2023 MLB Playoff Predictions

Below are my playoff predictions for the 2023 MLB postseason.

Wild Card

NL

(3) Brewers defeat (6) Diamondbacks in 3 games

(4) Phillies defeat (5) Marlins in 2 games

AL

(6) Blue Jays defeat (3) Twins in 3 games

(4) Rays defeat (5) Rangers in 3 games

Division Series

NL

(2) Dodgers defeat (3) Brewers in 4 games

(1) Braves defeat (4) Phillies in 4 games

AL

(2) Astros defeat (6) Blue Jays in 4 games

(4) Rays defeat (1) Orioles in 5 games

Championship Series

NL

(1) Braves defeat (2) Dodgers in 5 games

(2) Astros defeat (4) Rays in 6 games

World Series

(1) Braves defeat (2) Astros in 6 games

World Series MVP: Ronald Acuña Jr.

MLB Mock Draft 2023

 

Being able to watch the top 3 draft prospects in the College World Series has made everyone look forward to this draft more than usual. This is not a mock of what I think will happen, instead it is a mock of what I think each team should do with their selection. Which LSU star should the Pirates select...?

1. Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Paul Skenes, LSU

The Pirates are in desperate need of an ace, and it is a toss-up between Crews and Skenes. They should land their future rotation anchor and go to work on polishing that changeup. Skenes has the stuff and command to fly through the minors. The Pirates shouldn't even think about saving money for their future picks. They should land the LSU star.

2. Washington Nationals OF Dylan Crews, LSU

The Nationals should take whoever is left between Crews or Skenes. When a player is this talented, it doesn't matter if your system is loaded with outfielders already. Crews also has a chance to quickly work up the minors and could make in impact in Washington quickly.

3. Detroit Tigers OF Wyatt Langford, Florida

Langford is an outfielder who can hit much better than he can field. The bat will play nicely at park even as big as Comerica Park. Expect some big-time offensive numbers on a yearly basis, especially in the power department. The only question is how well Langford will defend. He seems destined for a corner outfield/DH role.

4. Texas Rangers OF Max Clark, Franklin (IN)

The Rangers will have their pick of the two high school outfielders, and I think they should go with Clark because he has Jenkins beat on 4/5 tools. Clark will be able to stick in centerfield for the duration of his career because of his speed and arm. As for hitting, he should continue to hit for a high average while using the whole field. The only knock on Clark is there may be a lack of power, but all the other tools make up for that.

5. Minnesota Twins OF Walker Jenkins, South Brunswick (NC)

The Twins have the luxury of waiting to see who of the tier-1 players falls to them. I think Jenkins should make it to Minnesota. He probably has a higher ceiling than Clark but a lower floor. The two are going to be compared for the length of their careers, especially if they are picked back-to-back like this. Where Jenkins can separate himself is by having more impressive power numbers, which is definitely possible.

6. Oakland Athletics RHP Rhett Lowder, Wake Forest

Oakland is in desperate need of safe prospects that are definitely going to be big leaguers. They can't afford to take high school projects. Lowder is a very safe bet to be at least a solid mid-rotation arm. His control and changeup are his biggest attributes, and he should be able to make it into the A's rotation quickly.

7. Cincinnati Reds RHP Chase Dollander, Tennessee

The Reds can add another talented young arm into their rotation with this selection. I don't see much ace potential in Dollander but his combo of being a strike thrower with his power offerings is a good pair of things to have.

8. Kansas City Royals SS Jacob Gonzalez, Ole Miss

The Royals can help cement their infield for the next 7 years and pair Bobby Witt Jr. with Gonzalez. Gonzalez does a good job of using the whole field and putting the ball in play, and also has the ability to hit for some power.

9. Colorado Rockies SS Colin Houck, Parkview (GA)

Houck should be the first high school infielder taken because of his all-around game. Houck has a very simple and short swing that should lead to a lot of consistent contact. The power should develop more as Houck fills out his frame. Houck has an above average arm which should allow him to stay on the left side of the infield.

10. Miami Marlins C Blake Mitchell, Sinton (TX)

The best catcher in the draft lands with Miami to help their pitcher heavy system. Mitchell has a fantastic arm so he should be able to stick behind the plate. Offensively, he should have an above average bat and above average power.

11. Los Angeles Angels SS Jacob Wilson, Grand Canyon

Wilson has a lot of movement in his swing but he has a history of making consistent contact. The power wont be anything special but he should mark as average in that department. The Angels should grab Wilson to help solidify their middle infield.

12. Arizona Diamondbacks SS Colt Emerson, Glenn (OH)

I have the Diamondbacks taking Emerson earlier than many expected because the bat is too good to pass up. Emerson has a very smooth and simple left handed swing that should lead to a high batting average at the next level.

