Way Too Early MLB Season Predictions

Opening Weekend is finally here, and everyone’s favorite players are ready for the action of the MLB season. After a long time away, fans are eager to see how their teams perform and cheer them on to the World Series. 

In honor of the season starting, here are some predictions that I have decided to think about way before anyone should. 

AL MVP - Aaron Judge (NYY)

Courtesy of Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Looking at the rest of the American League, there is no one quite like Aaron Judge. Last season, Judge’s main opponent for the award was his own teammate. With Juan Soto now in the National League to compete against Shohei Ohtani for their respective MVP, Judge is in a league of his own. 

The only thing holding Judge back this season is how opposing pitchers will be planning to pitch to him. With Soto gone and Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list for the foreseeable future, there’s a chance pitchers won’t be throwing anything hittable Judge’s way. But if he performs anywhere near where he did last season, the MVP is his once again.

NL MVP - Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

Courtesy of Ashley Landis / Associated Press

With Ohtani, there’s not a year to predict he won’t win MVP. Even when he doesn’t perform at his best, he is still the best player in all of MLB. Each season, he seems to outdo himself. This season will most likely be no different. 

With the possibility of Ohtani pitching once again, he becomes way too valuable to bet against. Even if Soto has a career year with the New York Mets, it’s hard to see him winning against Ohtani.

AL Cy Young - Tarik Skubal (DET)

Courtesy of Lauren Leigh Bacho / Getty Images

2024 was a career year for Tarik Skubal, and he has a chance to back that up this season. With the loss of Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery and the departure of Corbin Burnes from the American League, Skubal doesn’t have too much competition for the award. 

While Garrett Crochet is a legitimate option as well, I feel like Skubal has the advantage in this race. There is a chance Crochet will not have the same success in Boston as he did with the Chicago White Sox, but Skubal will be able to dominate the American League from the same stadium as last season. 

NL Cy Young - Michael King (SDP)

Courtesy of Denis Poroy / Imagn Images

While Michael King might not be the most obvious pick for the National League Cy Young, the San Diego Padres pitcher has the potential to win this year. Last season, King excelled in his first year with the Padres. 

His potential is so high that the Padres chose him as the Opening Day starter over Dylan Cease. While it will be a competition between King and Paul Skenes for the award, I have no doubt that King will impress this season. 

AL Rookie of the Year - Jasson Domínguez (NYY)

Courtesy of Wendell Cruz / USA Today

Although Jasson Domínguez debuted in 2023, he’s still considered a rookie after missing time with injuries. Domínguez has the chance to completely take over the starting left field job this season after Soto’s departure. In Spring Training, Domínguez hit three home runs. With that healthy lefty swing in Yankee Stadium, he has the chance to do some damage.

NL Rookie of the Year - Dylan Crews (WSH)

Courtesy of James A. Pittman / Imagn Images

Although Dylan Crews debuted last season, he didn’t play enough games to diminish his rookie status. While his numbers weren’t the best, he has the chance to completely start over and make a case for himself this season. 

Crews flew through the minors, debuting a year after he was drafted. If he is able to get over the transition easier this year, he will easily win the award over Roki Sasaki.

Edited by Giana Robertaccio