The American League
As the 2022 season winds down, baseball analysts are already beginning to look ahead to 2023 and make predictions as to who will be the teams to beat in the American League. With the Yankees and Astros being loaded with talent, they are a safe bet to make the playoffs, however there are some dark horse candidates that could surprise us all.
The Los Angeles Angels have been struggling the past few years, but with the addition of superstar outfielder Mike Trout, they could be a legitimate contender. Trout has been one of the best players in the league for years and his presence could be enough to push the Angels over the top.
The Boston Red Sox also have an outside shot at making the playoffs in 2023. After a disastrous 2021 campaign, the Red Sox have added some key pieces in the offseason that could pay off big in the coming years. The team has also made some big changes to the coaching staff and front office which could help them turn things around.
The Minnesota Twins have been a consistent playoff team for years, and there is no reason to think that 2023 will be any different. The Twins have a solid core of players and a strong farm system that could help them make another run at the playoffs in 2023.
The Tampa Bay Rays have been one of the best teams in the league for several years, and they are poised to make another run in 2023. The Rays are loaded with young talent and have made some savvy moves in free agency that could help them stay competitive.
The National League
The National League is a bit more wide open than the American League, but there are still some teams that could make a run at the playoffs in 2023. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the obvious favorite, as they have been one of the best teams in the league for years.
The Chicago Cubs have made some big moves in the offseason and could be a surprise team in 2023. The Cubs have a lot of young talent and could make a run if they can stay healthy.
The St. Louis Cardinals have been a consistent playoff team for years and could be a dark horse candidate in 2023. The Cardinals have a lot of veterans on the roster, but they also have some young players that could make a difference.
The Washington Nationals have been a playoff team in the past and could be a contender in 2023. The Nationals have a lot of veteran players and have made some savvy moves in the offseason that could help them make a run at the playoffs.
The Atlanta Braves have been a consistent playoff team for years and could be a dark horse candidate in 2023. The Braves have a lot of young talent and could make a run if they can stay healthy.
Conclusion
The 2023 MLB season promises to be an exciting one, with a lot of teams vying for playoff spots in both the American and National Leagues. While the Yankees and Astros are the obvious favorites in the American League, there are some dark horse teams that could surprise us all. The Dodgers are the clear favorite in the National League, but the Cubs and Cardinals could be sleeper teams. Regardless of who makes it to the playoffs, the 2023 season should be an exciting one.