The day is also an unofficial checkpoint in the baseball season. It’s the point where fans can start to get a sense of which teams are contenders and which are heading to the cellar. Granted, last year the Philadelphia Phillies were 21-28 and a mess on Memorial Day and we know how their season ended. However, most teams are either starting to find their footing or starting to watch their season slip away.

There are a handful of winners and losers at this point in the season. Some teams in particular have been pleasant surprises and have not only exceeded expectations but have an avenue to the World Series. With every team just about completing one-third of the season, who stands out?

Winner One: Baltimore Orioles

It might be a surprise to have the Baltimore Orioles, who aren’t first in their division as the top surprise. They’ve been good to start the season but good enough to warrant the first mention. Despite the second-best record in the American League East Division, the Orioles at 34-20 are also the second-best team in the American League (tough division some might say). They’ve looked good but what makes them stand out?

The Orioles entered the season with hopes of leaping into the postseason conversation. They’ve rebuilt this team from the ground up and this year would be the one where they’d enter the contending conversation. They’ve not only exceeded expectations early on but have impressed in a variety of ways.

They have one of the best lineups in baseball, averaging 5.00 runs per game. The Orioles are carried by a lineup that not only has power at the top but depth. Austin Hays and Adley Rutschman are fueling the heart of the lineup while six everyday hitters have an OPS+ over 100. The outsider’s perspective on the Orioles is that they outhit or outslug their opponents and are carried by a dominant lineup but they have been more than that. The starting pitching has stepped up with Tyler Wells and Kyle Gibson leading the rotation while Kyle Bradish and Dean Kremer have added depth to the rotation. The bullpen meanwhile has been a strength. Yennier Cano looks like one of the best relievers in baseball while Felix Bautista is still the reliable closer in the ninth inning.

The one area where the Orioles have room to improve is in the rotation and they’ll be in the market for an ace. Ironically, at the trade deadline, it’s the one need that a contending team would like to have. The Orioles can be in the hunt for the division title and then make a push by adding an elite starter to not only win the division but look like the team to beat in the American League.

Loser One: Oakland A’s

The worst. There aren’t enough words to describe the disgrace that the Oakland A’s have become. At this point, you feel bad for the fans, the ones that fell in love with this team in the 1980s (when they were great) and the early 2000s (when they were good) but are now stuck in a mess. The A’s have been bad on the field, at the ballpark, off the field, and in the national eye (fans see a sad team in an empty ballpark that looks poised to relocate because of an awful ownership group).

Sticking to the on-field stuff, they’ve been one of the worst teams in baseball history and could finish this season as far and beyond the worst team in the game’s history. They score 3.44 runs per game which is second-worst in baseball and they allow a league-worst 7.05 runs per game. The A’s have had losing streaks of six games, seven games, and a current losing streak of 11 games. They are 10-45 putting them on pace for a 30-win season. It’s hard to lose that many games even if a team tries but they are in a league of their own.

There’s no telling how this ends and if at the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky. maybe the A’s eventually move to Las Vegas and with that move, they somehow become a better, more watchable team. Maybe the A’s are sold to an owner that is willing to invest in the team and the city and put together a competitive team (something that happened in the 80s). It’s one of those situations where the fans have suffered the most and there doesn’t seem like a good ending anytime soon for this historically bad team.

Winner Two: Tampa Bay Rays

The class of baseball at the start of the season. The Tampa Bay Rays have a 39-17 record which is the best in baseball but have been dominant in all facets of the game as well.

They have a remarkable rotation led by Cy Young candidate Shane McClanahan who has allowed only 14 runs in 64 innings while tossing 75 strikeouts. Best yet, the rotation is clicking with Tyler Glasnow, who might have the best stuff on the staff, having yet to pitch a game. The bullpen continues to win by committee with multiple relievers stepping up for any situation to close out games (their save leader for what it’s worth is Jason Adam, which might surprise you as much as it surprised me).

Then there’s the lineup, which is scoring 6.09 runs per game which is second-best in baseball. Yandy Diaz is slashing .327/.429/.612 with 12 home runs and 101 total bases, making him one of the best power hitters in the game. Wander Franco, Randy Arozarena, and Josh Lowe have all been able to make contact and put the ball in play to keep the line moving. A mind-boggling 10 (yes 10!) batters in the lineup have an OPS+ over 100, making every out a tough one. The sky is the limit with this Rays team and led by their lineup, they can easily win the World Series this year.

Loser Two: Central Divisions (Both of Them)

Does anyone want to win here my God? Of the 10 teams in the AL and NL Central, only three of them are at or above .500 at the time of this typing. The Milwaukee Brewers have the best record of the bunch, they are 28-25.

The AL Central has seen the Minnesota Twins on rare occasions look like a team that can compete with the rest of the league but they’ve failed to string together enough wins to run away with the division. They are 28-26 and have left the window open for the 25-27 Detriot Tigers to step up and take over the division lead. At the bottom, the Chicago White Sox are 22-33, and one of the great disappointments of the 2023 season while the Kansas City Royals are 17-38 and would be baseball’s worst team if not for the historically bad A’s.

The NL Central meanwhile is the division where expectations didn’t match up with reality. The Chicago Cubs were expected to take a big leap this year while the St. Louis Cardinals were just expected to run away with the division. The Cubs are in last place while the Cardinals have turned a corner after losing 11 of 12 but are still struggling. The Pittsburgh Pirates looked like a sleeper team but the lineup eventually gave out and at this point, the Brewers might crawl away with the division by default (or maybe the Cincinnati Reds conjure some magic).

The last time a team from the NL Central won the World Series was in 2016 (the Cubs). The last time the AL Central won the World Series was in 2015 (the Royals). Those two divisional droughts are the longest in baseball and by the looks of it, they look to remain that way.

Winner Three: Braves & Dodgers

Going with chalk for preseason predictions felt like a bold move at the start of the season. Everyone was picking teams to unseat the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers in their division as if they were a thing of the past.

Well, they remain the teams to beat in the National League. They have the two best records and again, look like the teams to beat. The everyday players on both teams were overlooked and stars like Mookie Betts, Austin Riley, Freddie Freeman, and Ronald Acuna Jr. were overlooked. The Braves and Dodgers have some team biting at their heels in their divisions but they both have shown little sign of slowing down.

