The football season isn’t quite yet over but true baseball fans will already be thinking about their
teams’ chances in 2023. The game is so unpredictable – and the season so long – that it is
difficult to forecast anything with certainty. But we thought we would have a go anyway.
If you have recently joined the hoards and signed up with an online betting site you may have a
deposit bonus sportsbook delivered to your account. Why not take a look at our very early
predictions to see if there is anything that takes your fancy?
The Mets Will Not Win the World Series
At this point, it has become almost customary to rain on the Mets’ parade and talk down their
chances of winning a first World Series since 1986. A lot of money has been thrown at this ball
club in the hope of bringing a Fall Classic to Citi Field. But Steve Cohen might be disappointed
again this year.
The Mets are one of the big favorites to win the World Series and this does seem like a
championship or bust season. But Carlos Correra opting out of a trade was a first sign of trouble
and there are bound to be more. The Mets will be very good this year – but they won’t win it all.
The Guardians Will Continue to Improve
After updating to the Guardians name, Cleveland made it to the playoffs again last year and
only exited at the ALDS stage to the Yankees. In a weaker division, there is a good chance that
this team will only improve this year. With decent additions to the offense over the winter,
Cleveland will be ready.
Now that a deal has been struck with Shane Bieber, we will be able to see if he can recapture
the form of his early career. The fact that there is no extension also could see him enjoy a
standout year to show everyone that he still has what it takes. Could an ALCS be coming up for
Cleveland?
Aaron Judge’s Homer Count Will Decrease
This is not a particularly risky prediction, considering how incredible a season Judge had last
year. But there will be some fans – probably Yankees – that could see him surpassing his own
home run record. We don’t. The bad news is that he could come well under the 62 mark.
We have not had a home run champ repeat since 2011 and Judge will probably follow that
trend. Pitchers will have taken notice of the way he hit so many in 2022 and will adjust when
facing the big man. The numbers could even be dramatically down on that incredible feat last
year.
Figure 2 Judge hit a lot of these last year. Maybe not so many in 2023
The Astros Will Not Repeat
After reaching six straight ALCS, the Houston Astros are expected to win the AL West, make it
through the postseason and at least have another go at the Championship Series. If they do
that they will then have a chance of winning back-to-back championships, for the first time since
the year 2000.
But there are big questions over whether the Astros will even win their division The Rangers
have spent a lot of money, Ohtani could be in his final season in Anaheim, and the Mariners will
have gotten a taste of the postseason after missing out for so long. Houston might find it a little
tougher this year.
San Diego Will Win the World Series
So, if Houston and the Mets are not going to win the World Series, who will? Well, rather than
back the Dodgers coming back once again, we thought we would travel a little more south. The
Padres showed last season that they have the talent to upset – and they could take it further in
2023.
San Diego’s roster has improved over the winter and there is also the return of Fernando Tatis
Jr. to eagerly anticipate. He didn’t play at all in 2022 and will be back near the end of April. That
gives him a long time to inspire a drive to the playoffs – and then a first-ever World Series
triumph.