Although frozen temperatures and snow persist throughout the country, Spring Training is just days away as MLB teams open their 2021 campaigns. With games beginning Feb. 28, what better way than to get a glimpse of the upcoming season with some early MLB Power Rankings?
While the Los Angeles Dodgers look primed to win their second consecutive title, 29 other teams are beginning their path to the Fall Classic this weekend. After a 60-game 2020 season delayed due to COVID-19, many of last year’s rule changes will stay intact in 2021. There is also a good chance fans will gradually return to ballparks based on local restrictions, according to ESPN.
As players continue their workouts and hit the field for the first time since last fall, here are some pre-Spring Training power rankings.
30-21: Pittsburgh Pirates | Baltimore Orioles | Colorado Rockies, Texas Rangers | Detroit Tigers | Seattle Mariners |
Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants | Arizona Diamondbacks | Boston Red Sox
20-11: Kansas City Royals | Cincinnati Reds | Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics | Chicago Cubs | Cleveland Indians | Milwaukee Brewers | Philadelphia Phillies | Toronto Blue Jays | Washington Nationals
10-1: Houston Astros | St. Louis Cardinals | Tampa Bay Rays | Minnesota Twins | Atlanta Braves | New York Mets | Chicago White Sox | San Diego Padres | New York Yankees | Los Angeles Dodgers
30. Pittsburgh Pirates
2020 record: 19-41, fifth in NL Central
Key Offseason Addition: RP Wil Crowe
The Pirates are in full rebuild mode, as indicated by the trades of first baseman Josh Bell and starting pitchers Jameson Taillon and Joe Musgrove. Last season’s .317 winning percentage was the fourth lowest in franchise history, finishing at a 51-111 pace over a full season.
Pittsburgh doesn’t have much to prove, but right-hander Mitch Keller and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes are two intriguing young pieces. Hayes impressed down the stretch last season, batting .376 with five home runs in 24 games. However, the team has just four prospects in the MLB’s Top 100 and adding more youth could be beneficial moving forward.
The Pirates didn’t add much this offseason except for prospects in the aforementioned trades and 26-year-old reliever Wil Crowe, who was acquired in the Bell deal and made his major league debut last season with the Washington Nationals. He could end up in a starting role given the team’s poor rotation. Pittsburgh is rebuilding and should use this season to develop its up-and-coming talent.
29. Baltimore Orioles
2020 record: 25-35, fourth in AL East
Key Offseason Addition: INF Freddy Galvis
The rebuild is progressing in Baltimore, but third-year manager Brandon Hyde’s O’s are a long way from contention. Like the Pirates, the team has a handful of promising young chips, most notably catcher and 2019 No. 1 overall pick Adley Rutschmann. The return of first baseman/outfielder Trey Mancini is also a feel-good story, as he missed all of 2020 due to stage 3 colon cancer.
While the worst of the rebuild might be over for the Orioles, there are several glaring holes. Infielder Freddy Galvis, who hit seven home runs in 2020 for the Cincinnati Reds, enters 2021 as the team’s starting shortstop. However, he is not a long-term option, and the team could decide to flip him at the deadline to a contender.
Baltimore is further into is rebuild than Pittsburgh, but 2021 could be a valuable year for the O’s as the team finds its young core.
28. Colorado Rockies
2020 record: 26-34, fourth in NL West
Key Offseason Addition: SP Austin Gomber
The Rockies have been on an absolute downfall since their NL Wild Card berth in 2018. The team traded third baseman and perennial NL MVP favorite Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals earlier this month as the club gets younger.
The rotation and bullpen are far below average, and I’m not sold on the lineup after shortstop Trevor Story and outfielder Charlie Blackmon. Both could be moved if the team is indeed beginning a rebuild.
Left-hander Austin Gomber, who came to Colorado in the Arenado deal, was the team’s most notable offseason addition. He posted an outstanding 1.86 ERA through 14 games with St. Louis last season and could compete for a starting spot. However, those numbers could regress given the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field.