Loser Three: San Diego Padres

What is going happening with the San Diego Padres? They entered the season as World Series favorites, the hot pick to win it all by many fans and experts. At 24-29, they are in fourth play in their division. Their lineup, which was supposed to be a strength, is scoring only 4.04 runs per game, the sixth-worst in baseball.

Let’s start with how the lineup has struggled. Juan Soto, the prize addition at last year’s trade deadline has been a big disappointment. He’s great at drawing walks but has become too passive at the plate, waiting for his pitch to come but not swinging enough to make an impact. Just when he turned things around, Manny Machado, the other star in the lineup who wasn’t having a great year, to begin with, went down to an injury. A top-heavy lineup that relies heavily on its elite hitter isn’t getting that production and it’s showing.

To make matters worse, the pitching staff has been a disaster as well. Blake Snell and Yu Darvish have underperformed while Michael Wacha, a 31-year-old journeyman, has become their best starter (go figure). The bright spot has been Josh Hader who has turned to being a dominant closer but the Padres, who rarely have leads in games, rarely give him the ball (he’s only pitched in 22 games this year). The Padres are entering the desperate time of the years when they have to turn things around and start to make a push in the division and the National League.

Winner Four: Wild AL West (Aside From the A’s)

Ok, this division has been fun to watch. The Houston Astros are the team to beat and are the reigning World Series champs. They’ve struggled at times but remain on course to compete for the World Series again with a 31-22 record. They can win the division for the third year in a row and sixth time in seven years but the competition is tough this time around.

The Texas Rangers lead the division at 34-19 and have looked like a dominant team early on. It’s surprising how many of their signings have worked out but Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom have carried the rotation while holdovers from last year’s roster, Adolis Garcia, Jonah Heim, and Marcus Semien fuel the best lineup in baseball. It’s a long season but the Rangers have fired on all cylinders so far.

The Seattle Mariners have won seven of their last 10 games to jump above the .500 mark and they are led by a great rotation. Luis Castillo is having a Cy Young-caliber season while George Kirby and Logan Gilbert have rounded out the rotation to make the Mariners a formidable team for the rest of the summer. Even the Los Angeles Angels, a team everyone anticipates will fail by season’s end, have been playing .500 ball. Maybe this is the year they get Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani into the postseason and snap a nine-year drought.

Games aren’t going as late with the rule changes but the West Coast games are once again keeping avid baseball fans in the Eastern time awake late.

Loser Four: New York Mets

With all the money the New York Mets spent, they’ve only played .500 ball. It’s been a chaotic start to the season with Edwin Diaz getting hurt during the World Baseball Classic, Justin Verlander getting hurt at the start of the season, and Max Scherzer dealing with a whole lotta things. The Mets also weren’t getting power from a lineup that is carried by it, making the team a middling one.

The Mets have improved recently with the addition of young talent and their rotation finally returning to full strength. However, they have a tough hill to climb to get back into the divisional race and if they can’t catch the Braves by season’s end, it could be a tough winter ahead.

Honorable Mention: MLB Rule Changes

There was a lot of uncertainty and skepticism about the rule changes and understandably so. MLB has managed to anger fans for years and why would these new rules but any different? At the Memorial Day weekend, it’s safe to say that Commissioner Rob Manfred got it right (some might say that a broken clock is right twice a day).

The pitch clock has made a three-hour game a two-and-a-half-hour one. Baseball is more action-packed and the games have trimmed down the fat. Baseball is played the way it was played in the 1910s but with more skill and power. That is to say, the pitcher gets the ball, throws the ball, and the batter hits it without much interruption in between.

The shift ban has brought with it mixed results but overall, it’s brought baseball back to the future. Now a hard-hit ball can more often be a base hit and not an easy out with teams shifting to the exact spot where it’s hit. That said, this is a rule that favors a hitter, as most rule changes do. If you don’t like the shift, you can bunt. The other gripe with this rule change is that the shortstop, by definition, was a shift since teams used to play with four outfielders and three fielders by each base (until teams realized it’s not worth it to have four outfielders).

Then there is the baserunning addition. The pick-off rule forces the pitcher to throw the ball at the plate while the slightly bigger bases, make base-stealing easier. Finally, speed is a big factor in the game.

It’s a long season and a lot can change. On Memorial Day, we can look back at what the season has been and what is in store. So far, 2023 has been a fun year for those that watch on a daily basis.

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Hitting, fielding, running the bases, and covering ground in the outfield, he has more than lived up to the lofty expectations set on him prior to his MLB debut.

The only blemish on his torrid start to his career was the 2022 season. After tearing his ACL mid-way through a productive 2021, Acuna struggled through last season. Career lows in on-base percentage, OPS, and an uncharacteristically low walk rate yielded a mediocre season.

However, he has not only transformed back into the player he once was, but he’s also easily having his best season so far. A National League-leading 1.015 OPS to go along with a 2.4 Fangraphs War. Despite only playing a quarter of the season, Acuna has surpassed his 2.1 mark in 119 games last year.

It’s usually not a responsible take to anoint someone an MVP this early. With how much can still play out, it’s always easier to take “the field” when comparing everyone to one guy. Acuna’s been that guy, but this is his year.

He’s been phenomenal, here’s why it’s going to be sustainable.

Ronald Acuna Jr. is Already the NL MVP

Stolen Base Rule

It’s been well documented that the new rules implemented this past offseason were designed to benefit base stealers. Pitchers are only allowed two “disengagements” from the mound; runners can operate with a significant decrease in risk knowing the burden is on the pitcher.

Acuna has always been a problem on the basepaths. He’s had a season with 29 stolen bases and a season with 37. A runner like Acuna is adept at knowing when to take advantage of the pitcher and the new rule to his benefit. Despite only being two months in, Acuna has already swiped 20 bags: national league leader and second in all of baseball.

It’s not completely out of the realm of possibility to assume he will reach the 50 stolen base plateaus. Between these rules and this upside, the sky is the limit for him on the bases.

The Total Package

Some players who have success stealing bases don’t offer a whole lot else to the table. Some players who get on base or hit home runs also can’t offer a whole lot else.

