American League predictions

This week's episode of the podcast focused on our predictions for the American League in the upcoming MLB season. In case you missed the episode, or you just had a hard time following what we were saying, I decided to write out our predictions. 

Also, now that they're in writing, we can come back and look at the end of the season to see how right (or wrong) we are. 

AL East

Matt's Pick: You really can't go with anyone but the Yankees here. Even with recent injuries and DJ LeMahieu out with COVID-19, they've still got all the talent and the depth needed to win the division this season

Trey's Pick: It wouldn't surprise me if the Rays keep it close with the Yankees, but ultimately, the Yankees filled the one hole in their rotation by signing Gerrit Cole. They'll win the division. 

AL Central

Matt's Pick: The Chicago White Sox have the right mix of talented young players and veterans that they brought in in free agency to make a run at this division. It'll be tough since they have to play the teams in the NL Central this year, all of which should be good, but they'll get it done. 
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Trey's Pick: I like the Twins' lineup so much. With the universal DH, they can play Nelson Cruz every day now and that will help them a lot. They have one of the best lineups in baseball, plus they added Josh Donaldson in the offseason. It's hard to pick against them.

AL West

Matt's Pick: I'm going with the A's to win the West this year. They've won 97 games each of the last two seasons and finished closely behind the Astros. I think this is the year they get it done and finally overtake Houston as division champs. 
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Trey's Pick: Individual players matter a lot in the 60-game season, so I'm going with the Angels simply because they have the best player in baseball in Mike Trout. He finally gets back to the postseason this year, leading the Angels to a division title. 

Wild Card Teams

Matt's Pick: Rays and Twins

Trey's Pick: Astros and Rays

MVP

Matt's Pick: How can you ever pick against Mike Trout to win the MVP? He's pretty much a lock every year. 

Trey's Pick: I said he's the reason that the Angels win the AL West, he's gonna win the MVP as well. 

Cy Young

Matt's Pick: I couldn't decided, so I had to go with two options. Gerrit Cole and Corey Kluber are both great pitchers, both in new cities, and I think they'll both make a huge impact for their new team this year, so either could win the Cy Young. 
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Trey's Pick: Gerrit Cole is the best pitcher in baseball, and now he's with the Yankees, which should help him in any awards consideration. 

Rookie of the Year

Matt's Pick: The White Sox must have high hopes for Luis Robert if they signed him to a six-year $50 million deal before he's even made his MLB debut. He absolutely crushed it in the Minors last season, and he'll do the same in MLB this year. 
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Trey's Pick: Brendan McKay is the next Shohei Ohtani, a two-way player that can be dominant on both ends. He should make a big impact with the Rays this year on his way to winning Rookie of the Year.