Colorado is stuck in an unfavorable position and playing in a top-heavy NL West doesn’t help matters. Getting younger should be a priority for the Rockies, whether that’s a full-scale rebuild or a short-term retool.
27. Texas Rangers
2020 record: 22-38, fifth in AL West
Key Offseason Addition: DH Khris Davis
After four seasons of mediocrity since their last postseason berth in 2016, the Rangers embraced rebuild mode this offseason. The club traded key pieces including shortstop Elvis Andrus and starter Lance Lynn. Texas has just two prospects in the MLB’s Top 100, so expect the team to continue shopping and trade more of its veterans.
Younger pieces to keep an eye on in Texas are right-hander Dane Dunning and second baseman/outfielder Nick Solak. Dunning, who came from the Chicago White Sox in the Lynn deal, posted a respectable 3.97 ERA in his rookie season. Solak, on the other hand, hit just two home runs in 2020, but he could improve as the season progresses.
The Rangers are an inexperienced team with a mixture of stopgaps and unproven chips as the club begins rebuilding. Davis, who the team acquired from the Oakland Athletics for Andrus, has significantly regressed since hitting a career-high 48 home runs in 2018. That said, a bounceback could pay dividends, and he could be a potential trade chip come deadline day.
26. Detroit Tigers
2020 record: 23-35, fifth in AL Central
Key Offseason Addition: OF Robbie Grossman
Much like the O’s, the worst of the rebuild might be over in the Motor City. Detroit has a starting rotation full of potential, led by 23-year-old right handers Casey Mize and Matt Manning. Both showed flashes of potential during their debuts in 2020.
While the rotation looks promising, though, the lineup is a different story. Outside of third baseman Isaac Paredes, there aren’t many potential difference-makers. A few more impact bats could prove beneficial, most notably 2020 No. 1 overall pick and first/third baseman Spencer Torkelson, who could debut later in the season.
Detroit’s young chips are aplenty, but expect more growing pains in 2021. The team’s most significant move this offseason was signing 31-year-old outfielder Robbie Grossman to a two-year deal in January. While he hit just .241 with the Oakland Athletics in 2020, he could serve as a valuable mentor for the team’s youth in 2021.
25. Seattle Mariners
2020 record: 27-33, third in AL West
Key Offseason Addition: SP James Paxton
Although Seattle is far off from contention, the Mariners have a few solid pieces in place, most notably 2020 AL Rookie of the Year and outfielder Kyle Lewis. The rotation and bullpen have room for improvement, but one name to watch on the pitching side is 24-year-old Justus Sheffield, who recorded 48 strikeouts in 10 games last season. While not an ace yet, he could find himself as another cornerstone moving forward.
This offseason, the Mariners most notably brought back left-hander James Paxton to solidify the rotation. Paxton’s numbers have significantly regressed these last two seasons with the New York Yankees, but he gives the team a proven arm and mentor to lead an up-and-coming club.
While things are slowly pointing up in the Emerald City, expect at least one more season before the M’s make some legitimate noise. That said, Lewis, Sheffield and 21-year-old outfielder Jarred Kelenic are solid building blocks.
24. Miami Marlins
2020 record: 31-29, second in NL East
Key Offseason Addition: RP Adam Cimber
Regression seems inevitable for the Marlins after reaching last year’s NLDS. While Miami made the postseason for the first time since 2003, it also finished 21st in ERA (4.86) and 22nd in runs scored (263). Miami added Cimber, as well as relievers Ross Detwiler and Anthony Bass to bolster its bullpen, but I’m not sure these additions are enough to help the team push through in a competitive NL East.
The Marlins a couple of nice pieces in their lineup, most notably third baseman Brian Anderson and outfielder Starling Marte. Top prospect and shortstop Jazz Chisholm also looks primed to make an impact. However, there is a concerning lack of offense afterward, and the team just didn’t add enough this offseason to make another run.
Miami has some nice building blocks in place, but there is a significant lack of starpower afterward. Every other club in the NL East improved this offseason, and don’t be surprised if the Marlins are an afterthought in 2021.