In the case of Acuna, he offers everything. While it’s been detailed his ability to provide a use while on the bases, it matters more if he can get on base and get on base a lot.

His league-leading .427 on-base percentage shows his ability to be uber-productive while not picking up hits. His .351-mark last year has improved drastically; coupled with his speed, he’s a tough player to prepare for.

Home runs make offenses significantly more efficient and make players more valuable for teams. Acuna burst onto the scene with 26 in his rookie campaign; he followed that up with 41 in 2019, his first full season in the majors.

He has 11 already so far at the end of May. On top of everything Acuna can already do, his ability to provide the Braves with 35 home run upside is just another strength to both Acuna the player and the Atlanta offense overall.

While Aaron Judge won his MVP season a year ago hitting 62! Acuna doesn’t need to reach that mark, nor does he have to come close. The overall package is enough to both sustain his torrid start and continue to produce at an extremely high level this season.

Could This Season Be Historic?

While still very early, it’s fair to assume that Acuna’s 2023 season could be one for the history books. Judge in 2022, Mookie Betts in 2018, Bryce Harper in 2015, Shohei Ohtani…pretty much every year. There are certain MVP seasons that find a way to separate themselves from the pack. This could be one of those.

Acuna has played for just about two months. He has already right near a fWar mark of three. This means he is on pace to finish with a mark right around nine. Judge’s 2022 season was 11.5, and Betts in 2018 was at 10.5.

Those seasons are revered as some of the greatest single seasons of all time. Acuna is not too far off from putting himself in that company.

With the weather warming up, fly balls that may fall for outs or doubles in April and early May will start to leave the yard in the summer months. This will only increase the on-base percentage, the slugging percentage, the OPS, and the counting stats. (home runs and RBIs)

Double-digit fWar seasons are few and far between, but this feels like the next guy to accomplish that feat.

Acuna Jr. has more than bounced back from his ACL injury and is going to run away with this NL MVP award. Not only will this be a great season for the Braves superstar, but it’s going to be historic.

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“I got to think about it.”

3 Signs That LeBron James is a Top NBA Player of All-Time

10 Trips To The NBA Finals

James had his first trip to the NBA Finals all the way back in 2007. He led the fourth seed
Cleveland Cavilers to the Finals against a loaded San Antonio Spurs team that did sweep them, winning their third title in six years. In that first appearance, he had 22 points and seven rebounds, fairly mediocre stats for a guy who was the best prospect ever. 

After that first trip to the NBA Finals, he made it back there for eight straight years. The people who count based on the number of rings have the upper hand. Michael Jordon went to six NBA Finals and won every single one. 

The separator between Jordan and James is the break-in between the two realms’ success. Jordan famously took time off to pursue baseball for a couple of years. Then he came back to win three more titles. In the grand scheme of things, going to that many Finals in a row is almost impossible to do, Jordan might have done eight in a row and could have won all eight, but he didn’t. James did, which is a feat that goes under the radar most of the time.

20 Years of Playing At A High Level

Apart from the run of finals appearances, the most impressive thing might be his run of success over this two-decade career. Most players trail off when they enter their 30s. They do not get better, but somehow James was still playing at the level of someone in their mid to late 20s. Most stars at that point in their career will move into a bench role or specialty position, not a number one option on team condensing for an NBA title.

He was one of the last players taken straight out of highschool at 18 years old. The amount of pressure on someone who is looked at as still as a kid is trying to make his mark in the NBA going up against guys he was watching on television the year prior. He won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year and made the First Team All NBA Rookie Team. He might have been staring down Kobe Bryant in an NBA Finals his first year in the league, but he enters it with a bang.

The most impressive thing about LeBron James is how his game evolved, from being a pure scorer getting upwards of 30 points to someone who has passed more and led the league in assists (2020). That evolution is brutal to do since more star players don’t usually think about shifting off of what got them to that level in the first place. On top of all of that in his 20 years in the NBA, the game has changed from an inside-out game to a three-point-first game. Spacing the floor is now how the NBA works now, everyone can fire it from beyond the arch at will.

The Legacy

As much as he gets heat from fans and pundits alike, LeBron James is an all-time great player. He delivered his home, town Cleveland Cavaliers, an NBA Title when he returned after he ran in Miami. He is in the top five players of all time, regardless of some miscues he made when he was younger, like The Decision, the televised spectacle that he used to announce he was going to the Heat to make a super team.

He has a special place in two different organizations. Cleveland and winning the aforementioned title, but in Los Angeles as well. Following the tragic passing of arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, Kobe Bryant, he helped lead a Lakers team and city through it. That 2020 bubble playoff run of the Lakers was something special that was as emotional as it was spectacular. It’s something every Lakers fan will remember.

The short version of this comes down to what he wants to do. Does he want to return as a 39-year-old in the NBA? Risking injuries and putting in all the training that comes with it? The only thing James wants to do possibly is play with his son for a year. At that point, he would be a 40-year-old playing on a bad team. Regardless of that choice, LeBron James is an all-time great. In sports, we usually see the stars go out disappointingly, like being swept and not on top of winning another title. 

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Buy or Sell, West Divisions

The Dodgers Take a Step Back

This level of dominance that the Los Angeles Dodgers have had over the last decade or so is something to marvel at. It’s similar to the Braves’ run in the ’90s led by the three future Hall of Fame pitchers. The Dodgers have won 9 out of the last 10 division titles while winning a World Series in 2020.

It’s tough to bet against a team that had that kind of success year after year. At the same time, signing top free agents and drafting and developing players. On the outside looking in, the Dodgers organization can almost look within the organization to fill the holes once the big-name stars leave. The Dodgers still have a line-up that features Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. With a pitching staff that has future hall-of-famer Clayton Kershaw. How people doubt the Dodgers’ power in this division with that kind of firepower seems laughable.

The San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, at least to this point, are definitely on the way up. The Padres made a big blockbuster deal last year to get Juan Soto. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks’ crop of young players are simultaneously getting up to the majors and making their presence known. Corbin Carroll is a definite Rookie of the Year candidate-level player. The Padres have an All-Star filled line-up. Significant free-agent signings lead the way for them. The extension of Manny Machado to stay in San Diego makes it seem like the Padres want to be a force in the National League West. However, I don’t think this year is that year.

