2018 Regular Season Predictions

We are now a little under 48 hours from first pitch to open up the 2018 Regular Season which means it's the perfect time to do the usual predictions and awards for this coming season. As we all know, every year there is a player or two as well as a team or two that surprises us all and really knocks our predictions out of whack.

Barring those surprises, here is who I expect to finish with the best and worst record, who will win the AL and NL MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year Awards as well as who the Manager of the Year might be in both leagues.

1. American League MVP: Mike Trout - Expect the American League MVP to once again be won by the best outfielder and player in the game, Mike Trout. Trout had a tremendous spring putting together a streak of 44 at-bats without a strikeout and that's going to pay huge dividends for him this season. It's not going to be a slam dunk for Mike Trout who will likely have to battle it out with second baseman, Jose Altuve, and Orioles shortstop, Manny Machado. Don't be surprised if Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Josh Donaldson get some votes either.

2. National League MVP: Anthony Rizzo - Anthony Rizzo is a big key cog to the Cubs offense and he is going to have a big season this year. It's hard to bet against Rizzo who more than 32 home runs 4 of the last 5 seasons and at least 100 RBI in 3 of those 5 years. In addition, Rizzo is 28 and still at the beginning of his peak years meaning there's a lot left in the tank. Don't be surprised if his teammate, Kris Bryant, finishes in the Top 5 either along with Paul Goldschmidt, Corey Seager, as well as Bryce Harper.

3. American League Cy Young: Justin Verlander - Some might look at me cross-eyed if I said that Justin Verlander is going to beat out Chris Sale, Corey Kluber, and Luis Severino for the AL Cy Young Award, but don't be shocked if it happens. Verlander did a tremendous job after being acquired from the Detroit Tigers in August last year and is going to play a huge role in the trio that the Astros have in Dallas Keuchel, Gerrit Cole, and Verlander himself. All three of the aforementioned starting pitchers above will likely finish in the Top 5 as will Aaron Sanchez of the Toronto Blue Jays.

4. National League Cy Young: Max Scherzer - It's hard to bet against Mad Max when you look at the National League and the body of work that Scherzer has put up over his big league career. Scherzer continues to be the best pitcher in the National League, not named Clayton Kershaw, as illustrated by the fact that he's recorded at least 200 strikeouts every year dating back to 2012 and his 36.8 WAR over that period. Look for Clayton Kershaw, Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks, and Robbie Ray to finish in the Top 5 conversation as well.

5. American League Rookie of the Year: Derek Fisher - There's plenty of options for Rookie of the Year in the American League, but a very good pick looks like Astros left fielder, Derek Fisher. Fisher had a very good Spring and has a terrific minor league track record to help back up the potential that he has at the big league level. In 378 games in the minors, Fisher had a on-base percentage of .372 with 92 stolen bases, 66 home runs, and 247 RBI. Expect Chance Sisco of the Baltimore Orioles and Gleyber Torres of the New York Yankees to finish in the conversation also.

6. National League Rookie of the Year: Scott Kingery - Scott Kingery is certainly a sleeper pick for the NL Rookie of the Year, but he's coming off a newly signed extension, a terrific Spring, and has potential through the roof. There's a lot to like about Kingery and how he plays the game on both sides of the ball in terms of offense and defense. Don't be shocked if he becomes the next great Phillies player. Other potential NL Rookie of the Year candidates include Ronald Acuna of the Atlanta Braves, Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, and Lewis Brinson of the Miami Marlins.

7. American League Manger of the Year: Aaron Boone - It would not be a shock by any means to see Aaron Boone crowned as AL Manager of the Year assuming the Yankees finish with a winning record and make it into the postseason like many expect. Boone is well liked by the media, he's going to transform the culture of the Yankees team, and has plenty going for him in his Rookie season as skipper. Look for the usual suspects Paul Molitor, Terry Francona, and AJ Hinch to finish in the conversation as well as new Red Sox skipper, Alex Cora.

8. National League Manager of the Year: Mickey Callaway - Some might be surprised by this pick simply because Mickey Callaway is new and some fans don't think the Mets are as good as they appear, but the Callaway Effect is going to take over the Mets and have a huge impact. I have the Mets pegged to make the postseason via the second NL Wild Card spot and a big reason why is because of Callaway's influence on their pitching staff and the leadership he brings everyday. Expect Torey Lovullo, Dave Roberts, Joe Maddon, and new Nationals skipper, Dave Martinez, to finish in the Top 5 as well.