2025 MLB season predictions also involving the Marlins

AL CENTRAL

1. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

The most complete team in the division, has the best pitching staff and the best infield. The out field is the clear weak spot, but they look good enough to win the division even with that issue. It looks like Kansas City's time to take control of the division and potentially make a deep postseason run. They should upgrade the out field at the Trade Deadline, but even if they don't it's a solid enough team.

2. DETROIT TIGERS

Their last season run to make the playoffs was flukey to be honest. The bullpen is pretty weak and I still question the potency of the lineup. If the lineup delivers, then they can have a shot at the playoffs, but right now they just don't look like lightning will strike twice for them, despite them having arguably the best pitcher in the game in Tarik Skubal.

3. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

I don't remember the last time that a team did so little in the off-season and actually got worse after a deep postseason run. The already weak lineup got worse, the rotation got worse and the bullpen is the only thing keeping this team together along with third baseman Jose Ramirez. A LOT will have to go right for them to have a shot at the playoffs.

4. MINNESOTA TWINS

Another team that didn't do anything to get better. Their lineup is very injury-prone, but has the potential to be good if everyone is healthy and producing. The bullpen is above average and the rotation is OK. It's really close between them Cleveland and Detroit and all of them could finish in any order. None look like playoff teams to me however.

5. CHICAGO WHITE SOX

They're the worst team in the Majors. I don't really see a reason to explain the obvious.

AL WEST

1. TEXAS RANGERS

They have the best lineup in the division, if not in the entire league. The bullpen is the weak link and the rotation is injury-prone. The pitching will determine how they do this season, but the 2023 World Champs have a legitimate shot at winning the division.

2. HOUSTON ASTROS

Their dynasty is coming to an end. The rotation behind Framber Valdez is very shaky and unproven. The bullpen is just average at best, with closer Josh Hader coming off of a down season. The lineup took a massive hit this off-season and now they have a weak out field and a very average infield. I wouldn't be surprised if they missed the playoffs.

3. SEATTLE MARINERS

The best starting pitching in the division, with a solid bullpen. The lineup however leaves a lot to be desired. I expect Houston to still be a bit better than Seattle, and Texas looks better period. In all honesty, it could really go either way between these top three teams in the division. Either team could win the division depending on how things go.

4. ATHLETICS

Don't look now, but they may have the second best lineup in the division. That said, they have the worst rotation and it's just hard to predict them to do well. The bullpen is at least solid. They have a chance to surprise and even have an outside shot at a Wild Card spot, but just finishing at .500 will be a good result.

5. LOS ANGELES ANGELS

You know I actually don't see them as a definite last place team. They don't have an ace, their bullpen is just average and their lineup heavily depends on now RF Mike Trout staying healthy. All of that said, they actually do have a shot as this is a weak division. All of that said, I would still pick the above four teams over them.

AL East winners: New York Yankees #1 seed

AL Central winners: Kansas City Royals #2 seed

AL West winners: Texas Rangers #3 seed

AL Wild Cards #4-6: Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros.

AL Wild Card playoffs: Texas over Houston; Boston over Baltimore.

AL Division Series: New York over Texas; KC over Boston.

AL Championship Series: New York over KC.

NEXT: NL EAST