Verdict: Sell

The Oakland Athletics Will Break The Record for Most Loses

The modern era record for losses in a single season is 120, set by the New York Mets in 1962. To be that bad is usually not something you assume will happen when the season begins. These Oakland A’s entered the season with extremely slow expectations. Everyone knew they would finish fourth in the American League West and possibly last in baseball. Despite showing a small amount of promise, the A’s are one pace to win about a game a week. If that keeps up, the Athletics would only win 26 games.

To lose that many games, a number of things have to go wrong. All these things happening to a team that wins a record-breaking number in one season is difficult. Now imagine being on the wrong side of those breaks over 162 games. It doesn’t seem possible. Even with the A’s time in Oakland seeming to end soon, it begs the question, why? The A’s have done these rebuilds for years, the way of money ball not paying for the big ticket players, instead young talent that gets traded to replace them. Usually, the A’s remain slightly competitive, but not this time.

There are a few bright spots for this season for the A’s franchise. Mason Miller took a no-hitter into the 7th inning against the Seattle Mariners. Brent Rooker has been on a tear for them all month long. Will any of this change anything? It could probably make fans want to come to the ballpark and prove to the city that the fans of Oakland want baseball in the east bay.

Verdict: Sell

The Angels Finally Return to the Postseason

For the last handful of years or so, the narrative of the Los Angeles Angles are wasting Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout has become the calling cards of many of baseball’s most prominent writers and podcasters. Despite the faux attempts to sell the team, a botched stadium land deal, and a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s impressive that the team has remained even somewhat competitive.

Outside influences aside, the 2023 Angels have been okay so far. As of this article, they are a game behind the American West-leading Rangers. The roster the Angels have this season is the best they have had, possibly since the last playoff appearance in 2014. They finally have depth on the roster, plus a line-up when healthy is even more profound. The 18-14 record may not be the best in the sport, but it proves that despite the bullpen’s flaws, they can compete with the best on most nights.

The impending free agency of Ohtani puts added stress on the team to maintain a competitive edge all season and even deeper into October. The season is still incredibly young, and the team will have ups and downs. There have been more downs than ups but it is essential to keep things in perspective. Additions can be made that can improve the team, and players improve as the year progresses. Most importantly, they have Trout and Ohtani. With those two guys healthy and playing consistently, their team should always have a chance to win most games.

Verdict: Buy

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While Jordan Walker, Anthony Volpe, and Hunter Brown make their highly anticipated debuts for their respective teams, let’s take a look at the top five prospects that are expected to make their Major League debuts post-opening day.

Top Five Debuts on the Horizon for MLB’s Top Prospects

1. Francisco Alvarez

The Venezuelan’s 5’10”, 223lbs build provides the perfect build for a catcher in today’s game. Alvarez signed with the New York Mets in 2019 as a 17-year-old and has flown through the minor leagues, hitting 58 home runs and driving in 174 runs in his three full minor league seasons.

The Mets’ decision to start Alvarez’s 2023 season in Triple-A Syracuse wasn’t an easy one. But the club’s reasoning was quite simple: to get him ready to be an everyday catcher. The Mets have not had a catcher post over a 2.4 WAR since Paul Lo Duca in 2006.

Expect the power-hitting, high-contact rate Alvarez to change that narrative once he gets his chance in the big leagues in 2023 and be a catalyst for the redemption seeking Mets’, as Joe Rini of LWOS Baseball mentions in his most recent article.

2. Grayson Rodriguez

Approaching Opening Day, this was the biggest shock in anyone not making their team’s opening day roster. The 6’5″ right-hander from Houston, Texas had some unusual command issues in spring training, which ultimately made the Baltimore Orioles decide to start him out in Triple-A Norfolk.

But, Rodriguez posted a 2.20 ERA over 69.2 IP in Norfolk last season, while also finishing with an impressive 12.5 K/9, surpassing the MLB average of 7.3 K/9 by a large feat. Rodriguez’s four-pitch mix with a fastball touching triple digits will certainly play in the big leagues once he gets his opportunity.

3. Elly De La Cruz

The 21-year-old infielder from the Dominican Republic is one of the more passionate and fun players to watch on a baseball diamond, not to mention his five-tool potential. De La Cruz was signed by the Cincinnati Reds in 2018 for just $65,000 and should’ve already made his Major League debut if the 2020 minor league season wasn’t canceled.

The switch hitter posted an eye-popping .945 OPS in the minor leagues in 2023, complimenting that with 28 home runs and 47 stolen bases. But with a combination of Cincinnati showing patience with their young prospects and a minor left hamstring strain De La Cruz suffered towards the end of spring training, the Reds decided to start his 2023 season in Triple-A Louisville.

But what’s not to like about De La Cruz? Expect him to make a splash once he gets the call in late April or early May.

READ MORE: Why to watch the Reds in 2023

4. Eury Perez

Sandy Alcàntara Jr. you mean? The comparison is spot on for the 6’8″ starting pitcher from the Dominican Republic.

Featuring an eerily similar pitch mix as Alcàntara, Perez gets his fastball in the triple digits with ease and mixes in a high 80s changeup to effectively strikeout hitters at a career 12.7 K/9 clip. But the main concern is that command, as his minor league career WHIP sits at 1.01, which is much higher than where the Miami Marlins are looking for it to be.

Although Perez won’t get the call until about August time, expect hitters to struggle against his electric tailing fastball and devastating changeup.

5. Sal Frelick

The Boston native is known to have the top contact rates of all MLB’s top prospects. With Frelick’s batting average of .365 for Triple-A Nashville in 2022 and his .385 batting average in 10 games for the Milwaukee Brewers this spring, he made a strong case for himself to get the Opening-Day nod.

He complimented his batting average with a .435 OBP for Triple-A Nashville in 2022, but the power numbers haven’t been there for Frelick which ultimately will have him starting his season with Nashville. With Milwaukee having a lot of question marks in the outfield for 2023, the former ACC defense player will earn a spot on the team with his contact-speed combo sometime in the summer and will be a tough out at the plate for all pitchers.

