2015 Major League Baseball Postseason Predictions
As the 2015 Major League Baseball offseason comes to a close, it’s time to take a look ahead at what the season could end up looking like. Making predictions before the first pitch of the regular season is thrown out leaves a ton of variables up in the air, but it also offers the opportunity to be extremely off the cuff as well.
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After an offseason that has featured teams like the Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres playing big roles in talent acquisition, 2015 looks to be shaping up to be a fun season. With new faces in new places, and new organizations ready to become contenders, baseball may see the emergence of another Kansas City Royals like playoff contender.
Here is how I see the postseason shaking out for the 2015 Major League Baseball Season:
Sep 27, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) hits an RBI single during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
American League Wild Card
Detroit Tigers over Boston Red Sox
After the division winners in the American League, there are some significant question marks when it comes to roster construction when it comes to nearly every other potential playoff team. While the Detroit Tigers have taken steps backwards this offseason, they are still too good to be ignored. The Red Sox should be much better in 2015, and the division isn’t what it once was. Both of these teams leave something to be desired in certain pitching categories, but I think the Tigers offense can still get it done.
Sep 28, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a 2-run homer in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
National League Wild Card
Chicago Cubs over Miami Marlins
Last year the Marlins played tough down the stretch and hung in the thick of things much longer than many would have expected. The rotation has taken significant steps forward, and the team looks like they are built the right way this time around, focused on youth. The Cubs should be ready to make the leap fueled by an impressive farm system. With the established talent like Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro already there, getting Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler, and the rest of the major league ready crop to contribute should be a lot of fun.
Sep 22, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a sacrifice fly against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Los Angeles Angels 8-4. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Los Angeles Angels 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
American League Championship Series
Los Angeles Angels over Chicago White Sox
Last season the Angels were the best team in baseball when they met the hottest team in baseball. This time around, expect the Angels to finally get some return on the contracts they signed Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols to. The Angels should again be led by Mike Trout on offense, and the pitching will be there. Chicago has done a ton this offseason, and they look like a young group supplemented by solid veterans. Samardzija gives them another strong option with Chris Sale and Jose Quintana at the top of the rotation. Carlos Rodon will probably factor in at some point, and the White Sox should score plenty of runs.
Oct 7, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning of game four of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
National League Championship Series
Washington Nationals over Los Angeles Dodgers
As much as I’d love to see the Cubs make it back to the World Series, I think that it happens in 2015. The Nationals have what amounts to the best starting rotation in the major leagues with the addition of Max Scherzer. Tanner Roark is an asset out of the bullpen, and they have trade chips to add pieces down the stretch. Look for Bryce Harper to debut on the biggest stage this fall. It’s hard to count out the Dodgers as well with the roster they have constructed. Clayton Kershaw remains a stud, and having a loaded farm system only supplements a good major league roster. Joc Pederson should replace Matt Kemp just fine, and this may be the best showdown of the entire playoffs.
Aug 15, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Garrett Richards (43) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
World Series
Los Angeles Angels over Washington Nationals
Despite putting themselves in a situation where they must win a couple of World Series rings very soon, the Nationals don’t get it done in 2015. The rotation is nice, and the offense will be there, but an immediate return isn’t something I see as happening. Los Angeles got shocked last season, and should return to the playoffs with a vengeance. They have the best player in the game in Trout, and the Angels will be more focused this time around. Baseball gets a great show as well with a World Series that pits Harper versus Trout on the biggest stage.
Next: 2015 AL Central Predictions
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