13. Chicago Cubs RHP Noble Meyer, Jesuit (OR)

Noble's slide ends here with the Cubs taking the tall high school righty. If Meyer polishes the changeup and improves upon the command he could be an absolute steal in the draft.

14. Boston Red Sox 3B Brayden Taylor, TCU

Taylor is an all around player who looks like he should be a third baseman for his career.  The only problem is that Rafael Devers signed an extension and will lock down 3B for the near future for the Red Sox. Boston is taking Taylor for his bat and they will figure out which position he will play on the fly.

15. Chicago White Sox SS Kevin McGonigle, Monsignor Bonner (PA)

This is the beginning of the next tier of players using my rankings, and the White Sox reach a little bit to take McGonigle. The PA product might look like a long term 2B but the hit tool is very good, and this pick allows so the White Sox to save money for their later picks.

16. San Francisco Giants 2B Matt Shaw, Maryland

Shaw is another well rounded college infielder, but he profiles best at 2B because of his below average arm. The power and bat should be above average so if Shaw indeed is a 2B he could win multiple silver sluggers there.

17. Baltimore Orioles RHP Travis Sykora, Round Rock (TX)

The Orioles should take the high upside high school righty here. Skykora has impressive size and a very nice repertoire with a heavy FB, and great secondary offerings of a slider and splitter. He has three pitches that will eventually be MLB ready. He just needs to improve the command.

18. Milwaukee Brewers LHP Thomas White, Phillips Academy (MA)

The Brewers should take White to help them continue to churn out quality arms. White is the best lefty in the draft by far and operates with an above average fastball and curveball, and an average changeup. White needs to work on that third pitch and focus on improving his command.

19. Tampa Bay Rays 3B Brock Wilken, Wake Forest

The Rays seem to do well with players who possess great power with not necessarily a good hit tool. Wilken has a rocket arm but needs to improve on his glove to stick there. The Rays land a nice future middle of the order bat here.

20. Toronto Blue Jays SS Tommy Troy, Stanford

Troy puts together professional at bats consistently, even though his tools don't grade above average. The Stanford product should be a good top of the order bat who gets on base, but Troy may have to move to 2B eventually.

21. St. Louis Cardinals RHP Charlee Soto, Reborn Christian (FL)

The Cardinals usually do well with college players but I think the upside Soto possess is worth the switch up in philosophy. Soto is a young high schooler so he has time to improve his command and changeup.

22. Seattle Mariners RHP Hurston Waldrep, Florida

The Mariners have done extremely well with developing right-handed starters over recent years. Waldrep has all the stuff to succeed but he needs some serious work in the command department. Waldrep has a floor of a very good big-league reliever with a ceiling of an ace if he fixes his command.

23. Cleveland Guardians OF Enrique Bradfield, Vanderbilt

The speedy Vandy outfielder finally goes here to the Guardians. With the increase in stolen bases across the leagues that adds to Bradfield's value. Bradfield is an elite defensive center fielder. Bradfield doesn't have much power so he should focus on hitting the ball on the ground, getting on base, and swiping bases.

24. Atlanta Braves 1B Nolan Schanuel, FAU

For a player who profiles as a first baseman, there is some concern about the lack of power. But Schanuel has impressive bat to ball skills that should lead to a high batting average. A massive bonus would be if Schanuel can lock down a corner outfield spot.

25. San Diego Padres C Kyle Teel, Virginia

Teel ends his slide here with the Padres as they could use college players to make a quick impact at the MLB level. Teel has a good bat but lacks a little bit of power. He will stick at catcher for his whole career and should be a very solid contributor.

26. New York Yankees 3B Aidan Miller, Mitchell (FL)

The Yankees should grab the Miller without question this far in the draft. Miller is a player with very good power, but might struggle making consistent contact. He has the arm to stick at 3B.

27. Philadelphia Phillies OF Jack Hurley, Virginia Tech

The Phillies could use another outfielder to help out the MLB club soon. Hurley should be a true centerfielder with potential leadoff skills. 

28. Houston Astros SS Arjun Nimmala, Strawberry Crest (FL)

The Astros should end the slide for Nimmala and take a potential future starting SS for them. Nimmala is a young infielder and there is a ton of room for growth. Nimmala has a compact swing that should allow him to hit for a high average. Patience is key for Nimmala.

