The 2018 Major League Baseball season is long gone. Champions have been crowned and awards have been delivered. Big League baseball takes breaks, but we do not, not even during the Holidays. Our baseball section is already looking forward to the next year of baseball. That is why we bring to you our way too early predictions to the 2019 World Series.
DJ’s Picks
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers stunned the baseball world in 2018. They were in third place, six games behind the Chicago Cubs before charging to a division title. They finished one game away from the World Series. And now they have their sights and expectations set on the ultimate prize. The Opening Day roster should look similar to last year’s, and they have money to spend. NL MVP Christian Yelich has become the face of the franchise. Jimmy Nelson will be back, and he could be the ace that the Brewers were lacking in 2018.
Houston Astros
The Astros have won 100+ games in each of the last two seasons, including a franchise record 103 in 2018. The Astros are built for the long haul. Six of their nine starters were under the age of 30. Pitchers Dallas Keuchel, Gerrit Cole, and Lance McCullers Jr. are all 30 or younger. Their youth and their playoff experience will serve them well. The Astros will win the AL West again, and they will find a way to get past the Boston Red Sox and into the World Series.
Winner
The Brewers will finally bring a World Series title to Milwaukee with a 4-2 Series win.
Pedro’s Picks
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays showed how competitive they can be during 2018. They finished the season with a 90-71 record and were close to getting into the battle for the AL Wild Card. While they do not have the flashiest of rosters from the American League East, they make up for that with solid collective play. Tampa was offensively led by C.J. Cron, Joey Wendle and Jake Bauers, they were more than capable of getting both Boston and New York in trouble a few times last season. Despite their hard-working offense, their pitching is what stood out the most as Blake Snell won the American League Cy Young award. Their pitching staff had the second best ERA in the junior circuit (3.74), they also were the second best team in saves in the American League (52). A grinding hard-working team like the Rays could raise a few eyebrows if given the opportunity
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers will once again be back at the World Series next year as there is not enough competition in the National League to stop them. They have a solid offense that has proven to be effective when it matters the most, and their pitching staff has risen after a revamp with the arrival of Walker Buehler. Dave Roberts will again carry the Dodgers trough the ups and downs of their season during 2019. Nonetheless, the final outcome the their campaign will not be much different from the rest.
Winner
The Rays will win their first World Series by beating the Dodgers in five games.
Brandon’s Picks
New York Yankees
The Yankees have the hitting to carry them to a title, and they are just one big name pitcher away from winning the American League. They will make that move this offseason, whether it is signing one or acquiring one via trade. The Yankees are also interested in signing Bryce Harper this offseason. If they get him on board, it would be a tremendous help to the already stacked lineup.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves took the league by storm last season, making the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. They have loads of young talent, and a great pitching rotation. Ronald Acuna Jr looks to be in MVP consideration next season, and Ozzie Albies will try to continue on from his success last season. They will need to sign a veteran in the offseason that can spark the offense in the postseason. The National League is wide open next year, and the Braves should capitalize on the opportunity.
Winner
In a rematch of the 1996 World Series, the Braves edge out the Yankees in 7 games.
One More Thing
All of us at The AOSN would like to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. See you next year baseball fans.