National League Predictions

This week's episode of the podcast focused on our predictions for the National League in the upcoming MLB season. In case you haven't listened yet, 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.

NL East

Matt's Pick: The Braves have lost some veteran leadership with Brian McCann retiring and Nick Markakis opting out. They lost a big bat with Josh Donaldson signing with Minnesota. But they've still got a great young core and brought in Marcell Ozuna to replace Donaldson's bat. They should repeat again as division champions.

​Trey​'s Pick: The Braves' young core of players will lead them to their third-straight division title. The NL East should be really competitive between Atlanta, Washington and Philadelphia, but I see the Braves winning the East again.

NL Central

Matt's Pick: The Cincinnati Reds have made all the right additions over the offseason, bringing in Nick Castellanos, Mike Moustakas, Shogo Akiyama, Wade Miley and Pedro Strop. They've got all the right depth to compete this season, and should be set up nicely for the DH coming to the National League this season.

Trey's Pick: I'm going with a team that will make a return to prominence this year, the Chicago Cubs. The core of Cubs players that won their 2016 championship is still there, and I think manager David Ross will benefit the team since he played with most of their current players. Look for the Cubs to get back to the top of the Central this year.

NL West

Matt's Pick: We hardly even have to discuss this division. The Dodgers are stacked as always, and there's absolutely no way they don't win their eighth-straight division title. 

Trey's Pick:​ Like Matt, I don't think we need to discuss this division too much. The Dodgers are too good to not win the division again. 

Wild Card Teams

Matt's Picks: Nationals and Cubs

Trey's Picks: Nationals and Brewers

MVP

Matt's Pick: Mookie Betts has got to be feeling good coming off his 12-year contract extension. I think he'll be comfortable now that he has some security, and he can let loose and play. He should tear it up in the National League this year on the way to his second MVP award.

Trey's Pick: Ronald Acuña, Jr. has gotten better and better in his two seasons, and I don't see that slowing down. He could have a 20 home run/20 stolen bases season, and that would certainly win him the MVP award.

Cy Young

Matt's Pick: There's a lot of randomness that can happen in a 60-game season, but Jacob deGrom is still the best pitcher in the National League and I don't see that changing this year. 

Trey's Pick: I said the AL Cy Young would go to the best pitcher in the league in New York. The NL Cy Young will do the same. Jacob deGrom is a dominant hurler, and he'll win his third-straight award this season.

Rookie of the Year

Matt's Pick: Carter Kieboom has received a lot of hype, and now it's time to live up to it. With Anthony Rendon gone, he should slide right into the lineup at third base and show us what he's capable of this season. 

Trey's Pick: Gavin Lux is a really solid player for the Dodgers, and even though he's not starting the season with the team, when he does come up he'll make a big impact for Los Angeles.