Opening Day 2023 Prospect Rankings

Top 50 MLB Prospects

1. Anthony Volpe, SS, New York Yankees

2. Andrew Painter, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

3. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP, Baltimore Orioles

4. Gunnar Henderson, SS, Baltimore Orioles

5. Marcelo Mayer, SS, Boston Red Sox

6. Druw Jones, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

7. Eury Perez, RHP, Miami Marlins

8. Elly De La Cruz, SS, Cincinnati Reds

9. Jordan Walker, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals

10. Corbin Carrol, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks

11. Jordan Lawlar, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks

12. Jackson Holliday, SS, Baltimore Orioles

13. Diego Cartaya, C, Los Angeles Dodgers

14. Daniel Espino, RHP, Cleveland Guardians

15. Jackson Jobe, RHP, Detroit Tigers

16. Sal Frelick, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

17. Kyle Harrison, LHP, San Francisco Giants

18. Termarr Johnson, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates

19. Tyler Soderstrom, C, Oakland Athletics

20. Marco Luciano, SS, San Francisco Giants

21. Brooks Lee, SS, Minnesota Twins

22. Gavin Williams, RHP, Cleveland Guardians

23. Ricky Tiedemann, LHP, Toronto Blue Jays

24. Kevin Parada, C, New York Mets

25. Hunter Brown, RHP, Houston Astros

26. Miguel Vargas, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers

27. Brett Baty, 3B, New York Mets

28. Francisco Alvarez, C, New York Mets

29. James Wood, OF, Washington Nationals

30. Jackson Chourio, OF, Milwaukee Brewers

31. Jackson Merrill, SS, San Diego Padres

32. Jacob Berry, 1B, Miami Marlins

33. Bobby Miller, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

34. Max Meyer, RHP, Miami Marlins

35. Harry Ford, C, Seattle Mariners

36. Taj Bradley, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays

37. Gavin Cross, OF, Kansas City Royals

38. Dylan Lesko, RHP, San Diego Padres

39. Jasson Dominguez, OF, New York Yankees

40. Triston Casas, 1B, Boston Red Sox

41. Royce Lewis, SS, Minnesota Twins

42. Gavin Stone, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

43. Brock Porter, RHP, Texas Rangers

44. Mick Abel, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

45. Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Chicago Cubs

46. Noelvi Marte, 3B, Cincinnati Reds

47. Zac Veen, OF, Colorado Rockies

48. Robert Hassell III, OF, Washington Nationals

49. Josh Jung, 3B, Texas Rangers

50. Colton Cowser, OF, Baltimore Orioles

Top 10 Prospects by Position

RHP

1. Andrew Painter, Philadelphia Phillies

2. Grayson Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles

3. Eury Perez, Miami Marlins

4. Daniel Espino, Cleveland Guardians

5. Jackson Jobe, Detroit Tigers

6. Gavin Williams, Cleveland Guardians

7. Hunter Brown, Houston Astros

8. Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers

9, Max Meyer, Miami Marlins

10. Taj Bradley, Tampa Bay Rays

LHP

1. Kyle Harrison, San Francisco Giants

2. Ricky Tiedemann, Toronto Blue Jays

3. Jordan Wicks, Chicago Cubs

4. Brandon Barriera, Toronto Blue Jays

5. Jackson Ferris, Chicago Cubs

6. Ken Waldichuk, Oakland Atheltocs

7. Jake Eder, Miami Marlins

8. Dax Fulton, Miami Marlins

9. Robby Snelling, San Diego Padres

10. Matthew Liberatore, St. Louis Cardianals

C

1. Diego Cartaya, Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Tyler Soderstrom, Oakland Athletics

3. Kevin Parada, New York Mets

4. Francisco Alvarez, New York Mets

5. Harry Ford, Seattle Mariners

6. Logan O'Hoppe, Los Angeles Angels

7. Ethan Salas, San Diego Padres

8. Endy Rodriguez, Pittsburgh Pirates

9. Henry Davis, Pittsburgh Pirates

