5 bold predictions for the 2022 MLB season
By David Hill
With the 2022 MLB season fast approaching, it is time to get bold!
It is easy to predict that the Dodgers will win the NL West or that the Orioles will have the worst record in the league. Likewise, it is easy to predict that Gerrit Cole will be in the conversation for the AL Cy Young and that Mike Trout will receive consideration for the AL MVP provided both remain healthy. Those are the safe picks after all.
Five bold predictions for the 2022 MLB season
But that is not what this is about. This is about being bold and making those predictions that are almost certain to backfire. Let’s take a look at five bold predictions for the upcoming season.
New York Yankees finish below .500
The New York Yankees are one of the favorites of the preseason power rankings, universally considered to be one of the top teams in the league and a favorite to make the postseason.
It is hard to see why. If the team name is removed, this is a flawed roster without much depth in the middle of the infield or at center. The rotation behind Gerrit Cole is a giant question mark. Add in the Yankees potential bullpen issues, and it is clear that this is a very flawed team.
Meanwhile, the rest of the division has improved. The Blue Jays and Red Sox have gotten stronger. The Rays are always able to play beyond what their talent level may indicate. Based on their roster and the rest of the division, the Yankees appear to be a fourth place team.
And that may not be good enough to reach .500 on the season. The Yankees that would purchase the pieces they needed to fill the gaps on the roster are no more. It is time to stop thinking of them in that way and recognize this team for what it is.