23. San Francisco Giants
2020 record: 29-31, third in NL West
Key Offseason Addition: SP Anthony DeSclafani
There’s room for optimism in the Bay, and things have slowly been pointing up for San Francisco since its 98-loss disaster in 2017. The team has gotten younger each season since, and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski has emerged as a centerpiece on offense, batting .297 in 2020. Despite batting just .233 in his debut season, 24-year-old catcher Joey Bart could also be a key piece of the team’s future core.
San Francisco significantly upgraded its rotation this offseason, adding DeSclafani and right-hander Alex Wood to bolster the pitching. Both struggled in 2020 but have solid lifetime ERAs of 4.29 and 3.45, respectively. The development of a couple young arms could also pay major dividends.
Although San Francisco showed plenty of grit and promise in 2020, there are still a number of holes, and I’d like to see a little more from the team’s young talent in 2021.
22. Arizona Diamondbacks
2020 record: 25-35, fifth in NL West
Key Offseason Addition: RP Joakim Soria
As the Dodgers and San Diego Padres battle for NL West supremacy, Arizona remains mired in mediocrity having not made the postseason since 2017. The rotation is average at best, as left-hander and four-time All-Star Madison Bumgarner looks to recover after posting a disastrous 6.48 ERA. Right-handers Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Luke Weaver all have potential, but none have quite taken the next step as potential aces.
The offense is below average, but 27-year-old second baseman Ketel Marte built on his breakout in 2019, hitting a solid .287 in 2020. Arizona added Soria this offseason and could slot in as the team’s closer this season. He joins a solid bullpen, supporting right-hander Stefan Chrichton.
While there are some nice pieces throughout Arizona’s roster, mainly on the pitching side, the team just doesn’t have enough to compete right now. Like San Francisco, getting younger should be a priority for a mediocre D-Backs club.
21. Boston Red Sox
2020 record: 24-36, fifth in AL East
Key Offseason Addition: INF Kiké Hernandez
Losing 2018 AL MVP Mookie Betts nearly a year ago, the Red Sox fell off a cliff in 2020. The absences of starters Chris Sale and Eduardo Rodriguez pushed the team out of contention quickly, and the pitching staff posted a horrendous 5.58 ERA last season. The Red Sox did nothing to upgrade this issue, which is surprising given left-hander Chris Sale’s projected long-term absence.
Despite Boston’s pitching woes, the lineup remains a bright spot. The Red Sox have two of the game’s most elite power bats in shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers. Adding Hernandez was smart, as he fills a void at both second base and the team’s go-to utility player.
Could the Red Sox rebound and find themselves in contention for a Wild Card spot? If the pitching improves and Rodriguez bounces back, it’s possible — but that’s a huge if. There’s a nice lineup, but there are holes in the rotation and bullpen that fail to make Boston a true contender.
20. Kansas City Royals
2020 record: 26-34, fourth in AL Central
Key Offseason Addition: OF Andrew Benintendi
Despite coming off their fourth consecutive sub-.500 season, the Royals should improve, even slightly, in 2021. The offense is above-average and has a nice mixture of contact (second baseman Whit Merrifield), power (designated hitter Jorge Soler, first baseman Carlos Santana) and stability (catcher Salvador Perez).
The pitching staff is where most of the question marks are in Kansas City, though. Right-hander Brady Singer and left-hander Kris Bubic both have high ceilings and could develop into arms of the future, but neither is a difference-maker yet.
The Royals could have some exciting games in 2021, but the team lacks the pitching both within the rotation and bullpen to make them contenders right now.
19. Cincinnati Reds
2020 record: 31-29, third in NL Central
Key Offseason Addition: RP Sean Doolittle
Cincinnati won 11 of its final 14 games in 2020 before falling to the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS. Despite the loss of 2020 NL Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer and former closer Raisel Iglesias, the pitching staff looks solid. Even after posting a 5.87 ERA in 2020, Doolittle gives the bullpen a much-needed upgrade and should see his numbers improve. Right-handers Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray give the rotation an above-average one-two punch, too.
