The shortened 60 game 2020 baseball season wraps up today. 2 months ago, I made my annual predictions as to who would win what, not really knowing what a shortened season during a global pandemic would entail. Now that the season has come to an end, it is time revisit those predictions and see what, if anything, I got right.
American League
East: Yankees
Well, that’s one down. The Yankees looked to be on cruise control, until a plague of injuries knocked them off course. The Rays, meanwhile, took home their first division crown since 2010.
Central: Twins
The Twins take their second consecutive division title, thanks in part to the White Sox crapping down their pants leg over the last week of the season.
West: Astros
The A’s came through in a big way, dethroning the Astros after their 3 year reign atop the division.
Wild Cards: White Sox, Rays
Well, these predictions were made before the current playoff structure was put in place. The three second place teams are guaranteed a post-season slot, with the next two best records earning a wild card spot.
AL Champion: Yankees
While they didn’t win the division, the Yankees do seem primed to make a strong run.
Cy Young: Blake Snell
Indians ace Shane Bieber pretty much has this wrapped up.
MVP: Yoan Moncada
Moncada has struggled after contracting COVID-19 back during summer camp, but I think I was in the right ballpark. Jose Abreu looks to be the clubhouse leader for this award.
National League
East: Phillies
The Braves picked up their second straight division title, while the Phillies were done in by a leaky bullpen.
Central: Cardinals
A early COVID outbreak forced the Cardinals to play multiple double headers in order to make up their missed games, which helped the Cubs retake the Central crown.
West: Dodgers
Yeah, this was a bit of a gimme, as the Dodgers took home their 8th straight division title.
Wild Cards: Mets, Cubs
Well, the Cubs won their division and the Mets finished behind the Marlins.
NL Champion: Dodgers
Seems likely.
Cy Young: Jacob deGrom
This will likely come down to Trevor Bauer or Yu Darvish.
MVP: Paul Goldschmidt
And that’s a no. My guess is Freddie Freeman will get the most support.