10. Bo Naylor, Cleveland Guardians 

1B

1. Miguel Vargas, Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Jacob Berry, Miami Marlins

3. Tristan Casas, Boston Red Sox

4. Kyle Manzardo, Tampa Bay Rays

5. Matt Mervis, Chicago Cubs

6. Jordan Diaz, Oakland Athletics

7. Xavier Isaac, Tampa Bay Rays

8. Michael Toglia, Colorado Rockies

9. Grant Lavigne, Colorado Rockies

10. Tyler Locklear, Seattle Mariners

2B

1. Termarr Johnson, Pittsburgh Pirates

2. Jace Jung, Detroit Tigers

3. Michael Busch, Los Angeles Dodgers

4. Edouard Julien, Minnesota Twins

5. Connor Norby, Baltimore Orioles

6. Nick Gonzales, Pittsburgh Pirates

7. Matt McLain, Cincinnati Reds

8. Justin Foscue, Texas Rangers

9. Zack Gelof, Oakland Athletics

10. Nick Yorke, Boston Red Sox

3B

1. Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals

2. Brett Baty, New York Mets

3. Noelvi Marte, Cincinnati Reds

4. Josh Jung, Texas Rangers

5. Curtis Mead, Tampa Bay Rays

6. Cam Collier, Cincinnati Reds

7. Colt Keith, Detroit Tigers

8. Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays

9. Deyvison De Los Santos, Arizona Diamondbacks

10. Coby Mayo, Baltimore Orioles

SS

1. Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees

2. Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

3. Marcelo Mayer, Boston Red Sox

4. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds

5. Jordan Lawlar, Arizona Diamondbacks

6. Jackson Holliday, Baltimore Orioles

7. Marco Luciano, San Francisco Giants

8. Brooks Lee, Minnesota Twins

9. Jackson Merrill, San Diego Padres

10. Royce Lewis, Minnesota Twins

OF

1. Druw Jones, Arizona Diamondbacks

2. Corbin Carrol, Arizona Diamondbacks

3. Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers

4. James Wood, Washington Nationals

5. Jackson Chourio, Milwaukee Brewers

6. Gavin Cross, Kansas City Royals

7. Jasson Dominguez, New York Yankees

8. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs

9. Zac Veen, Colorado Rockies

10. Robert Hassell III, Washington Nationals

Top 7 Prospects by Team

Arizona Diamondbacks

1. Druw Jones, OF

2. Corbin Carrol, OF

3. Jordan Lawlar, SS

4. Brandon Pfaadt, RHP

5. Deyvison De Los Santos, 3B

6. Landon Sims, RHP

7. Drey Jameson, RHP

Atlanta Braves

1. Owen Murphy, RHP

2. JR Ritchie, RHP 

3. Cole Phillips, RHP

4. AJ Smith-Shawyer, RHP

5. Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP

6. Jared Schuster, LHP

7. Luis Guanipa, OF

Baltimore Orioles

1. Grayson Rodriguez, RHP

2. Gunnar Henderson, SS

3. Jackson Holliday, SS

4. Colton Cowser, OF

5. Connor Norby, 2B

6. Coby Mayo, 3B

7. Jordan Westburg, SS

Boston Red Sox

1. Marcelo Mayer, SS

2. Triston Casas, 1B

3. Nick Yorke, 2B

4. Bryan Mata, RHP

5. Miguel Bleis, OF

6. Ceddanne Rafaela, OF

7. Mikey Romero, 2B

Chicago Cubs

1. Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF

2. Jordan Wicks, LHP

3. Kevin Alcantara, OF

4. Brennen Davis, OF

5. Cade Horton, RHP

6. Matt Mervis, 1B

7. Hayden Wesneski, RHP

Chicago White Sox

1. Oscar Colas, OF

2. Colson Montgomery, 3B

3. Bryan Ramos, 3B

4. Noah Schultz, LHP

5. Cristian Mena, RHP

6. Sean Burke, RHP

7. Jose Rodriguez, 2B

Cincinnati Reds

1. Elly De La Cruz, SS

2. Noelvi Marte, 3B

3. Cam Collier, 3B

4. Matt McLain, 2B

5. Chase Petty, RHP

6. Edwin Arroyo, SS

7. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 3B

Cleveland Guardians

1. Daniel Espino, RHP

2. Gavin Williams, RHP

3. Chase DeLauter, OF

4. Tanner Bibee, RHP

5. George Valera, OF

6. Bo Naylor, C

7. Logan Allen, LHP

Colorado Rockies

1. Zac Venn, OF

2. Adael Amador, SS

3. Ezequiel Tovar, SS

4. Jaden Hill, RHP

5. Gabriel Hughes, RHP

6. Drew Romo, C

7. Benny Montgomery, OF

Detroit Tigers

