As the baseball world gears up for the 2024 MLB season, anticipation is high, and hopes are soaring across clubhouses.
With Opening Day only hours away, several clubs are feeling quite good about their chances to make a run at the World Series.
Baseball writers predicting a Yankees vs dodgers World Series every year be like pic.twitter.com/XIjczNEKaZ
— Triston Casas Enthusiast (@soxtruther11) March 27, 2024
In anticipation of the season, MLB.com took the opportunity to conduct a survey among players, seeking their insights on various topics, including their predictions for what team is going to be the last one standing.
Over 100 players participated anonymously, providing a solid sample size for what the league thinks entering the season.
Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged as the top pick among players to win the World Series. Although, the Atlanta Braves were a close second.
The players have spoken.
Do you agree? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/wC7HDBa1sW
— MLB (@MLB) March 19, 2024
As everyone in the baseball world knows, the Dodgers are absolutely loaded.
With the offseason acquisitions of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to go along with the superstars already in place, such as Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, the Dodgers are certainly looked upon as the favorites.
Postseason*
— Juan Carlos Perez (@JuanCar82924682) March 22, 2024
The aforementioned Atlanta Braves came in second. They have a stacked roster as well and are looking to build off their spectacular 2023 (regular) season.
With Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, coupled with a formidable pitching rotation featuring Spencer Strider and Max Fried, players around the league recognize the Braves as a serious World Series contender.
"You can't just flip a switch when you get to October and expect to be able to handle that environment. You have to start that process 𝙣𝙤𝙬."
#99 is prepped and ready. pic.twitter.com/EFXNYwKVO6
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 28, 2024
Surprisingly, the Baltimore Orioles finished third in the poll.
With a very promising young core bolstered by offseason acquisitions like Corbin Burnes, players see potential in the O’s lineup and pitching staff, making them a team to watch this season.
Just an hour after the announcement that the Orioles’ sale to Rubenstein is final, this shows up in the mail. Let’s have a day! pic.twitter.com/LdAXr9xFr8
— Orioles Fan Ryan (@OriolesFanRyan) March 27, 2024
Rounding out the top five are two prestigious powers – the Philadelphia Phillies (#4) and the New York Yankees (#5).
The Phillies have come so very close to winning the title the past few seasons. With a core of players, mostly in their prime, Philadelphia is once again expected to strong contend for the title.
(Unfortunately for them, they play in one of the toughest divisions in all of baseball which will only make the road that much tougher.)
Phillies Opening Day is 1 DAY AWAY!pic.twitter.com/072f3P65QN
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) March 27, 2024
Meanwhile, the Yankees are going through a long, brutal World Series drought. Seriously, imagine the torture … They haven’t won the title since 2009!
Always looked upon as a contender, there is serious pressure on manager Aaron Boone to finally break through.
The Bombers certainly aren’t lacking talent, especially with the addition of All-Star slugger Juan Soto. However, depth on the pitching staff remains a major concern, especially with the injury to reigning Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole.
Remind me again why they didn’t sign Blake Snell and/or Jordan Montgomery???
Opening Day is upon us. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/LhWkO6BmZH
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 28, 2024
What are your thoughts on the poll?
Do you agree with the top five?
Who do YOU think is going to win the World Series this season???
You can't say the Dodgers …
Who's winning the World Series? pic.twitter.com/c1sP2RDhzL
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) March 25, 2024