The Major League Baseball season is just around the corner, and fans are in for a rollercoaster of a season. With teams finishing up spring training, fans are starting to see how their teams may look this year.
What are some powerful teams to keep an eye out for this season? The Los Angeles Dodgers are the team to beat this year, with high-profile and highly skilled players that everyone fears, like Shohei Ohtani, arguably the best and most versatile player in the entire league, as a rare two-way player, something not seen since Babe Ruth. Ohtani is originally from Japan and has been selected for MVP three times. Also, the Dodgers have players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman who are also viewed as top players in the MLB.
To add, the New York Yankees are also a very powerful team, and if the lineup is healthy, they could be the best team in the entire MLB. Aaron Judge is arguably in the top 5 in the league, winning awards like All-Star seven times and AL MVP three times. I asked a Yankees fan their thoughts on how they think the Yankees’ season will go.
Cole Snowden, a junior from HHS, explains, “I think that if nobody is injured and we are all healthy, we have the best chance at making the World Series.”
Teams are prioritizing younger players, especially pitchers, as veteran pitchers are more experienced but less reliable due to injuries or wear and tear. Some new young pitcher additions include Nolan McLean on the Mets, considered a top MLB prospect with a very good curveball; he is also a big contender for Rookie of the Year. Also, Trey Yesavage of the Toronto Blue Jays is already known for his flashy playoff performance and low ERA.
With the Baseball season coming up at Hingham High School, I wanted to get a point of view from a baseball player on the team, asking their thoughts on how they think the MLB season will play out this year.
Chace Burns, a Junior at HHS, who is also a standout varsity baseball player, describes, “I am extremely excited to see what this season brings, and I hope the Red Sox make it all the way.”
But you never know with the MLB, as it is the longest season of any American Major Sport, going about 187 days and 162 games, making it very unique. The length of the season means that roster depth and staying healthy are two of the biggest factors in being successful.
