Fans are abuzz with predictions and anticipations as the 2024 MLB season fast approaches. The sensation of a new season brings a palpable excitement to fans and bettors alike. Amongst the many talented teams poised to take the field, a handful stand out as potential game-changers.
Below, we’ll highlight the five teams to watch out for in the upcoming 2024 MLB Season, taking a closer look at what makes them formidable contenders and why they could be stealing the headlines.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers, an iconic name that resonates with the spirit of baseball, have been capturing the hearts of fans for generations. Rooted in history and tradition, the Dodgers are not just a baseball team but a symbol of Los Angeles’ vibrant culture and diverse community.
That said, the Dodgers are still stealing the hearts of baseball fans even to this date. Their prowess is something that shouldn’t be underestimated in every MLB season. The Dodgers hold the top MLB odds on sites like sportsbook.fanduel.com as we are nearing the beginning of a new season.
Moreover, the Dodgers secured a century of victories and assembled an elite squad. Achieving an extra 10 victories in the upcoming 2024 season would translate to an exceptional season of 110 wins.
Reaching that milestone doesn’t seem out of reach with the addition of talents like Ohtani and Yamamoto to the team’s roster. Ohtani, for instance, signed a 10-year contract with the Dodgers amounting to $700 Million. Ohtani is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, making him one of the all-time greatest players ever.
On the other hand, Yamamoto signed a $325 million deal with the Dodgers for 12 years. He was also sought after by other MLB teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox. Yamamoto is considered to be the best pitcher alive in this era.
2. New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are shaping up to be a powerhouse in the 2024 season, boasting a roster that combines experience with burgeoning young talent. Their strategic player acquisitions and development of homegrown prospects have them poised to dominate on the diamond.
With a harmonious blend of power hitters, speed on the bases, and a starting rotation that can go toe-to-toe with any in the league, the Yankees have all the components of a championship-caliber team. Additionally, the depth of their bullpen allows them to protect leads late into games, making them a formidable opponent in any series.
Although the team enters the off-season with many urgent problems, the 2024 season looks good for the Yankees after acquiring Juan Soto. The acquisition by the Yankees further deepens their batting order, creating a formidable pair with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge that is unrivaled as the top duo in the league.
Soto stands out as an exceptional hitter within baseball, achieving a level of proficiency with the bat that’s rare to see amongst players up to age 25. He has been named an All-Star thrice and earned the Silver Slugger distinction four times.
His impressive distinction skills earned him the Silver Slugger and a batting title. Additionally, his contribution was pivotal in the Washington Nationals’ triumphant 2019 World Series campaign. Over his career, he boasts a batting average of .284 and an on-base percentage of .421.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have been notably subdued in their off-season dealings this year. They swiftly re-signed Aaron Nola to a substantial seven-year contract valued at $172 million. Yet, as things currently stand, their roster for 2024 is poised to mirror last year’s lineup. One might wonder how they could leap to a formidable 100-win season.
It’s important to consider that Bryce Harper was absent early last season due to an Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction or Tommy John surgery. Even upon his earlier-than-anticipated return in May, it took time before he regained his usual form.
In addition, Trea Turner’s initial year with the Phillies started until he hit his stride later. Nonetheless, with a 65-40 record in their last 105 games, the Phillies showcased a performance indicative of a 100-win season rate, bested only by the Braves and Dodgers in that period.
4. New York Mets
Another team that you should watch out for this upcoming season is the New York Mets. The Mets have promising players, including Francisco Alvarez and Mike Vasil, on their roster.
At 21 years old, Francisco Alvarez was noticeably unrefined upon his return to the Major Leagues with the Mets in April. Despite this, the rookie from Venezuela demonstrated moments of exceptional talent, especially in his defensive skills, which proved to be more impressive than previously thought.
Alvarez concluded the season with batting averages that signal the growth potential, specifically .209 for batting, .284 on-base percentage, and .437 slugging percentage.
Given his accrued experience and increased physical development, Alvarez is a prime candidate to break out as a star come 2024. The Mets are poised to give him every chance to realize this potential.
Additionally, Mike Vasil emerges as a noteworthy prospect, with the team actively seeking to bolster its pitching roster. Chosen in the organization’s eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Vasil impressed during his debut with the higher-level minor leagues the previous year, achieving a commendable 3.71 ERA across ten starts with Double-A Binghamton.
With the Mets prioritizing a strong pitching lineup, fans eagerly anticipate whether Mike Vasil’s impressive debut in the minor leagues will translate into delivering some of the fastest pitches in baseball during the upcoming season.
5. St. Louis Cardinals
Despite a disappointing season, its worst in nearly three decades, the St. Louis Cardinals entered the offseason with aspirations of returning to their competitive form.
Before any roster enhancements, there was an anticipation of action toward reigniting the franchise’s competitive edge. The primary focus was on easing their weakest link: the pitching staff.
The Cardinals struggled last year, with only four teams ending with a worse ERA from their starters than their 5.08. Recognizing this, St. Louis acquired seasoned pitchers Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn.
Also, addressing a bullpen that ranked 23rd with a 4.47 ERA, the team brought in Andrew Kittredge and Nick Robertson via trade to strengthen their relievers, and there may still be additional moves on the horizon.
Last season witnessed a surprising dip in performance from celebrated hitters Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, despite Goldschmidt’s 2022 NL MVP Award triumph and Arenado’s close third in the MVP race.
Returning to their usual, expected levels of play would significantly contribute to guiding the team to a .500 record or better in the upcoming 2024 season.
Conclusion
The thrill of the 2024 MLB is undoubtedly hyped by fans and bettors. That said, knowing the top five teams that will likely dominate this season will help bettors and fans predict the possible outcome of each match and the championship result earlier this season.
