Welcome to September in Major League Baseball! As we enter the final month of the 2024 season, there is no shortage of excitement and intrigue. With playoff races heating up, awards up for grabs, and surprises around every corner, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Predicting the Playoff Picture
As we look ahead to the postseason, the question on everyone’s mind is which teams will secure a spot in the playoffs. Our panel of 18 ESPN baseball experts weighed in on the matter, offering their insights and predictions for the final month of the regular season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers emerged as the clear favorite to finish with the best record in baseball, with 14 out of 18 experts backing the reigning champions. The Dodgers’ potent lineup, bolstered by midseason acquisitions like Jack Flaherty and Michael Kopech, gives them a competitive edge as they aim to clinch the top spot.
While the Dodgers are the frontrunners, the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers also received some support from our experts. The Phillies, who have rebounded after a post-All-Star break slump, are poised for a strong finish with a favorable schedule ahead. On the other hand, the Brewers have defied expectations throughout the season and could make a late push for the top overall spot.
In the American League, the New York Yankees are favored to win the AL East, with 14 experts predicting them to come out on top. However, the Baltimore Orioles have also garnered some support, thanks to key players like Zach Eflin and a favorable schedule heading into September.
In the AL Central, the Cleveland Guardians have established themselves as the team to beat, with 12 experts picking them to clinch the division title. Despite challenges faced by other contenders like the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins, the Guardians have maintained their lead and are poised for success in the final stretch of the season.
Individual Achievements and Awards
As the season winds down, the race for MVP and Cy Young awards is heating up. Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are the unanimous favorites to win the AL and NL MVP awards, respectively, with both players putting up impressive numbers throughout the season.
While Judge and Ohtani are the frontrunners, other players like Bobby Witt Jr. and Francisco Lindor could make a late push for the MVP honors. Witt’s stellar performance in multiple categories, including batting average, runs, and hits, makes him a strong contender in the AL MVP race. Similarly, Lindor’s defensive prowess and offensive production could propel him to the top of the NL MVP conversation.
In terms of individual milestones, Aaron Judge’s quest to hit 64 home runs has garnered attention from our panel, with many experts predicting he will surpass the 60-home run mark by the end of the season. Additionally, Shohei Ohtani’s pursuit of the 50/50 club has the majority of voters believing he will make history with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.
Pitchers Tarik Skubal and Chris Sale are the favorites to win the AL and NL Cy Young awards, respectively, with both players receiving widespread support from our experts. However, Zack Wheeler’s consistent performance and durability could make him a dark horse candidate in the NL Cy Young race.
Rookie of the Year honors are also up for grabs, with Colton Cowser and Mason Miller leading the pack in the AL, and Jackson Merrill and Paul Skenes vying for the title in the NL. While Cowser and Merrill are the favorites, Miller’s exceptional strikeout rates and Skenes’ dominant pitching could make them contenders for the Rookie of the Year awards.
Bold Predictions for the Final Month
As we look ahead to the final month of the season, our panel of experts has made some bold predictions for what’s to come. From individual player performances to team outcomes, here are some of the standout forecasts for September:
– Juan Soto will outproduce Aaron Judge in September and finish as the AL MVP runner-up.
– Francisco Lindor will surpass Shohei Ohtani in bWAR and become the first Mets position player to lead the NL.
– The Cubs and Mets will narrowly miss the playoffs by one game.
– Marcell Ozuna will win the NL Triple Crown.
– Jacob deGrom will make a successful season debut and pitch a shared perfect game with his teammates.
In conclusion, as we head into the final month of the 2024 MLB season, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to an action-packed year. With playoff races heating up, individual awards on the line, and surprises around every corner, baseball fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the postseason picture becomes clearer with each passing game.