The biggest issue with Cincinnati, though, is the lineup. Outside of outfielder and perennial power bat Nick Castellanos, virtually everyone underachieved in 2020, and the club did little to address this issue over the offseason. Cincinnati batted a league-low .212 in 2020 and finished 27th in runs scored (243).
The Reds just don’t have enough starpower to put together a run in 2021. The loss of Bauer hurts and while the team could hang around .500, regression could hit Cincinnati in 2021.
18. Los Angeles Angels
2020 record: 26-34, fourth in AL West
Key Offseason Addition: RP Raisel Iglesias
The Angels have been attempting to build around outfielder and three-time AL MVP Mike Trout for years. Their efforts have resulted in nothing but mediocrity thus far.
Trout hit an impressive 17 home runs and recorded 45 RBIs in 2020, and the addition of third baseman and 2019 All-Star Anthony Rendon worked out nicely, too. However, after the aforementioned twosome and 2018 AL Rookie of the Year Shohei Ohtani at designated hitter, the Angels are average at every other position.
The Angels’ biggest issue last season was their rotation. Aside from right-hander Dylan Bundy, the staff was an absolute mess in 2020, posting a combined 5.52 ERA. Despite addition of left-hander Jose Quintana, as well as Iglesias, who will slot right in at closer, there are major concerns both throughout the starting rotation and bullpen.
The Angels lack a clear-cut ace or even just another few quality starters to put them in Wild Card conversation. Trout, Rendon and Ohtani, though, should be enough to keep them around .500.
17. Oakland Athletics
2020 record: 36-24, first in AL West
Key Offseason Addition: SS Elvis Andrus
Oakland had a rough offseason, to say the least. The team said farewell to a number of pieces, most notably closer Liam Hendriks and shortstop Marcus Semien. There are numerous question marks heading into 2021, but the lineup is solid, as third baseman Matt Chapman and first baseman Matt Olson lead the way.
Chapman, in particular, has emerged into one of the game’s most underrated players mostly in part to his fielding. While he doesn’t have the same power as Semien, Andrus has been a Steady Eddy for years in Texas, and look for him to keep his consistency in Oakland.
The rotation is exciting, as veteran right-handers Chris Bassitt and Mike Fiers complement young starters A.J. Puk and Jesus Luzardo. However, losing Hendriks hurts the bullpen. His replacement at closer, 30-year old Trevor Rosenthal, is no substitute for the reigning AL Reliever of the Year.
Don’t count the Athletics out, but regression seems possible in Oakland this summer. Oakland lost more than it received this offseason and could fall back in a competitive AL.
16. Chicago Cubs
2020 record: 34-26, first in NL Central
Key Offseason Addition: OF Joc Pederson
The Cubs had a horrendous offseason. Chicago lost 2020 NL Cy Young finalist and its former ace Yu Darvish, along with three starters: Quintana, Jon Lester and Tyler Chatwood.
Following right-hander Kyle Hendricks, the rotation is inexperienced and has glaring question marks. The bullpen isn’t once what it was either, as the addition of closer Craig Kimbrel hasn’t quite worked out as what Chicago projected since he joined the club in June 2019.
Just like Boston, Chicago’s bright spot is its lineup. Pederson had a terrible 2020, batting just .190, but a change of scenery could pay dividends. He joins a lineup with much to prove, supporting first baseman Anthony Rizzo and shorstop Javier Báez — both of whom also struggled last season.
If Chicago’s young arms come to fruition and the offense steps up, the Cubs could very well find themselves back in the playoff hunt. However, the pitching has a long way to develop before another title comes back to Wrigleyville.
15. Cleveland Indians
2020 record: 35-25, third in AL Central
Key Offseason Addition: OF Eddie Rosario
The Indians lost shorstop and four-time All-Star Francisco Lindor and veteran starter Carlos Carrasco this offseason, but Cleveland remains a borderline postseason contender. 2020 AL Cy Young winner Shane Bieber leads a youthful rotation, and all five of the team’s projected starters are 26 or younger. Bieber led the MLB in strikeouts (122) and ERA (1.63) last season and while these numbers could regress, he remains a threat.
