Way-too-Early Predictions for the 2023 MLB Playoffs and World Series
The Houston Astros won their second World Series in six years. Dusty Baker got his ring. Last year's way-too-early predictions were respectable and disastrous. The Oakland A's won 86 games in 2021. They were trading players in March and April. The team won a combined 86 wins. It was the worst record in the majors. This year, the predictions are more realistic. There will be a lot of changes before the 2023 MLB season.
Yankees are projected to be the top team in the AL East. Boston finished last in their division last season with 78-84 record. They have a lot of options this winter, including player options for Xander Bogaerts, Eric Hosmer, James Paxton and Tommy Pham. Chris Sale has a player option for 2023. The last time the Red Sox went 78 to 84, they traded for Craig Kimbrel and signed David Price to a $217 million contract. They won the division. New York Yankees (96-66), Toronto Blue Jays (93-69) and Boston Red Skeletons (78-85) are the projected leaders.
Carlos Correa will opt out of his contract and the Twins will have to decide where to spend the money. Minnesota won the AL Central last season. Chicago White Sox won't be the champions, but they should be able to compete with the Guardians and Tigers. The Guardians won by 11 games last year. The Tigers won with a team that included Amed Rosario. Cleveland Guardians are expected to finish second in the division. They will be better than the White Sox. Detroit Tigers are third, and Kansas City Royals are fifth. It's a very quiet offseason for the Tigers, with only Austin Hedges and Bryan Shaw hitting free agency.
The Los Angeles Angels are tied with Detroit for MLB's longest postseason drought. Houston and Seattle are the top two teams in the AL West. Texas Rangers are 17th in MLB in 2023 payroll. The Oakland Athletics are expected to finish at the bottom. The Seattle Mariners are going to have another season with at least 90 wins. They are second in their division behind Houston. Oakland is expected not to make the playoffs. It's the first time since 2001 that Seattle has been in postseason. In the Wild Card Game, the Houston Astros will beat the Oakland A's.
The Mets have 12 players who are either free agents or have a 2023 option for at least $3.5 million. The only team with more players in double figures is the Dodgers with 10. Philadelphia Phillies are expected to make the postseason for the second consecutive year. Atlanta is expected for 101 wins, Washington 107, Miami 65-97, and Washington 57-105. The Phillies have Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez and basically the entire lineup except for Jean Segura. They are predicted to finish in the NL East.
The NL Central looks like a two-horse race in 2023 for the second straight year. St. Louis Cardinals are well-positioned to finish top-two in the division for a fifth consecutive season. Milwaukee would benefit from trading Corbin Burnes or Brandon Woodruff. Chicago could buy its way into the conversation if it so chooses. The Cubs are going to make some big moves this offseason. They have four contracts on the books beyond next season, including Marcus Stroman, Yan Gomes and Seiya Suzuki.
Arizona Diamondbacks have a lot of young talent. They have the potential to improve their team. The Diamondback's have spent less than league-average in the last two seasons. San Francisco Giants are a contender to sign Aaron Judge. The Giants might be able to challenge the Padres for a wild-card spot. Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorite in NL West. Colorado Rockies are expected to finish with a record-breaking 100-loss season.
Way-too-early predictions for the 2023 MLB playoffs and World Series. Wild Card Series: Philadelphia Phillies over New York Mets. Division Series : Los Angeles Dodgers over No. 4 Atlanta Braves, No 4 San Diego Padres over no. 5 San Francisco, and No 6 Seattle Mariners over number 3 Cleveland Guardians. Championship Series : No 1 New Yorkers over No 2 Houston Astros,