1. Jackson Jobe, RHP

2. Jace Jung, 2B

3. Colt Keith, 3B

4. Ty Madden, RHP

5. Wilmer Flores, RHP

6. Justyn-Henry Malloy, OF

7. Wenceel Perez, 2B

Houston Astros

1. Hunter Brown, RHP

2. Yainer Diaz, C

3. Drew Gilbert, OF

4. Jacob Melton, OF

5. Ryan Clifford, OF

6. Colin Barber, OF

7. Korey Lee, C

Kansas City Royals

1. Gavin Cross, OF

2. Frank Mozzicato, LHP

3. Ben Kudrna, RHP

4. Tyler Gentry, OF

5. Cayden Wallace, 3B

6. Nick Loftin, OF

7. Maikel Garcia, SS

Los Angeles Angels

1. Logan O'Hoppe, C

2. Zach Neto, SS

3. Sam Bachman, RHP

4. Edgar Quero, C

5. Chase Silseth, RHP

6. Denzer Guzman, SS

7. Ky Bush, LHP

Los Angeles Dodgers

1. Diego Cartaya, C

2. Miguel Vargas, 1B

3. Bobby Miller, RHP

4. Gavin Stone, RHP

5. Michael Busch, 2B

6. Dalton Rushing, C

7. Ryan Pepiot, RHP

Miami Marlins

1. Eury Perez, RHP

2. Jacob Berry, 1B

3. Max Meyer, RHP

4. Jake Eder, LHP

5. Dax Fulton, LHP

6. Jacob Miller, RHP

7. Yiddi Cappe, 3B

Milwaukee Brewers

1. Sal Frelick, OF

2. Jackson Chourio, OF

3. Brice Turang, 2B

4. Joey Wiemer, OF

5. Tyler Black, OF

6. Jeferson Quero, C

7. Jacob Misiorowski, RHP

Minnesota Twins

1. Brooks Lee, SS

2. Royce Lewis, SS

3. Edouard Julien, 2B

4. Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF

5. Connor Prielipp, LHP

6. Simeon Woods-Richardson, RHP

7. Marco Raya, RHP

New York Mets

1. Kevin Parada, C

2. Brett Baty, 3B

3. Francisco Alvarez, C

4. Jett Williams, 2B

5. Blake Tidwell, RHP

6. Mark Vientos, 3B

7.Ronny Mauricio, SS

New York Yankees

1. Anthony Volpe, SS

2. Jasson Dominguez, OF

3. Spencer Jones, OF

4. Austin Wells, C

5. Clayton Beeter, RHP

6. Oswald Peraza, SS

7. Everson Pereira, OF

Oakland Athletics

1. Tyler Soderstrom, C

2. Ken Waldichuk, LHP

3. Mason Miller, RHP

4. Zack Gelof, 2B

5. Esteury Perez, OF

6. Jordan Diaz, 1B

7. Max Muncy, SS

Philadelphia Phillies

1. Andrew Painter, RHP

2. Mick Abel, RHP

3. Griff McGarry, RHP

4. Hao-Yu Lee, 2B

5. Justin Crawford, OF

6. Gabriel Rincones Jr., OF

7. Johan Rojas, OF

Pittsburgh Pirates

1. Termarr Johnson, 2B

2. Endy Rodriguez, C

3. Henry Davis, C

4. Quinn Priester, RHP

5. Nick Gonzales, 2B

6. Bubbs Chandler, RHP

7. Anthony Solometo, LHP

San Diego Padres

1. Jackson Merrill, SS

2. Dylan Lesko, RHP

3. Ethan Salas, C

4. Robby Snelling, LHP

5. Samuel Zavala, OF

6. Adam Mazur, RHP

7. Victor Lizarraga, RHP

San Francisco Giants

1. Kyle Harrison, LHP

2. Marco Luciano, SS

3. Grant McCray, OF

4. Casey Schmitt, 3B

5. Luis Matos, OF

6. Reggie Crawford, LHP

7. Mason Black, RHP

Seattle Mariners

1. Harry Ford, C

2. Cole Young, SS

3. Emerson Hancock, RHP

4. Bryce Miller, RHP

5. Felnin Celesten, SS

6. Gabriel Gonzalez, OF

7. Bryan Woo, RHP

St. Louis Cardinals

1. Jordan Walker, 3B

2. Tink Hence, RHP

3. Alec Burleson, OF

4. Gordon Graceffo, RHP

5. Matthew Liberatore, LHP

6. Cooper Hjerpe, LHP

7. Masyn Winn, SS

Tampa Bay Rays

1. Taj Bradley, RHP

2. Curtis Mead, 3B

3. Kyle Manzardo, 1B

4. Junior Caminero, 3B

5. Carson Williams, SS

6. Osleivis Basabe, SS

7. Cole Wilcox, RHP

Texas Rangers

1. Brock Porter, RHP

2. Josh Jung, 3B

3. Evan Carter, OF

4. Owen White, RHP

5. Kumar Rocker, RHP

6. Dustin Harris, OF

7. Jack Leiter, RHP

Toronto Blue Jays

1. Ricky Tiedemann, LHP

2. Brandon Barriera, LHP

3. Yosver Zulueta, RHP

4. Tucker Toman, SS

5. Orelvis Martinez, SS

6. Addison Barger, 3B

7. Gabriel Martinez, OF

Washington Nationals

1. James Wood, OF

2. Robert Hassell III, OF

3. Brady House, 3B

4. Cade Cavalli, RHP 

5. Elijah Green, OF

6. Jarlin Susana, RHP

7. Christhian Vaquero, OF

2023 MLB Awards and Postseason Predictions

*Playoff Teams in BOLD with seed in (parentheses)

