Breaking Down the 2022 MLB Season: Team Analysis and Predictions

Game Analysis & Commentary
Published on: May 14, 2024
Last Updated: Jun 05, 2024

AL East

The AL East is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball once again in 2022. The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays are the favorites to win the division, but the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are not far behind. The Yankees have a formidable lineup with the addition of slugger Joey Gallo, while the Rays have a deep pitching staff led by Tyler Glasnow and Shane McClanahan. The Blue Jays have one of the best young cores in baseball, led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, while the Red Sox are looking to build on their surprising 2021 season. Ultimately, it may come down to which team can stay healthy and avoid injuries, as all four teams have the talent to win the division.

AL Central

The AL Central is the weakest division in the American League, with the Chicago White Sox being the clear favorites to win the division. The White Sox have a loaded roster, featuring stars like Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu, and Luis Robert. The Minnesota Twins are trying to retool after a disappointing 2021 season, but they will need to rely on young players like Alex Kirilloff and Royce Lewis to step up. The Cleveland Indians are in rebuilding mode and will look to develop their young talent, while the Kansas City Royals are still a few years away from contention. The White Sox should be able to cruise to the division title, but the wild card spots could be up for grabs.

AL West

The AL West is another competitive division, with the Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics expected to battle for the top spot. The Astros are looking to make another deep playoff run, with a formidable rotation led by Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez. The Athletics have a deep lineup, led by star third baseman Matt Chapman and shortstop Elvis Andrus. The Los Angeles Angels are looking to make a push for the playoffs, with a talented roster featuring superstar Mike Trout and new addition Anthony Rendon. The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers are both in rebuilding mode, but have young talent that could make them dangerous in the coming years.

NL East

The NL East is shaping up to be a competitive division, with the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets expected to battle for the top spot. The Braves are looking to defend their World Series title, with a deep lineup led by stars like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Freddie Freeman. The Mets have a talented roster, featuring star pitchers Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to build on their 2021 season, with a talented young core led by Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto. The Washington Nationals are in rebuilding mode, but have young talent that could make them dangerous in the coming years. The Miami Marlins are also in rebuilding mode, but have a strong farm system that could make them a contender in the near future.

NL Central

The NL Central is shaping up to be another competitive division, with the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals expected to battle for the top spot. The Brewers have a formidable rotation, led by Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes. The Cardinals have a deep lineup, led by stars like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. The Chicago Cubs are in rebuilding mode, but have young talent that could make them a contender in the coming years. The Cincinnati Reds are looking to build on their 2021 season, with a talented roster featuring stars like Joey Votto and Nick Castellanos. The Pittsburgh Pirates are in rebuilding mode, but have young talent that could make them a contender in the near future.