Predicting MLB Division Winners for the 2020 Season
As spring training camps begin to open in preparation for the 2020 season, the competitive landscape is starting to take shape. Those who love fantasy leagues and betting online are looking for that competitive edge. Well here it is our predicting MLB Division Winners for the 2020 season. Review our predictions and get that edge for the start of what is looking like a great year in Baseball.
AL East Winner – New York Yankees (2019 Record 103-59)
In terms of winning the AL East, the American League pennant, and the World Series, the New York Yankees is the team to beat in all three categories. Although we can’t predict how unforeseen injuries will shape the season, what we can do is take a look at a loaded lineup that should be superior to last year’s edition with a healthy Giancarlo Stanton ready to mash his way through opposition pitching.
In addition, the Bombers won the Gerrit Coles sweepstakes and now have a stone-cold ace ready to deal at the top of the order. However, two-time All-Star, Luis Severino, will miss the entire 2020 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in late February but the case can be made that New York posted 103 wins last season without his services, save for 12 innings, and their wagon of an offense should be enough to carry them even if their pitching falters at times. This team is stacked, and it is no wonder why they are favored by the most respected online sportsbooks, found all in one place at Sportsbook Review, to bring a title back to the Bronx this season.
2020 Prediction: 106-56
AL Central Winner – Chicago White Sox (2019 Record 72-89)
Everybody loves a Cinderella Story in sports, and the Chicago White Sox could be that team this season. After another disappointing season last year, continuing their seven-year drought of failing to post a winning record, things are looking up for the Southsiders. Let’s consider their talented lineup with batting champ Tim Anderson, third baseman Yoán Moncada (recently linked to a $70 million pact), veteran slugger Jose Abreu, and another big stick in the lineup with the acquisition of Edwin Encarnacion. Oh, and let’s not forget that the White Sox also wooed arguably the best catcher in the game, Yasmani Grandal, into a Chicago uniform for the next four years.
As for pitching, the White Sox have a rising star in right-handed starter Lucas Giolito at the top of the rotation and signed a couple of veteran southpaws in Gio González and Dallas Keuchel to bolster the starting stable. Looking for a dark horse to make some noise, you could do much worse than the Chicago White Sox this season.
2020 Prediction: 91-71
AL West Winner – Houston Astros (2019 Record 107-55)
The Astros’ batters better wear flak jackets and hone their boxing skills because they will all be targets this season after their signal stealing scandal was revealed. Nevertheless, expect the Astros to pretty much cruise to another AL West title as they have little divisional competition, with the lone exception of the Athletics to one degree or another. Of course, Houston will feel the loss of star pitcher Gerrit Cole, but their rotation is among the best with Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke providing a dynamic one-two punch while Lance McCullers Jr. will be returning after missing last year due to Tommy John surgery. Houston has a bevy of superstars and big-time thumpers up and down their lineup, which will ultimately hand them the division crown and propel them deep into the postseason.
2020 Prediction: 101-61
NL East Winner – Atlanta Braves (2019 Record 97-65)
The Braves ruled supreme in the NL East last season, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if they repeat as division champions. However, it won’t be easy as they will be knocking heads throughout the season against the reigning World Series champs, the Washington Nationals, as well as a talented New York Mets squad and a vastly improved Phillies team. Atlanta watched slugger Josh Donaldson move on to “greener” pastures in Minnesota, but the Braves still boast a dangerous lineup led by Ronald Acuna Jr. and have a bona fide ace in young Mike Soroka who will try to build on a stunning rookie campaign. Add to that mix a bullpen that is among the best in the business, and it’s little wonder why the oddsmakers have the Braves as the team to beat in the NL East.
2020 Prediction: 96-66
NL Central Winner – Cincinnati Reds (2019 Record 75-87)
Like the White Sox, the Reds are expected to make a tremendous leap forward this year and could easily capture a division crown in the process. Anyone who has followed, or been a fan of this franchise, knows all too well that they are notoriously stingy in free agency. However, this offseason they opened up their coffers for the first time in a long time and brought in Nicholas Castellanos and Mike Moustakas to electrify the Great American Ballpark and energize their offense. The Reds’ brass also signed Wade Miley away from the Astros and now have a workhorse at the back end of the rotation. The Cardinals won the NL Central with 91 victories last season, and it wouldn’t surprise us a bit if the Reds did the same in 2020.
2020 Prediction: 91-71
NL West Winner – Los Angeles Dodgers (2019 Record 106-56)
The NL West will be won, yet again, by the LA Dodgers, and there’s nothing any of their division rivals can do about it. Big Blue picked up a legitimate MVP candidate in Mookie Betts and former AL Cy Young Award winner David Price for outfielder Alex Verdugo and a bag of balls. The only team that could possibly give the Dodgers a run for their money will be the Diamondbacks, but when the curtain closes on the regular-season, LA may very well have the best record in baseball.
2020 Prediction: 107-55
There you have it, our Predicting MLB Division Winners for the 2020 season.