AL East

1. New York Yankees (2)

2. Toronto Blue Jays (4)

3. Tampa Bay Rays (6)

4. Baltimore Orioles

5. Boston Red Sox

AL Central

1. Chicago White Sox (3)

2. Cleveland Guardians

3. Minnesota Twins

4. Kansas City Royals

5. Detroit Tigers

AL West

1. Houston Astros (1)

2. Seattle Mariners (5)

3. Los Angeles Angels

4. Texas Rangers

5. Oakland Athletics

NL East

1. Atlanta Braves (2)

2. New York Mets (5)

3. Philadelphia Phillies (6)

4. Miami Marlins

5. Washington Nationals

NL Central

1. St. Louis Cardinals (1)

2. Milwaukee Brewers

3. Chicago Cubs

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

5. Cincinnati Reds

NL West

1. San Diego Padres (3)

2. Los Angeles Dodgers (4)

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

4. San Francisco Giants

5. Colorado Rockies

AL Playoffs

AL WILD CARD

Chicago White Sox (3) defeat the Tampa Bay Rays (6) in 3 games

Seattle Mariners (5) defeat the Toronto Blue Jays (4) in 3 games

AL DIVISION SERIES

Houston Astros (1) defeat the Seattle Mariners (5) in 4 games

New York Yankees (2) defeat the Chicago White Sox (3) in 5 games

AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Houston Astros (1) defeat the New York Yankees (2) in 6 games

NL Playoffs

NL WILD CARD

Philadelphia Phillies (6) defeat the San Diego Padres (3) in 2 games

New York Mets (5) defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers (4) in 2 games

NL DIVISION SERIES

New York Mets (5) defeat the St. Louis Cardinals (1) in 5 games

Atlanta Braves (2) defeat the Philadelphia Phillies (6) in 4 games

NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Atlanta Braves (2) defeat the New York Mets in 6 games)

World Series

The Atlanta Braves (2) defeat the Houston Astros (1) in 6 games

World Series MVP: Austin Riley

2023 Awards

NL MVP: Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves 

AL MVP: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels

NL Cy Young: Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins
AL CY Young: Jacob deGrom, Texas Rangers

NL Manager of the Year: Oliver Marmol, St. Louis Cardinals
AL Manager of the Year: Pedro Grifol, Chicago White Sox

NL Rookie of the Year: Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals

AL Rookie of the Year: Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees

2023 MLB Position Rankings

Below are my lists of the top 10 players at each position heading into the 2023 MLB Season. The important thing to note is that these rankings are what I am projecting each player to produce in 2023, and not based solely on how well each player performed in 2022.

Starting Pitcher

1. Jacob deGrom, RHP, Texas Rangers

2. Sandy Alcantara, RHP, Miami Marlins

3. Corbin Burnes, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

4. Shohei Ohtani, RHP, Los Angeles Angels

5. Max Scherzer, RHP, New York Mets

6. Gerrit Cole, RHP, New York Yankees

7. Brandon Woodruff, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

8. Zack Wheeler, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

9 Justin Verlander, RHP, New York Mets

10 Shane Bieber, RHP, Cleveland Guardians

Relief Pitcher

1. Emmanuel Clase, RHP, Cleveland Guardians

2. Jhoan Duran, RHP, Minnesota Twins

3. Ryan Pressly, RHP, Houston Astros

4. Camilo Doval, RHP, San Francisco Giants

5. Andres Muñoz, RHP, Seattle Mariners

6. Evan Phillips, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers

7. Josh Hader, LHP, San Diego Padres

8. Clay Holmes, RHP, New York Yankees

9. Ryan Helsley, RHP, St. Louis Cardinals

10. David Bednar, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Catcher

1. J.T. Realmuto, Philadelphia Phillies

2. Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles

3. Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers

4. Salvador Perez, Kansas City Royals

5. Wilson Contreras, St. Louis Cardinals

6. Travis d'Arnaud, Atlanta Braves

7. Sean Murphy, Atlanta Braves

8. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners

9. William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers

10. Alejandro Kirk, Toronto Blue Jays

First Base

1. Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays

3. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals

4. Pete Alonso, New York Mets

5. Jose Abreu, Houston Astros

6. Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves

7. Luis Arraez, Miami Marlins

8. Andrew Vaughn, Chicago White Sox

9. Anthony Rizzo, New York Yankees

10. CJ Cron, Colorado Rockies

Second Base

1. Ozzie Albies, Atlanta Braves

2. Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers

3, Jose Altuve, Houston Astros

4. Andres Gimenez, Cleveland Guardians

5. Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees

6. Jeff McNeil, New York Mets

7. Jonathan India, Cincinnati Reds

8. Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks

9. Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays

10. Nico Hoerner, Chicago Cubs

Third Base

1. Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals

2. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians

3. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres

4. Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox

5. Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves

6. Alex Bregman, Houston Astros

7. Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates

8. Justin Turner, Boston Red Sox

9. Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels

10. Matt Chapman, Toronto Blue Jays

Shortstop

1. Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies

2. Corey Seager, Texas Rangers

3. Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins

4. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets

5. Fernando Tatis, Jr., San Diego Padres

6. Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres

7. Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

8. Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox

9. Dansby Swanson, Chicago Cubs

10. Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees

Outfield

1. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

2. Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves

3. Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners

4. Juan Soto, San Diego Padres

5. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers

6. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees

7. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Philllies

8. Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros

9. Kyle Tucker, Houston Astros

10. George Springer, Toronto Blue Jays

2023 WBC Predictions

 