Cleveland’s lineup is average at best, though. Third baseman Jose Ramirez impressed down the stretch en route to becoming an AL MVP finalist, although the loss of Lindor hurts, and there’s a significant lack of starpower afterward. The addition of Rosario should be a welcome one, and he will look to reinvigorate his career since hitting .290 with the Minnesota Twins in 2017.
There’s no doubt Cleveland took a step backward this offseason. That said, Bieber and Ramirez anchor a solid core, and the young rotation could be sneaky good. However, with the White Sox and Minnesota Twins’ projected dominance, even a Wild Card berth is probably a longshot right now.
14. Milwaukee Brewers
2020 record: 29-31, fourth in NL Central
Key Offseason Addition: 2B Kolten Wong
Milwaukee had a relatively quiet offseason after a rough 2020, but a bounceback could be in store. A lot will need to go right for that to happen, and that all begins with improvements from outfielder Christian Yelich. The 2018 NL MVP hit just .205 last season — far below his career average of .296. First baseman Keston Hiura had a sophomore slump, too, and outfielder Avisail Garcia hit just two home runs in 53 games. That said, all three should improve at least slightly in 2021.
Adding Wong was a solid, under-the-radar move. While he has never been a perennial threat, the two-time Gold Glove Winner adds a nice defensive presence at second base as well as some contact. The Brewers’ true strength, though, is their pitching staff. Led by 28-year-old right-hander Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee’s rotation is underrated, if anything. The bullpen also has one of the game’s premier setup-closer punches in 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Devin Williams and left-hander Josh Hader, respectively.
If the bats improve and the pitching stays intact, Milwaukee could slowly find its way into the postseason hunt. There are some question marks on both ends of the ball, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Brewers give the St. Louis Cardinals a run for their money in the NL Central.
13. Philadelphia Phillies
2020 record: 28-32, third in NL East
Key Offseason Addition: RP Archie Bradley
Believe it or not, the Phillies have the league’s second-longest active postseason drought, having not made the dance since 2011. The club re-upped franchise catcher J.T. Realmuto this offseason on a five-year deal and brought back shortstop Didi Gregorius. The twosome join outfielder Bryce Harper in what is a veteran-heavy yet powerful lineup.
Philadelphia also upped its bullpen this offseason, adding Bradley, who posted a respectable 2.95 ERA in 16 games with the Diamondbacks and Reds last season. The additions of relievers Jose Alvarado, Brandon Kintzler and Tony Watson should help, too. Right-handers Aaron Nola and Zach Wheeler form a powerful one-two punch, leading the rotation.
Overall, Philadelphia is a few arms and probably another bat away from an NL East Title. However, a Wild Card berth for a hungry Phillies squad seems possible at the very least.
12. Toronto Blue Jays
2020 record: 32-28, third in AL East
Key Offseason Addition: OF George Springer
Like the White Sox and San Diego Padres in 2020, the Blue Jays look more than prepared to take the next step. The club’s young lineup consists of the likes of third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette, and Toronto further upped its offense this offseason by signing Springer to a six-year, $150 million deal. He, along with shortstop and 2019 AL MVP finalist Marcus Semien, bolster an already scary lineup.
While there is still room for improvement with Toronto’s pitching, the additions of relievers Kirby Yates and Tyler Chatwood should help solidify the bullpen. Veteran left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu leads a solid rotation, and he put up Cy Young-esque numbers in 2020, finishing 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA.
The Blue Jays are a young squad and still have tremendous room for growth. Off the field, there’s also the question of when and if the team will return to Toronto this season, given Canada’s pandemic restrictions. But based on what the White Sox and Padres accomplished last season, a Wild Card berth seems possible for the Blue Jays in 2021.
11. Washington Nationals
2020 record: 26-34, fifth in NL East
Key Offseason Addition: 1B Josh Bell
The dreaded World Series hangover hit Washington hard last season, but there’s too much talent on this club for another sub-.500 finish. The rotation’s top three of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin remains as scary as ever, and while bullpen was an issue at times, the addition of left-hander and three-time All-Star Brad Hand should help out there.
