Cubs: Predicting the MLB standings heading into the regular season

As long as everything goes according to plan in 2021, we will have a normal 162-game season again. This offseason has seen a number of teams (like the Chicago Cubs) dump star players for financial reasons with few teams going hard with additions. While there are plenty of teams that look to be in a playoff race, there are just a handful of teams that look like legit World Series contenders.

But hey, it’s baseball and a lot can happen. Regardless of the uncertainty, here are standings predictions for the 2021 baseball season.

For these predictions, I am going to give where each division will finish. I am also going to give each team a “win-range” prediction as opposed to one solidified number. For example, Team (X)’s win-range being (85-88), meaning I predict they will finish with around a range of 85-88 wins.

It’ll be an interesting year, in particular, for the Cubs – who could end up selling everything not bolted down or, once again, looking to capture some magic with the final pieces of the World Series team before they hit free agency.

MLB standings: The AL Central belongs to the Chicago White Sox

First Place: Chicago White Sox (88-93)

While the Sox just lost a huge bat in Eloy Jimenez for, at a minimum, most of the regular season, this team should still be a favorite in the American League. The lineup includes reigning MVP Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Yasmani Grandal and young phenom Luis Robert. Their rotation is topped off with All-Star Lucas Giolito, former Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel and newcomer Lance Lynn. The bullpen is going to be deadly with Liam Hendriks at closer and 2020 11th overall pick Garrett Crochet throwing triple-digits. This team is insanely talented and as long as they do not have any more hiccups, can be one of the dominant forces in baseball.

Second Place: Minnesota Twins: (85-90)

This team still has a potent lineup. They brought back slugger Nelson Cruz to hit alongside Josh Donaldson, Miguel Sano and Max Kepler. Notable additions to the roster include Gold Glove shortstop Andrelton Simmons and former White Sox closer Alex Colome. The Twinkies will score runs and be in the mix, but their biggest questions lie in their pitching depth. Kenta Maeda is a decent number one and Jose Berrios is solid too, but can they rely on Michael Pineda and 38-year old J.A. Happ? They probably should have added another starter.

Third Place: Cleveland Indians (80-85)

Trading away star shortstop Francisco Lindor has got to be a tough pill for Cleveland fans to swallow. Outside Jose Ramirez and former Twin Eddie Rosario, the lineup does not have a whole lot of thump. However, Franmil Reyes and Cesar Hernandez can produce decently. The biggest asset the Indians have is their pitching. Shane Bieber is a stud and Zach Pleasac has looked great in his young career. This team might not be good enough to go on a long postseason run, but they can be in the mix if their pitching continues to look good and their top hitters can produce just enough.

Fourth Place: Kansas City Royals (72-76)

If there is a perfect “pesky” team in MLB, it is the Royals. This team might not be a contender but they have enough talent to give other teams fits. Newcomers include former Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi and former Indians slugger Carlos Santana. Put them in a lineup with Whit Merrifield, Salvador Perez and Jorge Soler. The pitching staff does not strike fear into opponents but the lineup can slug a bit which can at least help win them around mid-70s games.

Fifth Place: Detroit Tigers (71-74) 

The Tigers rebuild is taking shape and the future is bright in Motortown. They landed former Astros manager A.J. Hinch this offseason and will have an experienced skipper to help right the ship. While most of the projected starting lineup Opening Day will not be a part of the future, the farm system is one of the top-ranked in baseball. It will give number one prospect Spencer Torkelson a year to develop in the minors, while the likes of Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal and Isaac Paredes can get MLB time. It’s also worth noting Miguel Cabrera is 13 home runs away from 500.

MLB standings: Can Mike Trout finally get back to the postseason?

First Place: Hoston Astros (88-92)

While likely not as strong as seasons past, the Astros should still be favorites to win the division. Justin Verlander will be recovering from Tommy John, but they still have Zack Greinke and brought in Jake Odorizzi. The lineup did lose George Springer but still boasts Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa. Dusty Baker brought them to the playoffs last year and looks to do it again, even with a team that’s not quite as strong.

Second Place: Oakland A’s (85-90) 

I wanted to put them behind the Angels because of on-paper talent, but Billy Bean’s “Moneyball” team keeps finding ways to win every season. They have lost closer Liam Hendriks and Marcus Semien, but have added Elvis Andrus, Mitch Moreland and fireballer Trevor Rosenthal. The A’s core still is built around one of the most underrated ballplayers in Matt Chapman. Like years past the rotation does not look very strong on paper, but again they always find ways to win games and be successful Until they show otherwise, they deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Third Place: Los Angeles Angels (84-88)

There are so many exciting things about the Angels. Mike Trout continues to be the best overall baseball player on the planet, with Shohei Ohtani being a duel threat with the bat and arm and former Nationals star Anthony Rendon manning thirdbase. They added outfielder Dexter Fowler to the mix via trade and signed former Cub starter Jose Quintana to add to the rotation. Joe Maddon’s squad has a lot of talent but this team can just never put together a full season that’s up to snuff. Pitching has always been suspect and something that has hurt them in the past. For baseball’s sake, the Angels need to contend and not totally waste Trout’s career.