2023 World Baseball Classic Prediction

Pool A Final Standings

1. Cuba 4-0

2. Netherlands 2-2

3. Chinese Taipei 2-2

4. Italy 1-3

5. Panama 1-3

Pool B Final Standings

1. Japan 4-0

2. Korea 3-1

3. China- 2-2

4. Australia 1-3

5. Czech Republic 0-4

Pool C Final Standings

1. USA 4-0

2. Mexico 3-1

3. Columbia 2-2

4. Canada 1-3

5. Great Britain 0-4

Pool D Final Standings

1. Dominican Republic 4-0

2. Puerto Rico 3-1

3. Venezuela 2-2

4. Israel 1-3

5. Nicaragua 0-4

Quarterfinals

Game 1: Cuba defeats Korea

Game 2: Japan defeats Netherlands

Game 3: Dominican Republic defeats Mexico

Game 4: USA defeats Puerto Rico

Semifinals

Semifinal 1: Dominican Republic defeats Cuba

Semifinal 2: USA defeats Japan

Championship

Dominican Republic defeats USA

2022 MLB Free Agency Predictions

What a loaded Free Agent class this will be! I will be making predictions of where the following players will sign and the contract length and amount. No need to delay the predictions, lets get to it!

UPDATE AS OFFSEASON GOES ON:

• Correct Team prediction will be highlighted in Green, Incorrect Team prediction will be highlighted in Red.
• +/- 1 year of actual length of contract will be highlighted in Green. +/- of 2 or more years of actual length will be highlighted in Red.
• Club/Player Options will not be included in my predicted contract length.
• +/- $5M or less in Average Annual Value will be highlighted in Green. +/- $5.01M or more will be highlighted in Red.
• The Buyout amount for Team Options will be included in the Average Annual Value. I will be using the Luxury Tax salary.

Projected Available Free Agents (after Club Options/Player Options/Mutual Options)

Jose Abreu, 1B, Chicago White Sox

Prediction: Chicago White Sox, 2 years/$30M

Actual: Houston Astros, 3 years/$58.5M

Elvis Andrus, SS, Chicago White Sox

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 1 year/$4M

Actual: Chicago White Sox, 1 year/$3M

Tyler Anderson, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Minnesota Twins, 2 years/$14M

Actual: Los Angeles Angels, 3 years/$39M

Chris Bassitt, SP, New York Mets

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 4 years/$48M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 3 years/$63M

Josh Bell, 1B/DH, San Diego Padres

Prediction: New York Yankees, 2 years/$32M

Actual: Cleveland Guardians, 1 year/$16.5M with player option

Andrew Beninetendi, LF, New York Yankees

Prediction: Texas Rangers: 4 years/$64M

Actual: Chicago White Sox, 5 years/$75M

Brandon Belt, 1B, San Francisco Giants

Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 1 year/$8M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 1 year/$9.3M

Xander Bogaerts, SS, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 8 years/$260M

Actual: San Diego Padres, 11 years/$280M

Michael Brantley, LF/DH, Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros, 1 year/$10M

Actual: Houston Astros, 1 year/$12M

Matt Carpenter, UTL, New York Yankees

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals, 1 year/$2M

Actual: San Diego Padres, 1 year/$6M with player option

Carlos Carrasco, SP, New York Mets

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 2 years/$16M

Actual: Mets picked up 2023 option

Aroldis Chapman, RP, New York Yankees

Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 1 year/$12M

Actual: Kansas City Royals, 1 year/$3.75M

Mike Clevinger, SP, San Diego Padres

Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays, 1 year/$8M

Actual: Chicago White Sox, 1 year/$12M with mutual option

Wilson Contreras, C, Chicago Cubs

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 6 years/$150M

Actual: St. Louis Cardinals, 5 years/$87.5M with club option

Carlos Correa, SS, Minnesota Twins

Prediction: Miami Marlins, 8 years/$268M

Actual: Minnesota Twins, 6 years/$200M with 4 vesting options

Jacob deGrom, SP, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Mets, 4 years/$174M

Actual: Texas Rangers, 5 years, $185M with club option

Edwin Diaz, RP, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Mets, 6 years/$106.5M

