MLB predictions 2022: Projecting MLB standings, regular season awards

Sportsnaut's MLB predictions offer projections for the standings, award winners and more. Sportsnauts will provide analysis, the latest news and MLB trade rumors.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the best team in the NL West entering the 2022 season. San Francisco Giants are a tier below the Dodgers. Bob Melvin is the perfect skipper for the clubhouse. The Padres have the talent to win the division and even the World Series. Colorado is one of the worst teams in MLB. Arizona is avoiding a total rebuild. Kris Bryant is a good signing for Colorado. The Rockies and Diamondbacks are not good enough to challenge for 72 wins. They are still one the least successful teams.

Milwaukee Brewers are the team to beat in the NL Central. St. Louis Cardinals strengthened their rotation this offseason. Chicago Cubs are not rebuilding, but they are competitive. Cincinnati Reds belong in an ignore tier for the 2022 season. Pittsburgh Pirates are better than Cincinnati.  

Atlanta Braves won the World Series. New York Mets spent a lot of money this offseason. Derek Jeter left the Miami Marlins. Washington Nationals have a below-average lineup.  The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best lineups in MLB. The New Jersey Devil Rays have an exciting rotation, but they have many injuries. They have problems with their starting rotation and their bullpen. Their defense is the worst in baseball. It might not matter right now, as they are playing good baseball, they might be playing for a playoff spot.

Houston Astros are predicted to win the AL West this year. Los Angeles Angels will be a playoff team in 2022. Seattle Mariners will win this division, but not this season. Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics are rebuilding and are unlikely to reach the playoffs.  Julio Rodriguez can win Rookie of the Year in the 2022 season, while Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez can make a significant impact. The Oakland A's are trading players and their starting rotation is bad.

Chicago White Sox are the current AL Central champions. Minnesota Twins are an interesting case. The Detroit Tigers farm system is mainly focused on the future. Kansas City Royals' future is centered on development for young pitchers and the debuts of Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene.   The Royals are optimistic about the Zack Greinke return. They also have high hopes for Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez. MLB predictions are based on standings, regular season awards and player development. For more information, visit MLB.com. The AL predicts the standings and awards for 2022.

The AL East is divided between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays. The Boston Red Sox are considered a contender for the MVP award. Juan Soto is the leader in the MLB MVP race. Walker Buehler is a Cy Young Award contender.  Max Scherzer is still the favorite for NL CyYoung Award. He recorded a 1.63 ERA in a COVID-shortened 2020 season. It's possible that he'll win his second Cy young award in 2022.  The Los Angeles Dodgers are a team to watch. They have two MVP candidates in their lineup. Their starting rotation lacks quality depth. Boston's bullpen is not among the best in MLB.

Walker Buehler will win the NL Cy Young Award. Max Scherzer missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury.

Shane Bieber is a candidate for the American League Cy Young Award. Bieber recorded a 1.63 ERA in a COVID-shortened 2020 season.

Juan Soto is the leader in the MLB MVP race. Fernando Tatis Jr. is out until July. Freddie Freeman or Mookie Betts could make a run at the award.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the favourite to be named the AL's Most Valuable Player.

O’Neil Cruz will be the NL Rookie of the Year. Giants” catcher Joey Bart won't make enough consistent contact and Marlins‘ pitcher Sixto Sanchez is out until June.

Bobby Witt Jr. is the winner of the AL Rookie of Year award. He had a 33-homer and 29-steal season in the minors.

Bob Melvin is the favorite to win the NL Manager of the Year award. Fernando Tatis Jr. is out until June.

Joe Maddon is the favorite to win the AL Manager of the Year award. Scott Servais is also a favorite, but the Angels won 77 games last season compared to Seattle's 90.