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Predicting the outcome of the 2024 Major League Baseball season is probably a fool’s errand, but it’s a fun one before Opening Day.
Last season’s results were proof of that, as the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks, who came close to missing the playoffs, advanced to the World Series. And with the introduction of the pitch clock and limited defense against the run game, the game changed forever.
As the season begins Thursday for all 30 teams, NorthJersey.com MLB writers Pete Caldera and Andrew Tredinnick predict how the season will go and who will take home the big prize.
American League MVP
Pete Caldera: Julio Rodriguez, Mariners
Andrew Tredinnick: Yordan Alvarez, Astros
It’s hard to believe Alvarez is only 26 years old, entering his sixth season in the major leagues. This slugger with a talent for hitting major home runs could be the future of the Astros. He has the ability to record a batting average of .300, over 40 home runs, and over 100 RBIs.

National League MVP
caldera: Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres
Tredinnick: Mookie Betts, Dodgers
The only thing stopping Betts from winning his second MVP last season was the otherworldly success of Ronald Acuña Jr. Betts batted .307 with 39 home runs, 107 RBIs, and 126 RBIs. Another season like that could put him at the top of the National League.

American League Cy Young
caldera: Corbin Burnes, Orioles
Tredinnick: Corbin Burnes, Orioles
Consider that last season was a down year for Barnes. Still, he had 200 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.07 in 193.2 innings. Now, if you move him to pitcher-friendly Camden Yards at Oriole Park in his contract year, the sky’s the limit.
national league cy young
caldera: Justin Steele, Cubs
Tredinnick: Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks
Gallen, a native of Somerdale, N.J., isn’t going to sneak up on anyone after striking out 220 batters in 2023. He showed strong command last season, but his knuckle curve was a whiffing machine. He could earn top pitcher honors in a breakout year.
American League Rookie of the Year
caldera: jackson holiday, orioles
Tredinnick: evan carter, rangers
Carter appeared on the biggest stage helping the Rangers win the World Series while posting a playoff OPS of .917. He will now spend a full season as an outfielder and centerpiece for the Rangers. Holiday is a betting favorite, but he will face many obstacles to playing in the talented Orioles lineup.
National League Rookie of the Year
caldera: Jackson Cholio, Brewers
Tredinnick: Lee Jung-hoo, Giants
There’s a reason the Giants signed the Korean outfielder to a six-year, $113 contract. He is a master with a bat in his hands and has never had a batting average below .318 in his five seasons in the KBO League. With the same level of success at the plate and a little more power, he could turn heads.
AL division winner
caldera: Orioles, Royals, Mariners
Tredinnick: Astros, Orioles, Twins
Until someone takes the Astros’ spot in the American League West, the AL West will continue to dominate. Name a more exciting team in MLB than the Orioles, led by young talents Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. The Twins will rise to the top of the AL Central Division with a stable pitching staff and the rise of Royce Lewis and Byron Buxton.
National League Division Champion
caldera: Braves, Brewers, Dodgers
Tredinnick: Braves, Cubs, Dodgers
The Braves and Dodgers each have realistic goals of breaking the 100-win mark this season. Meanwhile, the Cubs will benefit from the return of Cody Bellinger as well as the development of Christopher Morell and Seiya Suzuki.
national league wild card
caldera: Padres, Phillies, Mets
Tredinnick: Phillies, Mets, Giants
The Phillies have been knocking on the door each of the past two seasons, making long-term commitments to Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. The Mets’ lineup should help erase the disappointment of 2023. And the Giants will benefit from the additions of Lee, Matt Chapman and Blake Snell.
AL wildcard
caldera: Astros, Rangers, Yankees
Tredinnick: Yankees, Mariners, Blue Jays
It makes sense for the Yankees to return to the playoffs after a rare absence in 2023. Similarly, the Mariners returned to the playoffs after last season’s battles lasted until the final day. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, have too much talent to be disappointed for the second year in a row.
american league championship series
caldera: Orioles vs. Mariners
Tredinnick: Yankees vs. Orioles
The Yankees made a huge investment by trading young pitchers and acquiring Juan Soto for one season. He was born for New York and helped bring New York back to the World Series for the first time since 2009. The Orioles’ era is almost upon us.
national league championship series
caldera: Braves vs. Padres
Tredinnick: Braves vs. Dodgers
The Braves and Dodgers, who open the MLB season this week, appear to be in a class of their own, with star power all over the diamond and on the pitching staff. The Braves’ pitching staff has been plagued by injuries the past two seasons, but they are rising to the challenge of reaching the World Series.
world series champion

caldera: Braves
Tredinnick: Braves
When the Braves last won the World Series in 2021, they were an upstart force in the Fall Classic. Over the past two seasons, they have struggled to live up to high expectations heading into the postseason. The hope is that two seasons of heartbreak will propel them to a fifth World Series appearance.
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