Six months ago, I made my annual predictions as to who would win what. With the Wild Card round in full swing, it is time to revisit those predictions and see what, if anything, I got right.
American League
East: Rays
Well, after missing the postseason for the first time since 2016, the Yankees stormed back to take the AL East crown. Meanwhile, the Rays struggled early and never really found their groove.
Central: Guardians
Would you look at that? I got one right, as the Guardians led a resurgent AL Central for most of the season.
West: Mariners
The Mariners did lead the division for a while, but, at the end of the day, the Astros managed to win the division for the fourth straight year and the seventh year out of the last eight.
Wild Cards: Astros, Blue Jays, Yankees
I guess I can take solace in the fact that two of these choices are headed to the post-season, though as division champions. A surprisingly strong AL Central, thanks to getting to face the putrid White Sox many times, landed two Wild Card spots with the Royals and the Tigers. The Orioles snagged the top spot.
AL Champion: Yankees
The Yankees look to have the hardest path, having to face either the Tigers, the hottest team in baseball heading into the post-season, or the Orioles, against whom they lost eight of their thirteen contests this year. I hate to say it, but the Astros may make another appearance in the Fall Classic.
Cy Young: Tristan McKenzie
McKenzie struggled this year and split the year between Cleveland and Triple A Columbus. Tiger starter Tarik Skubal looks to be the front-runner.
MVP: Julio Rodriguez
Another wrong guess. Aaron Judge will probably take it home for the second time in three seasons.
