Grab your sunflower seeds and popcorn, Major League Baseball is back! As the season is in its infancy, there is a lot of intrigue. There’s not a true favorite team that’s picked to go to the World Series, nearly any team could make a run and I wouldn’t be shocked. Here are some of the big things to know.
New Rules:
Here are some rapid-fire new rules. First, the pitch clock is shortened when you have runners on base. I like it since it adds some intrigue to the game, speaking of baserunners you can only attempt a “pick-off” or tag a runner out on base twice. If you exceed the limit, then it is an automatic balk and the runner will advance. The baserunners will also get another bonus with larger boxes, fans have not been happy about these nicknamed bases “pizza boxes” with how big they are. There are a couple more rules that are more of MLB’s attempt to speed up the games, which have come at the cost of weird rules.
Teams to watch (National League):
As a fan of the sport, there are some oodles of talent in this league. From the National League here are a couple of teams I’d watch.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
The Dodgers have potentially the greatest team in major league history, with not only Mookie Betts and Freddy Freeman. But now with the much-maligned Shohei Ohtani is now on the Dodgers trolly. Shohei’s future is still in question, but it is most likely going to be the outcome that Ohtani will play this season. Even without him, the Dodgers are still really good and a fear for other teams.
Atlanta Braves:
Their early exit was beyond disappointing. The Braves are still hungry for more and could compete for the next decade with their youth on the team. If Ronald Acuna and Michael Harris can keep it up for one of the best outfield duos in the league they’ll be in good hands. The key for them is pitching, if they can play up to their potential then they’ll be a team to fear.
Teams to watch (American League):
The American League is also very strong, and potentially better competition in this league. Here are two teams I would watch for.
Kansas City Royals:
This is serious hometown bias, but I really do believe that this Royals team is the best they’ve had since at least 2017. The lineup with Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia is a quality trio with a ton of potential. This team will go as far as the pitching will take them. If Cole Ragans can keep playing well, much happiness will ensue for Royals fans. They need to break through, to prove to the city that they mean business.
Texas Rangers:
A shocking World Series championship has the world wanting more from them. The Rangers can repeat, but the mountain is always tougher to climb the second time than the first. If they want to make repeating a reality, then they need Jacob deGrom to stay healthy for a full season as their team’s ace. If not, the hitters will have to pick up the slack again and that’s tough to ask from this group.