Where is Andrew Painter on this list? Although he’s projected to bust into the league this year, there is a big question mark on his health at the moment as he is dealing with a strain in his throwing elbow. Although I’m no doctor, teams usually side on the side of caution with young pitchers and elbow issues. This could delay his debut until even next year, even if there aren’t any setbacks.

Players who received honorable mentions for this list were Daniel Espino, Kyle Harrison, Taj Bradley, and Bobby Miller. Although this highlighted my top prospects to be on the lookout for as they break into the big leagues in 2023, there are plenty of young players that will get their chance to make a splash in the Major Leagues this year.

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Greatest Opening Day Feats

Most Opening Day Home Runs

This record, especially in this day and age of the game, seems to be the most prevalent. Home runs have consumed the game. So, who has the most home runs on this great day?

No one player holds the record actually, it is held by a combination of the great Frank Robinson, another all-time great Ken Griffey Jr., and — the most surprising one of the bunch — the slugging Adam Dunn. These three men are all tied atop the leaderboard in this category with eight home runs each on Opening Day.

Frank Robinson always seemed to find the spotlight and step up when it was on him. He hit one home run on eight different Opening Days. His last one came as a player-manager in 1975, which is impressive on its own. The sweet-swinging Ken Griffey Jr. had a flair for the dramatic as well throughout his career. He hit two home runs in 1997 to help hit this mark.

Two of baseball's best prospects are set to make their MLB debuts on Opening Day.

Get to know them: https://t.co/m6tLw57X4N pic.twitter.com/OZfMPY6IH4

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 28, 2023

Then comes Adam Dunn, a polarizing figure in baseball with him being the creator of the true three outcome player (walk, strikeout, or home run). But, as any baseball fan would know, Dunn was a masher. He swung hard and missed big, but when that bat made contact, the ball wouldn’t come back. In 2005 and 2007 on Opening Day, Dunn hit two home runs each helping stack his numbers, while even holding the RBI record for Opening Day as well with 21.

This record, with the way baseball is being played now, could be broken. But the longevity and consistency to do it might not be there. Eight home runs on one specific day and one of baseball’s greatest and most popular days seems like a tall task. Currently, the active leaders are Evan Longoria, Giancarlo Stanton, and Bryce Harper with five each. Harper is the youngest one there and probably holds the highest chance to break the said record.

Most Opening Day Starts

This impressive mark is held by Tom Seaver, who went on to make his record-setting and holding 16 Opening Day starts. An unbelievable mark that proves his longevity and durability throughout his illustrious career. To be considered the ace and best, most worthy pitcher on his team to start the season on the bump on 16 different occasions is unthinkable.

Pitchers now don’t consistently get selected as the Opening Day starter. Also, with injuries and managers playing matchups more, it seems that this record seems to be set in stone and unbreakable. Currently, the active leader is Justin Verlander with 12 starts and with him entering his age 40 season, it seems unlikely that he would get to break Seaver’s record.

Most Opening Day Hits

Thinking quickly about this record, tons of names throughout all eras come to mind. But the one that holds this record is the all-time hit king and banned/shunned from baseball, Pete Rose. Not to get into his issues, but Rose deserves his spot in Cooperstown.

Pete Rose holds the Opening Day record for hits with 31. He also holds the record with 23 games played. 31 hits is a ridiculous number for one specific day. But for someone like Pete Rose, it seems par for the course.

Pete Rose just hit all the time throughout his career, probably why he is the all-time MLB hit king. Starting in 1963 and ending in 1985, he managed to play in 23 Opening Day games and collect 31 hits. The ability to adapt over years and continue to find a way to get hits consistently is why this record could be hard to beat.

With Miguel Cabrera being the active Opening Day hits leader with 18, it seems someone new will have to make a run at this record. But, with the influx of young players and young superstars to say the least, and a ban on shifts, this record could be under attack. But not for at least the next 10 years.

23-year-old @HunterGreene17 will be the youngest pitcher starting on #OpeningDay.

The @Reds pitcher isn't the only fast learner in his family. pic.twitter.com/VIIjwNZjXY

— MLB Players Media (@MLBPlayersMedia) March 28, 2023

Opening Day No-Hitter

In baseball, there has only been one man to pitch a no-hitter on Opening Day. That man is the Hall Of Fame fireballer, Bob Feller. This, by far, is baseball’s greatest Opening Day achievement. A no-hitter of any kind is a special and unique feat, but one on a specific and celebrated day is special. To be able to start the year firing on all cylinders and stretched out to finish the game and keep the opposing team hitless is unreal.

On April 16th, 1940, Bob Feller entrenched himself into the MLB record books. Pitching for the then-Cleveland Indians, he no-hit the Chicago White Sox at the original Comiskey Park. Feller was far from perfect that day, he walked five White Sox batters while striking out eight others. This low-scoring affair ended 1-0, Indians. So, keeping the White Sox hitless might have been the only way Feller and the Indians could have pulled off the win.

A no-hitter can come from anywhere at any time. So this is a record that could be tied. But to say one pitcher himself can pull this off is difficult. Nowadays, pitchers do not pitch deep into games too much, especially early in the season. Pitch counts are strict, so the better bet would be to see a combined no-hitter than a one-pitcher no-hitter. Needless to say, anything can happen in baseball, and that gets proven every day.

With Opening Day upon us, history is here to be made and memories made for everyone. What will be the next, “Remember when” Opening Day achievement?

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Odds To Win The 2023 World Series

Houston Astros (+600)

In 2022, the Houston Astros won their second World Series Championship in six years, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in six games. Coming into 2023, they still field the dangerous core of Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman, and Jeremy Pena. If this offense wasn’t dangerous enough, the Astros have added former MVP first baseman Jose Abreu to the fold which will make this lineup the best in baseball.

On the pitching side, despite losing Justin Verlander, Houston still has one of the best rotations in baseball led by Framber Vladez who is getting better every season. Lance McCullers, Christain Javier, Luis Garcia, and Jose Urquidy fill out of rest of the rotation. With the talent and depth at the Astros’ disposal, they’re a real threat to repeat as champions.

Los Angeles Dodgers (+800)

Like the Astros, the Los Angeles Dodgers are always near the top of the World Series odds but the difference is they never seem to get over the hump. They did win it all in 2020 but that was in a 62-game schedule. The last time they won the World Series in a full 162-game season was in 1988. The Dodgers have yet another good chance to secure a championship in 2023. They had an eventful offseason, to say the least.