Sans second base, there aren’t many holes in the lineup. The additions of Bell and outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber add some supplemental power to an offense anchored by shortstop Trea Turner and outfielder Juan Soto. Given his five-tool like abilities, Soto could easily find himself in the NL MVP conversation this fall.
Coming off a long 2020, the Nationals could and should find themselves back in contention in 2021. A lot will have to go right in D.C. for another Fall Classic run, but a Wild Card berth and possibly, an NL East Title, aren’t seem out of the question at all.
10. Houston Astros
2020 record: 29-31, second in AL Central
Key Offseason Addition: RP Pedro Báez
Provided fans gradually return to ballparks, one interesting storyline to follow this spring and summer will be their treatment of the Astros, given the team’s sign-stealing scandal. Houston had a quiet offseason and while losing Springer might’ve been tough, the team re-upped outfielder Michael Brantley to a two-year, $32 million deal. Despite the loss of Springer, the lineup still has a nice look to it, led by Brantley, third baseman Alex Bregman and shortstop Carlos Correa.
The Astros underwhelmed last season before reaching the ALCS, and part of that came from the pitching. However, adding Báez was a nice, under-the-radar move to strengthen the bullpen. Behind veteran right-handers Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke in the rotation is 27-year-old Framber Valez, who finished 5-3 with a solid 3.53 ERA.
While the Astros have clearly put their scandal behind them, it’ll be interesting to see how the team responds to any adversity that comes in 2021. Given Oakland’s losses and the Angels’ uncertainties, an AL West Title is possible this season in H-Town.
9. St. Louis Cardinals
2020 record: 30-28, second in NL Central
Key Offseason Addition: 3B Nolan Arenado
St. Louis easily had the best offseason in its division. The team acquired five-time All-Star Arenado from Colorado in exchange for the aforementioned Gomber and four prospects. He brings some much-needed power and a five-tool presence to the team’s lineup, forming one of the game’s most exciting corner infield duos along with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.
While still not one of the league’s flashiest lineups, the addition of Arenado only bolsters St. Louis as one of the game’s most defensively sound teams. The rotation and bullpen are above average as well. 25-year-old right-hander Jack Flaherty could find himself in NL Cy Young discussion, despite his shortcomings in 2020.
The Reds could regress, the Cubs have question marks and the Brewers need to bounce back. Honestly, the NL Central seems like St. Louis’ division to lose at this point. There’s a solid mixture of youthfulness and veterans all throughout the roster.
8. Tampa Bay Rays
2020 record: 40-20, first in AL East
Key Offseason Addition: SP Chris Archer
Coming off of last year’s 40-win season and AL Championship, Tampa Bay does have some question marks heading into 2021. Trading 2018 AL Cy Young winner and losing veteran starter Charlie Morton in free agency hurt, but the additions of starters Archer, Michael Wacha and Rich Hill are solid consolation prizes.
Recording an impressive 91 strikeouts last season, 27-year-old starter Tyler Glasnow is now the the team’s ace. He will look to improve after posting a subpar 4.08 ERA last season. The bullpen remains a perennial strength, led by closer Nick Anderson — if he can put his inconsistencies from last year’s postseason behind him.
It’ll be interesting to see what the lineup produces. Outfielder Randy Arozarena had a monster breakthrough last postseason while outfielder Austin Meadows and second baseman Brandon Lowe have shown tremendous development these past few seasons.
The Rays could take a step backward in 2021. I’m not exactly sure the club reaches the Fall Classic again as the losses of Snell and Morton are blows. However, Tampa Bay has enough depth to compete for a second consecutive AL East Title, if not a Wild Card spot.
