.
MANAGER OF THE YEAR : AJ HINCH: Hinch got the best of his club in the second half of last season. I think they use that momentum to win the AL Central and they have the potential to be dangerous in the postseason.
ALCS : RED SOX DEF RANGERS
WORLD SERIES
DODGERS DEF RED SOX : 6 games (WS MVP) : MOOKIE BETTS
The Sports Insanity Network 