The anticipation and excitement of the upcoming MLB season is in the air as MLB.com staffers do their best to forecast what’s ahead. Staffers have admitted that predictions aren’t always accurate, but it’s a fun and enlightening exercise nonetheless. A group of 10 MLB.com writers, editors, and researchers revisited their 2023 baseball predictions that were off-target, discussing what went wrong.
Reporter Manny Randhawa predicted that the Yankees would win the World Series, based on their strong roster and potent offense led by Aaron Judge. However, a series of injuries to key players, especially in their starting rotation, led to a disappointing 82-80 season, the team’s worst record in 31 years.
Sarah Langs, a researcher and reporter, was fully convinced that the Padres would win the NL pennant, surpassing the reigning champion Dodgers. However, despite standout performances from the team’s individuals, including pitcher Blake Snell, the team was plagued by injuries and inconsistency, ultimately falling short of expectations.
The Cardinals were expected to win the NL Central, led by stars Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, and several promising young players. However, the team faced a series of challenges, including clashes between players and management, doubts about the ability of certain players to perform, and a string of injuries, resulting in a last-place finish and their first losing season in over a decade.
Researcher and reporter Thomas Harrigan predicted that the Blue Jays would secure the AL East title, but the team was unable to mount a serious challenge for the division crown. Although they did earn a Wild Card berth, a regression in performance by key players and a lack of consistent form throughout the season resulted in an underwhelming campaign.
The Angels were Andrew Simon’s pick to clinch the third AL Wild Card spot, largely driven by a strong roster and promising acquisitions. Despite a promising start, the Angels faltered and missed the playoffs after a string of poor results and injuries to key players, including Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon.
Looking ahead, the lessons learned from evaluating these misfires will help MLB.com staffers refine their 2024 predictions. While baseball’s unpredictable nature can leave even the most informed and experienced analysts scratching their heads, the excitement of a new season remains undiminished. As teams gear up for the upcoming campaign, we can expect another year filled with surprises, magical moments, and heartbreaks, reminding us once again of the enduring appeal of America’s favorite pastime.