7. Minnesota Twins
2020 record: 36-24, first in AL Central
Key Offseason Addition: SS Andrelton Simmons
Minnesota made the necessary moves this offseason to challenge the White Sox for AL Central supremacy. Along with re-signing veteran designated hitter Nelson Cruz, the Twins signed Simmons to a one-year, $10.5 million deal. He gives the team a little more depth up the middle, along with an outstanding defensive presence. The lineup features a solid mix of young studs (catcher Mitch Garver, second baseman Luis Arraez) and veterans (third baseman Josh Donaldson).
Minnesota’s pitching staff is a strength, too. Joining closer Taylor Rogers is 32-year-old right-hander Alex Colomé, who recorded an outstanding 0.81 ERA last season with the White Sox. The rotation could use a little work, especially in the back end, but right-hander Kenta Maeda solidified himself as the team’s ace in 2020 with a dominant 6-1 record and 2.70 ERA and the team found additional depth with the signing of veteran righty J.A. Happ.
It should be an intriguing race for the divisional crown between the Twins and White Sox. While the starpower of the White Sox is intriguing, the Twins made some under-the-radar moves this offseason and could find themselves in the mix for their third straight AL Central crown this fall.
6. Atlanta Braves
2020 record: 35-25, first in NL East
Key Offseason Addition: SP Charlie Morton
After an NLCS berth in 2020, the Braves have to find themselves in championship-or-bust mode this season. Atlanta added Morton over the offseason to bolsters the rotation, led by young starters Mike Soroka and Max Fried. Soroka, in particular, will look to redeem himself after mising nearly all of 2020 due to a torn Achilles.
Atlanta’s bullpen took a hit this offseason with the loss of Mark Melancon, meaning veteran right-hander Will Smith will move into the closer role. The former All-Star had his shortcomings last season, but he looks prepared to bounce back in 2021.
The Braves’ real strength, though, is their lineup. Re-signing outfielder Marcell Ozuna was much needed, and 23-year-old outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is an MVP frontrunner given his five-tool abilities and emerging dominance. Add shortstop Dansby Swanson, second baseman Ozzie Albies and Atlanta’s lineup has no shortage of danger.
Another bullpen arm or two wouldn’t hurt, but the Braves look ready to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL pennant in 2021. Adding Ozuna keeps the club in title contender territory, and the pieces are in place for another deep postseason push.
5. New York Mets
2020 record: 26-34, fourth in NL East
Key Offseason Addition: SS Francisco Lindor
The Mets had a monster offseason under first-year owner Steve Cohen, highlighted by the acquisition of Lindor — one of the game’s most dynamic players. New York also signed catcher James McCann to a four-year deal in December, who hit .289 with the Chicago White Sox last season. Along with first baseman Pete Alonso and outfielders Michael Conforto and Jeff McNeil, there is simply no shortage of power when it comes to New York’s lineup.
Furthermore, New York also bolstered its rotation, adding Carrasco from Cleveland as well. The veteran righty had a tremendous bounceback in 2020 after missing part of 2019 due to leukemia. He, along with new acquisitions Taijuan Walker and Joey Lucchesi give some depth behind ace Jacob deGrom, who could very well win his third NL Cy Young in four seasons this fall.
The Mets also upgraded their bullpen this offseason, adding right-hander Trevor May to support closer Edwin Diaz, who put up a tremendous 1.75 ERA and racked up 50 strikeouts over 26 games last season.
New York has fallen short of expectations these past couple of seasons, but this year’s squad simply looks revamped. The additions of Lindor and Carrasco should help tremendously, and a long postseason push should be the goal, if not the expectation for the Mets this season.
4. Chicago White Sox
2020 record: 35-25, second in AL Central
Key Offseason Addition: RP Liam Hendriks
The White Sox look more than prepared to win their first AL Central Title since 2008 this fall and made the necessary moves this offseason to do so. The club added Hendriks, the 2020 AL Reliever of the Year, to lead an already dynamic bullpen ahead of relievers Aaron Bummer, Evan Marshall and Matt Foster. Chicago struggled to find rotational depth last season behind front-line starters Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel, but the acquisition of Lynn gives the team a scary 1-2-3 punch up front.