Fourth Place: Seattle Mariners (70-72) 

A two-decade playoff drought is likely going to continue in Seattle. Notable veterans include James Paxton and Kyle Seager. The biggest thing Mariners fans will be following is the development of top prospect Jarred Kelenic. At 21 years old, Kelenic is one of the top prospects in all of baseball and hopefully the next face of the Mariners. Sad to say it is going to be another long season in Seattle.

Fifth Place: Texas Rangers (64-67)

They will be batting the Orioles for worst team in the American League in 2021. Joey Gallo, Rougned Odor and David Dahl still remain but not much else is there. The Rangers brought in former Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz to try to give the rotation some depth. They also added former A’s slugger Khris Davis, but he will miss the start of the season due to a quad injury. Gallo can hit some mammoth shots and they have a nice new stadium, but the odds of them contending are literally zero according to some projections.

MLB standings: Will Francisco Lindor be a difference-maker for the Mets?

First Place: Atlanta Braves (94-98)

This team should be among the top contenders in not only the National League, but all of baseball. Last season they scored the second-most runs in MLB and tied the Dodgers at the top of the league in slugging (.483). This team has been among the top offensive teams the past few years and shows no signs of slowing down. The potent lineup boasts a core of reigning NL MVP Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies and Marcell Ozuna (who re-signed with the Braves this offseason). Max Fried finished fifth in Cy Young voting last year and looks to lead to pitching staff in 2021. They are not the only contender in the NL East but it is theirs to lose.

Second Place: New York Mets (91-95)

New owner, new star, same old Mets? 2021 will tell us if this is truly a new era for New York Mets baseball. On paper this team has a lot to be excited about. Several big additions in former Indians stud Francisco Lindor, pitcher Carlos Carrasco and catcher James McCann add to an already solid roster. Lindor sliding right in around Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil will be great for their offense. No need to question their rotation, which boasts former Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom, Marcus Stroman and Carrasco. If this team can stay healthy and typical Mets fluky stuff does not happen, this team can be a legit contender.

Third Place: Washington Nationals (87-91)

Here is another team that should absolutely be in the mix. Former Cubs Kyle Schwarber and Jon Lester will be part of the squad under former Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez. Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg are still as good of a 1-2 punch as anyone and an experienced starter like Lester can help keep their rotation among the best. Juan Soto and former Pirates star Josh Bell will make a very good duo in the middle of the lineup with Schwarber, Starlin Castro and the speedy Trea Turner around them. Adding Brad Hand as closer was also a very good move to help solidify the back end of the pen. Do not be surprised if this Nationals team makes a solid run at the postseason.

Fourth Place: Philadephia Phillies (80-85)

This team has plenty of talent in Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen, Rhys Hoskins, Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler to name the main guys. They have had most of these guys the past few years but have never been able to reach the postseason. While competitive they just have not been able to overcome the Braves or Nationals in the standings. Until they prove otherwise it just feels like predicting a .500 season from them feels appropriate. It is going to be tough considering the division they are playing in.

Fifth Place: Miami Marlins (78-80)

Do not let this last-place prediction fool you, the Marlins are an intriguing team. They showed in 2020 they have a lot of young talent. Twenty-two-year-old fireballer Sixto Sanchez and 23-year-old Jazz Chisholm will be among prospects to watch on the MLB roster. They also have a number of notable veterans in Jesus Aguilar, Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte and Adam Duvall. Yes, they made the postseason last year but in a brief season with the Mets and Nationals missing out. I do not see Marlins contention in 2021 but they should at least be watchable.

MLB standings: Can the Cubs make it two straight division crowns?

First Place: St. Louis Cardinals (86-90)

The Redbirds finished second behind the Cubs in 2020, while seeing so many of their games postponed with COVID-19 issues. Looking at the offseason moves by each team, they made the biggest with the Nolan Arenado deal. Him and Paul Goldschmidt will be a big thread in the middle of the lineup with Matt Carpenter, Paul DeJong and Yadier Molina around them. Arguably the best starter in the NL Central now is their ace Jack Flaherty. The bullpen with closer Jordan Hicks, Andrew Miller and Alex Reyes could potentially make for a nice backend. While a team that can win the division, the depth and rotation behind Flaherty is questionable. Never count the out of anything.

Second Place: Chicago Cubs (82-86)

Now we come to the Cubs. This is a team that can still compete in the NL Central with the core that they have. That is, if the likes of Javier Baez and Kris Bryant can bounce back. Good seasons from them alongside Anthony Rizzo, Willson Contreras and newcomer Joc Pederson can make the Cubs a legit offensive threat. The defense is also looking to be one of the best, coming off a team Gold Glove season and the track record of most of these guys defensively is very good.

