Division Winner Prediction

As the MLB season is right around the corner, certain teams have emerged as favorites to be crowned division winners by the end of the campaign. While some divisions have heavy favorites, it is a toss-up who will win the division in others. While anything can happen, such as injuries these are the teams who I think will be crowned the division winners in their respective divisions.

American League East: New York Yankees

Aaron Judge hit 27 home runs last season despite missing roughly 50 games. Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

While the American League East has both the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays, who both can be competitive teams in 2020, the New York Yankees are still the far favorites in the AL East. After a season finishing with 100 wins and making the ALCS to an Astros team who, let's face it was probably cheating. After just coming up short for a World Series appearance, the Yankees responded by adding one of the best pitchers in the league Gerrit Cole. This addition solidifies the Yankees rotation as one of the best in the league. The Yankees new and improved starting rotation paired up with their stacked offense and bullpen not only make them division favorites but World Series favorites as well.

National League East: Atlanta Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr was only 3 SBs shy of a 40/40 season David Zalubowski/Associated Press

The National League East is completely up for grabs this season. Along with the NL Central, the NL East can easily be won by four out of the five teams. However, the Atlanta Braves in my opinion have the slight edge over their opponents. The Nationals most recently won the World Series, however the loss of their star player Anthony Rendon will most definitely hurt their squad. The Mets and Phillies also have both improved and can find themselves wild card spots this season. But the Braves are just on another level. Young phenoms Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr. have already established themselves as stars in todays game. They also have Freddie Freeman and Marcell Ozuna to bolster their lineup even more. Mike Soroka is looking to capitalize on an impressive rookie season and Atlanta has improved their bullpen from last season. It won't be a cake walk for Atlanta though as they have to get by three other talented teams.

American League Central : Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins turned a lot of heads in 2019 by winning 100 games after finishing below .500 just a year prior. The Twins looked poised to improve this season with the addition of slugger Josh Donaldson. Pairing that with the potential of the number 9 prospect Royce Lewis who is expected to join the club this season the Twins should run away with the division, even with a competitive Indians and an improved White Sox club.

National League Central: Cincinnati Reds

Eugenio Suarez looks to lead the Reds to October/ Sam Greene

This is my bold prediction for the 2020 MLB season. The National League Central is filled with great teams that could all win the division (well not the Pirates). The Cincinnati Reds had a mediocre team to start of 2019 but look highly improved heading into the 2020 campaign. They have an excellent pitching staff led by the arms of Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo and Trevor Bauer and some dangerous bats in Eugenio Suarez and the newly acquired Nick Castellanos and Mike Moustakas. While the Cubs are not what they used to be and the Brew Crew losing some key guys as well this could be the year of Cincy.

American League West: Houston Astros

Astros look to prove doubters wrong and make another World Series run/

We are all aware of the cheating scandal that took place in 2017 involving the Houston Astros. And while their lack of remorse for the scandal makes just about any self-righteous baseball fan hate the organization, there is still no denying that they are the best team that represent the AL West. They have a great lineup, rotation and bullpen that still make them a championship contender. Yes, the Houston Astros did lose Gerrit Cole in free agency, however they have the promising Lance McCullers Jr. returning from free agency. While the Angels have acquired Anthony Rendon this off-season they still have too many holes that need to be fixed. The Astros will run away with this division.

National League West: Los Angeles Dodgers:

Dodgers look like they are prepared for a championship run. Photo by Mark J. Terril of Associated Press

This was an easy choice. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the best team right now in the National League and they represent one of the least competitive divisions in baseball. The Dodgers will surely win around 100 games and there is no guarantee that any other NL West team will be over .500. They have two former MVP winners and two former Cy Young winners as well as loads of young talent waiting to shine in the show. The Dodgers are a sure-fire favorite to win the NL West, and is even favored to take home the commissioners trophy.