The Dodgers lost Cody Bellinger and Trea Truner on the offensive side but they have the players to replace the missing pieces. While the losses might hurt, it helped that they signed J.D. Martinez to add more power to this lineup. Los Angeles still has former MVPs in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman to hold this lineup together, just to name a few.

They re-signed Clayton Kershaw to retain this deep starting rotation but also brought in Noah Syndergaard and Shelby Miller to strengthen this pitching depth even more. After having a league-best 111 wins in 2022 but yet falling short in the NLDS against division rival San Diego Padres, this team will be even more on a mission to bring home a World Series Championship.

New York Mets (+850)

There was a serious argument to be made that the New York Mets could be tied in the odds with the Dodgers or even ahead but the loss of All-Star closer Edwin Diaz is a huge blow to this team. However, the Mets still have a dangerous club that can make a run at their first World Series title since 1986.

Ever since Steven Cohen took over ownership, the Mets have been in serious conversation to play late October baseball. When Cohen says he’s going “all in”, he means it. They’ve spent A LOT of money over the last two seasons in free agency. They have really good talent in this lineup with Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor to start while also locking up Brandon Nimmo to an eight-year, $162M contract.

The Mets also picked up a lot of pitching, starting with the very talented arm of Justin Verlander (2-year, $86.6M) to pair with Max Scherzer, making them one of the deadliest one-two punches in the league. They also signed Japanese star pitcher Kodai Senga (5-year, $75M) and Jose Quintana (two-year, $26M), who will miss a few months due to injury but will be back. Don’t forget bringing back reliever Adam Ottavino (2-year, 14.5M), adding to the pen with David Robertson and Brooks Raley, who will need to step up even more with the injury of Diaz. Nevertheless, the Mets still have too much talent to deteriorate their chances at a World Series.

New York Yankees (+850)

Every offseason, the New York Yankees do everything in their power to make sure they stay in World Series contention and for the most part, they do that. The only problem is that they haven’t won the AL Pennant in 13 years. That’s a long time for a team like the Yankees, proving once again that offseason spending doesn’t guarantee a winning formula.

Putting that aside, the Yankees made some moves that can finally put them over the top in 2023. After he was set to become a free agent, they re-signed Aaron Judge to a 9-year, $360M contract. This coming after hitting .311 with 62 home runs (AL record) and 131 RBI to go along with a 1.111 OPS. Next to Judge, the Yankees have the power of Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo, making them one of the best lineups in baseball. Not only do they have the offense, but they have the rotation to compete with anyone. Despite the Frankie Montas injury, the Yankees starting pitching is strong.

It all starts with one of the best pitchers in the game Gerrit Cole. He’s followed by Nestor Cortes, who has been really good the past two seasons and had a breakout year in 2022, and Luis Severino. On top of that, the Yankees signed Carlos Rodon to a 6-year, $162M contract to bolster this rotation even more. Even though he will start the season on the IL, that won’t impact the Yankees’ chances, barring setbacks throughout the year. And if they can get Montas back by the end of the year or into the playoff run as their fifth starter, that makes them even more of a threat to go the distance.

Atlanta Braves (+900)

Despite not doing much in the offseason, the Atlanta Braves have a good chance to win their second World Series in three seasons. With the likes of Ronald Acuna Jr., Michael Harris, Ozzie Ablies, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley on offense, the Braves are just as dangerous as anyone. Not to mention 28-year-old catcher Sean Murphy, who they just traded for from the A’s.

To take it another step further, Spencer Strider leads a very talented and promising rotation. Behind Strider, the Braves have the likes of Max Fried to go along with Charlie Morton, Kyle Wright, and Michael Soroka (once healthy). They have a mix of great young talent, players in their prime, and seasoned veterans that makes the Braves just as dangerous as teams like the Astros, Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees. While they are fifth in the odds to win the World Series, they could easily be higher on this list with the amount of talent surrounding this team.

Next Best Odds

San Diego Padres (+950)
Toronto Blue Jays (+1100)
Philadelphia Phillies (+1500)
St. Louis Cardinals (+2000)
Seattle Mariners (+2000)

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The Atlanta Braves won 88 games in 2021 and went on to win a harrowing World Series Championship against the Houston Astros. 2022 saw the Braves crest the vaunted 100-win mark in the regular season, only to lose in the division series. The 2023 Atlanta Braves O/U is currently set at 95.5, according to Fanduel. With a healthy MVP candidate in Ronald Acuna Jr. and depth in most categories, there are four big reasons why the Braves will top the OVER.

There exist several ways to prognosticate winning success, especially in the world of advanced analytics. A more direct, old-school approach finds it axiomatic that “winning home games and playing .500 baseball on the road” leads to ultimate victory.

This simple method used to be especially pertinent in a division like the National League East, where a distinct delineation between a couple of rebuilding teams and a three-horse-race of playoff hopefuls might be determined by which of the favorites takes the most flesh from the bottom feeders.

However, that was then, and this is now. MLB continues to live in the now and mix it up by implementing a schedule that features six fewer games against each division rival. Of course, this also means fewer opportunities for divisional attrition between teams built to win like the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves.

While the Braves’ 95.5 O/U line flirts with splitting the difference between 2022’s 101 wins and 2021’s 88 wins, all bets are arguably off as to how these schedule adjustments – along with defensive shift rules, pitch clock, and other policy changes – will play out for teams across baseball. Between the truncated 2020 season and controversies over everything from the tightness of baseball seams to the “sticky stuff” on the balls, 2023 may truly be an unpredictable year of wild, wild cards.

Amidst stormy sea changes, a steady, balanced team like the Atlanta Braves possesses the necessary tools – which can be broken down into four major keys – to jump those 95.5 predicted wins.

2023 Atlanta Braves Will OVER the 95.5 O/U

Healthy Ronald Acuna Jr.

A nightmare scenario played out for Ronald Acuna Jr. when he tore his right anterior cruciate ligament in the middle of the 2021 season. This season-ending injury would be bad enough for any player, but 2021 happened to be the year the Atlanta Braves went on to win the World Series. Meanwhile, all Acuna Jr. could do was cheer his teammates from the dugout.