Biggest question? The pitching. The rotation outside Kyle Hendricks will look radically different. Yu Darvish was traded to the Padres, Jon Lester left for the Nationals and Jose Quintana left for the Angels. Now the rotation consists of Jake Arrieta (returning from Phillies), Zach Davies, Trevor Williams and Adbert Alzolay. The rotation can be decent, but not great. There are plenty of concerns on the bullpen side, including concerns over closer Craig Kimbrel looking shaky this spring. Overall this pitching staff at best can be decent, or at worst pretty bad. Not a lot of velocity with this group.

If this team does not succeed by mid-season, then a bigger teardown could be on the way.

Third Place: Milwaukee Brewers (82-85)

This is another team that is hard to count out. They made some sneaky good moves this offseason bringing in former Cardinal infielder Kolten Wong and former Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. Both great gloves that will help make the Brewers one of the better defending teams in the National League. Do not count on 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich having another down season in 2021 and expect Lorenzo Cain to be back swinging well. Keston Hiura and Travis Shaw have been able to provide the Brewers some power in the past as well. Manager Craig Counsell is one of the best in the game and he always finds ways of finding diamonds in the rough and scheming his team to get the most out of them. The Brewers and Cubs could once again come down to head-to-head matchups.

Fourth Place: Cincinnati Reds (78-82)

Seems like every year the Reds are seen as a darkhorse but never put it together. They do have some very talented guys. Despite losing Trevor Bauer to free agency, the rotation still boasts the likes of Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray. They acquired reliever Sean Doolittle this offseason and will have Amir Garrett at closer. The lineup is relatively the same with Joey Votto, Eugenio Suarez, Mike Moustakas, Shogo Akiyama and former Cub Nick Castellanos as the main highlights. Good, but is it good enough? They will not be an easy team to beat but we have really yet to see this team come together like predicted in offseasons past. There is a window for them to make a push with the talent they have but it all has to perform at top level and in need of being able to beat division foes consistently.

Fifth Place: Pittsburgh Pirates (58-63)

If there is one thing to be excited for as a Pirates fan, it is 24-year-old infielder Ke’Bryan Hayes. In 24 games last year he hit .376/.442/.682. It looks like there is legit talent in him. Outside that, they are in full rebuild mode. Not much else to say other than it looks to be a long road ahead for the Buccos.

MLB standings: Dodgers are favorites to win it all again in 2021

First Place: Los Angeles Dodgers (97-103)

There is no doubt this team is the best in baseball on paper. Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, Justin Turner, Max Muncy in the lineup. A rotation of Clayton Kershaw, Trevor Bauer, Walker Buehler, David Price and Julio Urias. Kenley Jansen at closer…the team is beyond stacked. There are so few weaknesses on this team, and their wallets/farm are both bottomless pits. They can trade or add players whenever they want. Overall the squad is filled with All Stars, MVP candidates and Cy Young candidates. Right now they should be the World Series favorites by a longshot.

Second Place: San Diego Padres (91-95)

The Friars are one of the most exciting teams in baseball. Fernando Tatis Jr. is taking the world by storm, Manny Machado is slugging right next to him, and their rotation has been bolstered with Cy Young runner-up Yu Darvish and 2018 AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. The team can also get solid production from Wil Myers Eric Hosmer and Tommy Pham. Also worth noting they added veteran closer Mark Melancon to the mix as well. This team will be fun to watch and a postseason contender, I just do not think they are ready to overtake the Dodgers though.

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Third Place: San Francisco Giants (77-81)

While not a team I see contending, they could be one that somewhat surprises people. There are plenty of familiar faces in the lineup including Buster Posey, Evan Longoria, Brandon Crawford, Brandon Belt and Mike Yastrzemski. They added former Cub Tommy LaStella into the mix as well. Not a terrific lineup but not an awful one either. The rotation is headed up by Kevin Gausman and former All-Star Johnny Cueto. Big question is how much Cueto has left in the tank. The farm system is slowly growing and the team is still a ways away from contending, but there is some light at the end of the tunnel for the Giants.

Fourth Place: Arizona Diamondbacks (77-80)

The third place race could be very close between the Diamondbacks and Giants. MadBum had a rough 2020 but he has too good a track record to write off just yet. The lineup has some decent hitters in Nick Ahmed, David Peralta and Kole Calhoun (who hit 16 home runs in 54 games last year). One thing the Diamondacks and their fans will keep a close eye on is if catcher Carson Kelly can take any steps forward at the plate. Some flashes have been shown, but he still has work to do. Another team overall that is at best, “meh”.

Fifth Place: Colorado Rockies (62-65)

Rockies fans should revolt after that shameful trade of Nolan Arenado. Terrible for the franchise and baseball. Trevor Story will provide some pop and Charlie Blackmon can still get on base. German Marquez is a pretty solid pitcher that handles the launchpad known as Coors Field decently. Pitcher Austin Gomber, who came back in the Arenado deal, had a very good year for the Cardinals last season and he hopes to provide the Rockies with the same. Overall this team looks like it is going to be looking toward the future.

2021 should be good, especially if the fans can safely return to the ballparks across the country. The wonderful thing about this coming week is that the slate is clean and everyone begins in first place.