Actual: New York Mets, 5 years/$102M

Brandon Drury, 3B, San Diego Padres

Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 2 years/$14M

Actual: Los Angeles Angels, 2 years/$17M

Zach Eflin, RP, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 2 years/$12M

Actual: Tampa Bay Rays, 3 years/$40M

Nathan Eovaldi, SP, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: Minnesota Twins, 2 years/$20M

Actual: Texas Rangers, 2 years/$34M with vested option

Adam Frazier, 2B, Seattle Mariners

Prediction: Baltimore Orioles, 1 year/$8M

Actual: Baltimore Orioles, 1 year/$8M

Yuli Gurriel, 1B, Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros, 1 year/$7M

Actual: Miami Marlins, Minor League Deal

Mitch Haniger, RF, Seattle Mariners

Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers, 3 years/$42M

Actual: San Francisco Giants, 2 years/$29M with player option

Andrew Heaney, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals, 1 year/$15M

Actual: Texas Rangers,1 year/$12.5M with player option

Kenley Jansen, RP, Atlanta Braves

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies, 2 years/$22M

Actual: Boston Red Sox, 2 years/$32M

Aaron Judge, RF, New York Yankees

Prediction: Seattle Mariners, 8 years/$300M

Actual: New York Yankees, 9 years/$360M

Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$15M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$20M

Kevin Kiermaier, CF, Tampa Bay Rays

Prediction: Miami Marlins, 1 year/$7.5M

Actual: Toronto Blue Jays, 1 year/$9M

Craig Kimbrel, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels, 1 year/$10M

Actual: Philadelphia Phillies, 1 year/$10M

Seth Lugo, RP, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Yankees, 2 years/$15M

Actual: San Diego Padres, 1 year/$7.5M with player option

Trey Mancini, 1B, Houston Astros

Prediction: Baltimore Orioles, 1 year/$10M

Actual: Chicago Cubs, 1 year/$7M with player option

JD Martinez, DH, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals, 1 year/$15M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$10M

Andrew McCutchen, OF/DH, Milwaukee Brewers

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 1 year/$6M

Actual: Pittsburgh Pirates, 1 year/$5M

Rafael Montero, RP, Houston Astros

Prediction: Atlanta Braves, 3 years/$30M

Actual: Houston Astros, 3 years/$34.5M

Brandon Nimmo, CF, New York Mets

Prediction: New York Yankees, 6 years/$132M

Actual: New York Mets, 8 years/$162M

Martin Perez, SP, Texas Rangers

Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 2 years/$30M

Actual: Accepted Texas Rangers QO

Tommy Pham, LF, Boston Red Sox

Prediction: New York Mets, 1 year, $6M

Actual: New York Mets, 1 year/$6M

Jurickson Profar, LF, San Diego Padres

Prediction: New York Yankees: 3 years/$39M

Actual: Colorado Rockies, 1 year/$7.75M

Jose Quintana, SP, St. Louis Cardinals

Prediction: Chicago White Sox, 3 years/$36M

Actual: New York Mets, 2 years/$26M

Anthony Rizzo, 1B, New York Yankees

Prediction: San Diego Padres, 2 years/$36M

Actual: New York Yankees, 2 years/$40M with club option

David Robertson, RP, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: San Diego Padres, 1 year/$7M

Actual: New York Mets, 1 year/$10M

Carlos Rodon, SP, San Francisco Giants

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels, 5 years/$115M

Actual: New York Yankees, 6 years/$162M

Gary Sanchez, C, Minnesota Twins

Prediction: Chicago Cubs, 1 year/$9M

Actual: San Francisco Giants, Minor League Deal

Jean Segura, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: Seattle Mariners, 1 year/$7M

Actual: Miami Marlins, 2 years/$17M with club option

Dansby Swanson, SS, Atlanta Braves

Prediction: Atlanta Braves, 7 years/$168M

Actual: Chicago Cubs, 7 years/$177M

Noah Syndergaard, SP, Philadelphia Phillies

Prediction: New York Yankees, 1 year/$12M

Actual: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1 year/$13M

Jameson Taillon, SP, New York Yankees

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers, 2 years/$28M

Actual: Chicago Cubs, 4 years/$68M

Trea Turner, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers, 9 years/$292.5M

Actual: Philadelphia Phillies, 11 years/$300M

Christian Vazquez, C, Houston Astros

Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays, 2 years/$14M

Actual: Minnesota Twins, 3 years/$30M

Justin Verlander, SP, Houston Astros

Prediction: Houston Astros, 2 years/$62M

Actual: New York Mets, 2 years/$86.67M with vesting option

Taijuan Walker, SP, New York Mets

Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 1 year/$9M

Actual: Philadelphia Phillies, 4 years/$72M