While no player will refuse a World Series ring, the one Acuna owns might be the ultimate motivation to propel him to a career season, while helping the Braves challenge for back-to-back 100-win seasons.

At a mere 25 years old, Acuna has played five seasons but only two full ones, carrying a career 134 RC+. When healthy, it’s hard to find a flaw in his offensive game. Elite Launch Angles, Barrel%, and Exit Velocities portend more exciting moments for Braves fans in 2023.

Considering new rules in place that could make stolen bases more prevalent in 2023, the Braves’ star outfielder is one of the legit candidates to post a 40/40 season. He came close in 2019 with 41/37.

With no restrictions coming into the season, Acuna’s stealing bases and already displaying his five-tool skill set in Grapefruit League play. Though he’s struggled offensively playing for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, Acuna Jr looks no worse for the wear, covering center-field territory with ease.

A healthy Acuna Jr., with no restrictions, means an MVP-caliber leader on a team built to win.

Emergence of Spencer Strider

Speaking of no restrictions, after throwing 131 innings with an eye-popping 13.8 K/9 in his rookie season, pitching phenom Spencer Strider looks ready to take the leap to staff ace in 2023.

Drawing comparisons to another National League ace Corbin Burnes – who mainly features a 96mph cutter he throws 55% – Strider utilizes an elite fastball/slider combo and sprinkles in a changeup. Despite his reputation as a two-pitch pitcher, Burnes also features an elite curve, a very good slider, and a middling changeup.

During the minor leagues, Strider utilized a curveball and the aforementioned changeup, which Fangraphs has a 55 future grade. The changeup happens to perform quite well off his fastball, following similar horizontal movement. Arguably, the only reason he hasn’t thrown it is because he hasn’t had to.

His fastball averages 98, gets ridiculous vertical movement, and pairs remarkably with a devastating 86mph slider that elicits a 52.2 Whiff%. With a 15.6% Called Strike Percent that bests teammate Max Fried and his 1.55 BB/9, there’s even some upside that Strider’s 3 BB/9 might deflate.

And c’mon, the guy just looks the part of a Cy Young contender. Sporting a boss mustache and a name that makes aptonym fans drool, Strider harnesses all of his below-average six-foot frame to stride with electric purpose toward home plate.

Magic within that stride unleashes pure filth in the form of his ungodly fastball, to which whole articles have been devoted. Newer metrics like Vertical Approach Angle (VAA) reveal some secrets as to why Strider’s smaller frame coupled with a short VAA generates enormous deception to the hitter’s eye.

Resurgent Veterans

It’s hard to say what’s more remarkable: the fact that the Braves won the World Series without Ronald Acuna Jr. or the fact that Charlie Morton pitched dominant baseball literally on a broken leg to help the Braves clinch the championship.

Who knows how much that gutsy performance inhibited Morton as he recovered in the off-season, and put up a lackluster 2022 as a follow-up. When one looks at the peripheral numbers, it’s honestly hard to say where it went wrong for Morton, as his metrics for 2022 were mostly in line with his ace-like 2021.

However, to watch Morton pitch in 2022, his ability to put the ball where he wanted was clearly lacking. Morton’s career resurgence a few years ago was not only due to an uptick in velocity but also sharper command. After recently compiling a BB/9 in the 2.3-2.8 range, Morton’s BB/9 jumped to 3.3 in 2022.

A healthy season and a simple return to the mean from Morton would mean an Atlanta rotation with a previous ace, who’s only required to pitch like a #4 starter.

Eddie Rosario is another veteran, whose eye issues sapped his hit prowess. This impairment is said to be behind him, so any contributions from the previously consistent Rosario would substantially stabilize the outfield.

Also, who can’t hope for a dead cat bounce from Marcell Ozuna? He can’t possibly be this bad, can he? His xwOBA and xSLG continue a trend going back to 2019 of a player underperforming his expected metrics.

Rising Talent, Stars In Their Prime

A middle infield of All-Star Ozzie Albies and newcomer Vaughn Grissom is full of question marks and promise. Albies was having a down year before an injury took him out, allowing Grissom to flex his athletic abilities over the final few months.

At only 25, Austin Riley erased any question marks and still possesses promise. The hot corner superstar just mashes baseballs, with Barrel% and Exit Velocities in the 96th percentile. While he’s gonna strike out, his Zone Contact of 85.9% is tied with Trea Turner and Carlos Santana.

In other words, Riley selects pitches in the zone and does damage. Between him and Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves corner infielders could combine for 80 home runs.

Some regression may be in store for dynamic center fielder Michael Harris II if he can’t boost his BB% from 4.8%. His minor-league track record suggests a bit better, and his power/speed combined with incredible defense are why the 2022 Rookie of the Year might continue to subvert expectations.

The Braves went out and got a prime piece when they traded for 28-year-old catcher Sean Murphy. This solidifies catcher, which has been a looming question mark for several years. Travis D’Arnaud, who helped patch together the catching position, becomes maybe the league’s best backup, as he was no slouch in 2022 with a 120 RC+.

Murphy himself comes in from the cold confines of Oakland Coliseum with a career 116 RC+. Defense is Murphy’s calling card, so his ability to anchor a pitching staff in their prime speaks volumes to his usefulness – especially in a year where rule changes necessitate catchers be on their game.

Murphy’s Max Exit Velocity is in the 94th percentile. Perhaps a move to friendlier offensive environs could propel him to even more home runs than the optimistic projection systems, many of which already give him well over his career-high 18.

Finally, the Braves all around depth can be found in the race to round out a starting pitching staff of Strider, Morton, Kyle Wright, and Max Fried, who replaced Morton as the ace in 2022.

In an ideal world, that fifth starter position might be a placeholder for Michael Soroka, once he returns from his latest injury delay.

Or someone like top prospect Jared Shuster could Spencer-Strider his way onto the team and never look back.

Either way, the Atlanta Braves have the look of a potential 100-win club. As with every hope-springs-eternal summer in baseball, the tale will be told in the tape of the fall classic.