There are virtually no holes when it comes to Chicago’s lineup. 2020 AL MVP and first baseman Jose Abreu leads the charge, followed by shortstop Tim Anderson and outfielder Eloy Jimenez — both of whom showed tremendous growth last season. Second baseman Nick Madrigal, the team’s No. 3 prospect, showed flashes of potential in 29 games last season with his contact abilities.
Chicago is a relatively young club, but Abreu, Keuchel and catcher Yasmani Grandal give the team enough experience to contend for an AL Central Title and possibly, a trip to the Fall Classic. If the young guns build on their breakouts from last season, a deep postseason push could be in store.
3. San Diego Padres
2020 record: 37-23, second in NL West
Key Offseason Addition: SP Blake Snell
San Diego has every single right to feel confident about competing with the Dodgers for NL supremacy. The Padres traded for not one, but two aces this offseason in Snell and Darvish, while also acquiring Musgrove. Along with right-handers Dinelson Lamet and Chris Paddack, the rotation looks dangerous as ever.
Despite the loss of Yates, San Diego added Melancon this offseason to bolster the bullpen behind 32-year-old closer Drew Pomeranz. The lineup is just as talented as the pitching, and there’s no question the left infield duo of third baseman Manny Machado and shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is the best in the game.
The 22-year-old Tatis Jr., in particular, cemented himself as a superstar last season. He is an early NL MVP favorite for good reason, hitting 17 home runs and 45 RBIs in 2020. Beyond the twosome, there’s no shortage of supplemental depth, including first baseman Eric Hosmer and outfielder and 2020 Gold Glove winner Trent Grisham.
Much like the White Sox, the future is now for the Padres. This club has zero shortage of starpower, few holes and look prepared to give the franchise its first-ever World Series Title.
2. New York Yankees
2020 record: 33-27, second in AL Central
Key Offseason Addition: SP Corey Kluber
Is this finally the year for the Yankees? Possibly. New York added some much-needed starting pitching depth this offseason including Taillon and former AL Cy Young winner Kluber.
Despite injuries derailing the last two years of his career, Kluber is an under-the-radar addition at one year, $11 million. He provides a solid option behind ace Gerrit Cole, who slightly fell from his dominant 2019 pace in 2020 but is still a popular AL Cy Young favorite.
The Yankees also took care of another top priority this offseason, re-signing second baseman DJ LeMahieu. The 38-year-old has played some of the best baseball of his career these last two seasons in the Bronx, forming a dangerous lineup along with outfielder Aaron Judge, shortstop Gleyber Torres and first baseman Luke Voit. The 30-year-old Voit had a tremendous breakthrough in 2020, hitting a league-high 22 home runs.
Injuries have hit New York hard these past two seasons, but the Yankees have consistently found depth to keep themselves in contention. Adding some starting pitching helps tremendously, as well as re-upping LeMahieu. It’s World Series or bust in the Bronx.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2020 record: 43-17, first in NL West
Key Offseason Addition: SP Trevor Bauer
No team has won back-to-back titles since the 1999-2000 New York Yankees. The Dodgers look ready to do just that and have no shortage of depth at each position.
Bauer, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, will inherently become L.A.’s ace ahead of 26-year-old Walker Buehler, eight-time All-Star Clayton Kershaw, David Price and Dustin May. Yes, Bauer could regress after posting a career-low 1.73 ERA last season, but he has emerged into one of the game’s premier starters and bolsters an already dangerous rotation.
L.A.’s bullpen is something special as well, between closer Kenley Jansen and the depth from Blake Treinen, Joe Kelly and Brusdar Graterol. When it comes to the lineup, the re-upping of veteran third baseman Justin Turner was the icing on the cake this offseason. He provides some reliability behind perennial NL MVP favorite and outfielder Mookie Betts.
From the power of Max Muncy at first base to the energy of shortstop Corey Seager and outfielder Cody Bellinger, L.A. is above average at each position. Winning back-to-back titles doesn’t happen often in sports, let alone baseball. However, the Dodgers have the confidence and look ready to bring some more hardware to Hollywood.
