2024 MLB Season Preview

After the Texas Rangers’ surprise victory in the World Series last season, the race for the 2024 title seems wide open. According to different bookmakers, the Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees are the leading contenders. But in this unpredictable sport, any franchise has a chance at glory.

The biggest MLB news this offseason was the blockbuster transfer of Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Heading into the 2024 campaign, the Japanese superstar’s move is just one of many stories that have baseball fans excited. 

With new acquisitions, rising prospects, and veterans searching for one last ring, the 2024 MLB season is shaping up to be exciting. Which team will finally triumph? As Opening Day approaches, all we can do is speculate. One thing is for sure: this season will be full of dramatic comebacks, rising stars, and unforgettable moments.

The transfer of Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers

The biggest story of this past MLB offseason was the trade that sent the star from the Los Angeles Angels to their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani has been sensational since arriving from Japan in 2018, winning the American League MVP in 2021 and 2023, thanks to his incredible pitching and hitting exploits. With the Angels, he emerged as the most determinant player in the game and became the first player since Babe Ruth to excel as a starting pitcher and power hitter. 

Ohtani’s arrival to the Dodgers solidifies them as the World Series favorites this season. Joining a lineup already loaded with Mookie Betts, Will Smith, and Freddie Freeman, Ohtani takes them to another level offensively. 

However, after undergoing Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2023 season, the Dodgers plan to ease Shohei Ohtani back into action by having him start this season solely as a designated hitter. The surgery and recovery mean Ohtani will not yet be ready to resume pitching. 

The Dodgers want to take it slow and not rush him back to the mound too soon after major elbow surgery. While he has made excellent progress in rehabbing and rebuilding arm strength, the team feels he should hold off pitching again until at least midseason or later.

2024 MLB season: Top World Series Contenders

The 2024 MLB season is shaping up to have several top contenders vying for the World Series title. Here’s an overview of the top favorites:

Los Angeles Dodgers (5.00)

The Dodgers added Ohtani to bolster their lineup and have their sights set on another championship after coming up short in recent seasons. Their strong pitching staff, led by Tyler Glasnow and Julio Urias, will be tough to beat. In addition, Freddie Freeman continues to command this team’s fearsome offense. 

Atlanta Braves (6.50)

The Braves will want to return to glory this season, considering their lineup may be tighter than ever. The team boasts National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. and has a solid rotation with Max Fried leading the way. Atlanta also has caliber arms in Chris Sale, Charlie Morton, Aaron Bummer and Raisel Iglesias. 

Baltimore Orioles (9.00)

The surprise Orioles were just a few wins away from the World Series last season and added some big bats to put them over the top. James McCann, Cedric Mullins, and Austin Hays perfectly bolster a lineup with young stars Anthony Santander and Gunnar Henderson. The pitching staff has also improved with Grayson Rodriguez’s impressive 2023 season.

Philadelphia Phillies (11.00)

After reaching the NL Championship Series last season, the Phillies retained most of their core, including Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos. They hope starter Aaron Nola can stay healthy for a full season to lead their rotation.

NY Yankees (12.00)

The Yankees have retooled after a disappointing 2023 season. They signed elite starter Marcus Stroman and made a franchise-altering trade for Juan Soto to add to a scary lineup. Gerrit Cole anchors the rotation, while Nestor Cortes profiles to be the team’s second starter. There’s no doubt that a lineup with Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Giancarlo Statton is to be feared.

The 2024 MLB season is shaping up to be exciting, with several top contenders vying for the World Series title. Shohei Ohtani’s move to the Dodgers will shake things up, even if he is limited to a designated hitter role this year after Tommy John surgery.