The all-star break is a good time to start predicting the MLB for the second half of 2023. One look at the standings and it is clear that the first half of the season did not go as expected.
For example, the Rays are the best team in baseball. The Reds, Marlins, and Diamondbacks are all in the playoff hunt. Additionally, the Mets and Padres are both fourth in their division while the Cardinals are in last place. In other words, successful preseason money and all assumptions can be thrown out the window.
MLB 2023 second half predictions
With all that in mind, we thought we’d make some post-All-Star predictions. So what happens when the second half begins? Obviously, the second half will be as unpredictable as the first. However, let’s be a little bolder in making MLB predictions for the second half in 2023.
Eggs are lost in ALCS
Tampa has arguably been the best team in the American League for the first game of the season. But it’s not hard to believe that the Rays went up recently.
They already had to endure a seven-game losing streak before the all-star break, so they’re not the undefeated team they seemed to be in April and May. Also, unlike previous seasons, Tampa’s bullpen was not among the team’s main teams, which is a problem that can be shown in October.
Even if the Rays are too good to find a way to advance to the ALDS, they won’t survive the seven-game ALCS given some of the other teams in the American League.
The Orioles win at the trade deadline
The Orioles have one of the deepest farms in baseball, which means they are poised to make big moves at the trade deadline. Even Baltimore doesn’t sell much hope Jackson Holidaythe Orioles have many pieces that can be moved to improve their roster.
The Orioles need a deep rotation and players with postseason experience. Look for them to get two starters and a veteran player at the end of the season, doing more than any other team.
Parents sell Juan Soto
In times of adversity, the Padres can turn around and become sellers, shocking the league with a trade. Juan Soto. Although Soto isn’t a free agent until after the 2024 season, he could still be one of the top picks. the last trade wanted this summer because he would not be a loan player.
Remember that the Padres traded Soto before they knew he had to move Fernando Tatis Jr. going abroad, so it’s not a given that Soto is an important part of San Diego’s long-term plans. That would encourage the Padres to trade Soto and start rebuilding their farm.
The A’s have lost 120 games
Admittedly, this is not the most bold of our MLB predictions for the second half of 2023. However, the 1962 Mets in their inaugural season are they are the only team today to lose 120 gamesso if Oakland were to do that, it would be history, though not surprising.
At the break, the A’s are on pace to go 44-118 this season. They are not far from being on a pace that would result in 120 losses. Things can’t get better for Oakland in the second half, especially if the A’s trade several players at the deadline, making the 2023 A’s the worst team in MLB history.
The Mets make the Playoffs
The Mets have had a bad season, but they still have a chance to rebuild and make a push for the playoffs. Francisco Lindor he came alive before the break Francisco Alvarez it has a popular season among rookie hunters.
What matters is the starting rotation, though Justin Verlander and Can Senga they did it together Carlos Carrasco good reading as well Max Scherzer Winning eight games in the first half despite ups and downs. This team is good enough to do something, allowing the Mets to steal a Wild Card spot and make a late push.
The Astros miss the Playoffs
The Astros haven’t missed the playoffs since 2016, so it would be surprising to see the reigning champions left out of the 14 postseason teams. But that’s a possibility for the Astros this season.
While the Rangers don’t have a big lead over the Astros, Texas is clearly the best team in the division and is on the verge of making a late-season comeback. Aroldis Chapman. That will leave the Astros in a tough Wild Card race with four teams from the AL East, not to mention the Mariners and possibly the runner-up from the AL Central.
Houston doesn’t have the same rotation depth as years past. The same is true of the Houston series, especially with Alex Bregman and Jeremy Pena don’t do well with Jose Altuve on IL again. In the end, the Astros may not have enough to get back to the playoffs.
The Reds will win the NL Central
One of the biggest odds of the season based on preseason expectations, we expect the Reds to win the NL Central. For once, the Cardinals won’t be part of the tournament, creating a two-horse race between Cincinnati and Milwaukee.
In the background Corbin Burns, Milwaukee has a chance to win the division title. But the Reds have added some young hurlers from their farm to go along with a group of young players led by the strong. elly cross. This will be an interesting contest to watch, but look for the Reds starting line-up to come out on top in the end.
Gerrit Cole finally wins the Cy Young
That’s amazing Gerrit Cole right now win a Cy Young for a long time he has been among the elite pitchers in the league. But this will be the year Cole wins the Cy Young.
The The competition in the American League is still unstable, and with a strong second half for a team that needs him, Cole will rise to the top at the back. The fact that he’s going to lead off the bat will ultimately help strengthen his case as the best pitcher in the American League in 2023.
Freddie Freeman beat Ronald Acuna for MVP
Most of the time, Ronald Acuna Jr. has been the leading MVP in the National League. But his old friend from Atlanta Freddie Freeman he can make a second half push and take that honor away from him.
Freeman is not far behind Acuna in batting average and has more hits and RBIs than Acuna. Although Acuna’s stolen base is one that Freeman can’t repeat, Freeman can cry in the second half of the season, helping the Dodgers to win the NL West, becoming the National League’s Most Valuable Player at this time.
The Dodgers win the World Series
With Freeman having a great second half, the Dodgers will ride to their second World Series title in the last four years. This hasn’t been the best season Los Angeles has ever had, but it won’t matter in the playoffs.
They are young people Bobby Miller and Emmett Sheehan discovery, once Clayton Kershaw and perhaps Walker Buehler When healthy, the Los Angeles rotation will be dangerous in October. Stars like Freeman, Mokie Bettsand JD Martinez he will set up the lineup, helping the Dodgers beat the Braves and defeat any team that is coming out of the American League.