Main Image: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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(*Notice* Closing pitchers listed in this article are the projected closers, not official)

Breaking Down AL Central Closing Pitchers

Chicago White Sox – Kendall Graveman

White Sox star closer Liam Hendriks is currently out being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The White Sox are in a jam of who to put at the closer role for the 2023 season. But, there is no need to panic for White Sox fans. RHP Kendall Graveman seems to be the guy for the 2023 season.

Graveman had a respectable 2022 campaign posting solid numbers consisting of a 3.18 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and even getting six saves of his own. Even with Graveman being named the ninth-inning guy, the White Sox still have other great relievers to turn to such as Joe Kelly, Aaron Bummer, and Reynaldo Lopez. But, the 32-year-old reliever is looking to turn some heads during the 2023 season.

Cleveland Guardians – Emmanuel Clase

In the 2023 season, the Guardians will have one of the best closers in MLB. Emmanuel Clase had an incredible 2022 season posting numbers such as 1.36 ERA, 42 SV, and even holding the opponent’s batting average to .167.

Clase was named reliever of the month three times and even was named an American League All-Star in the 2022 season. In Clase’s spring training debut, he looked nothing but even better than his 2022 season form, throwing his nasty slider which clocked out at 91 mph. The 24-year-old has already proven to be one of the best closers in baseball and Clase is looking to have another successful season as the Cleveland Guardians 2023 closing pitcher. 

Detroit Tigers – Alex Lange 

The Detroit Tigers traded their 2022 season closer Gregory Soto to the Philadelphia Phillies which now opens up the closer role for the Tigers. As of now, manager A.J. Hinch did not make an official decision on his ninth-inning guy.

Relievers such as Jose Cisnero, Alex Lange, Jason Foley, and Will Vest all seem like they’re in the mix but, for now, RHP Alex Lange seems most likely. Lange was a very big part of the Tigers bullpen in the 2022 season putting up 21 holds and pitching 63.1 innings in 2022. Lange ranked among the top five percent of Major League pitchers in chase rate and had a 57.8% whiff rate on breaking balls making him one of the nastiest pitchers in baseball.

If Alex Lange is named the Detroit Tigers 2023 closer, he may be a dark horse candidate to one of the best closers in the 2023 MLB season. 

Kansas City Royals – Scott Barlow

The Kansas City Royals signed veteran reliever/closer Aroldis Chapman this off-season. But, even with that signing it still seems that Scott Barlow will remain as the Royals closer after an impressive 2022 season.

Scott Barlow has been serving as the closer for the Royals for about a year and a half. Barlow has posted amazing numbers in the closer role combining for 43 saves and a combined 2.3 ERA the past two seasons. Barlow is also looking good in spring training currently sitting at 5 IP, 4K’s, 1.80 ERA, and even having one win in his stat sheet.

Barlow has proven to be the Royals best option and we’re all expecting him to have another great season in 2023. 

Minnesota Twins – Jorge Lopez 

The Minnesota Twins seem to be using the same strategy as last season with their closer role. Relievers Jorge Lopez and Jhoan Duran will be splitting time as the ninth-inning guy.

Jorge Lopez was brought into the Twins during the trade deadline to become their new closing pitcher. In the short time span, Lopez didn’t really seem to prove anything and was nothing better than average. With that being said, manager Rocco Baldelli decided to share the closing role between Jhoan Duran and Jorge Lopez.

Jhoan Duran showed to be one of the best relievers in MLB with his fastball touching 102-103 mph. If Jorge Lopez can get back to his peak performance in the 2023 season, the Twins will be a scary team with the two sharing time as the closer. 

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3 Reasons Why The Royals Will Hit The Over

Young Core

The Royals have developed a solid core of young hitters to set the foundations of this roster. Bobby Witt Jr, one of the most exciting young players in baseball, is set to take another step forward after an impressive rookie campaign. His on-base skills will need to improve after posting a .294 OBP with a chase rate in only the 16th percentile, according to Baseball Savant. However, he showcased several other skills to hint at his potential. He was in the 93rd percentile for max exit velocity, as well as the 100th percentile for sprint speed as he made his way to thirty stolen bases. With the new rules implemented this season, he might even be inclined to surpass thirty bags.

M.J. Melendez is another interesting case for a breakout season. Melendez was essentially league average last season, with a 99 OPS+, but some key numbers suggest there is more to come. His on-base percentage was almost one hundred points higher than his average, even with a significant number of strikeouts. His underlying power metrics are a sign he could build on his home run total of eighteen from last season.

And, of course, Vinnie Pasquantino. The industry is high on Pasquantino becoming a star, and for good reason. Across 72 games last season, he slashed .295/.383/.450. He even walked 35 times, compared to 34 strikeouts. His first full season will offer a tantalizing taste of what is to come for Royals fans.

These three players are good enough to form a threatening lineup to win on any given day. They will have the chance to exceed expectations this year as the Royals look to compete in the next few years with a talented, young core of hitters leading the way. The youth this team possesses is why Kansas City will hit the over in 2023.

Pitching

The most disappointing aspect of the Royals franchise over the past few years has been the inability to develop pitching, despite investing so many resources. However, significant changes to the coaching staff should alter the outlook for the rotation and developing prospects, causing the Royals to hit the over in 2023.

While there are plenty of mixed opinions about Brady Singer, he is certainly capable of being an above-average pitcher. The supporting cast around him should be much improved, too. Returning pitchers are adding new pitches to their repertoire and adjusting their pitch mix. Veterans such as Jordan Lyles and Zack Greinke will keep games competitive. There might not be much star power in the rotation, but it should be an improvement from last year if veterans provide consistent performances and some of the former top prospects can turn around their careers.

Progression From Last Season

The Royals Over/Under is 68.5 wins. Last season, they won 65 games. It is easy to buy into the idea of a team with so many young players and interesting veterans jumping up just a few wins. While the balanced schedule will mean playing more of the elite teams around baseball, the American League Central is still far from the most threatening.

There are a handful of players who could make a significant difference if they bounce back from a poor 2022. For example, Kyle Isbel posted a 70 OPS+ after showcasing some potential in his rookie campaign. Nicky Lopez‘s on-base percentage dropped from .365 to .281, equating to a 58 OPS+. If players like this rebound as the young stars find their breakout years, the Royals will hit the over on 68.5 wins.

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