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Chicago Cubs — Real
After a disappointing finish in 2024, the Cubs (9-6) are hoping to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020. So far, Chicago is looking like the class of the National League Central. The Cubbies are 9-4 following their two losses to the Dodgers in Tokyo. Chicago’s offense has been on a tear since returning Stateside — its 96 runs scored are 14 more than the Yankees and 24 ahead of the Diamondbacks. Former Astro Kyle Tucker is playing like an MVP candidate and Seiya Suzuki is doing his best to keep pace. The duo has combined for nine home runs and 31 RBI through 15 games. Despite Chicago’s starting rotation struggling for the most part, this club has the look of one that should be towards the top of the Central throughout the season.
Los Angeles Angels — Mirage
The most pleasant surprise of the early season has been the play of the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels (8-4) haven’t finished above .500 since 2015 and have only reached the postseason once since 2010. For a franchise that has employed Mike Trout for his entire career and Shohei Ohtani for six seasons, that is an embarrassing statistic. However, it is a new season and the Halos are playing some good ball. Orange County’s team has won all four of its series thus far — @ White Sox, @ Cardinals, vs. Guardians, @ Rays — and Trout is still healthy. Trout is one of three players on the team with five HR. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe (1.144 OPS) and Kyren Paris (1.485 OPS) have been sensational. Only 23, Paris looks like a potential gem for the Angels. However, the jury is still out on the club’s potential this season. The starting rotation lacks an ace and it has performed better than expected through the first few weeks. Barring an addition or two to the staff, we expect a dip in form. Ron Washington’s group looks better than it did last year, but it is too early for us to consider the Angels to be a threat to win the American League West.
Atlanta Braves — Mirage
No team has been more disappointing than the Atlanta Braves. At 3-9, Atlanta is tied with Colorado for the second-worst record in baseball — trailing only the horrendous White Sox. The club opened the year with seven losses in a row and put up minimal fight. Over a four-game span against the Padres and Dodgers, respectively, Atlanta’s offense produced two runs. The team has been shutout three times thus far and is tied for second-fewest runs scored (38) — again, trailing only the White Sox. However, the Braves are coming off a series win over the rival Phillies and are 3-2 over their last five. Ace Spencer Strider is nearing a return and former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. is not too far behind. Winning the National East or even reaching the postseason as a Wild Card will be no easy task, but Atlanta’s miserable start is not a true indication of the club’s potential this year.
San Francisco Giants — Real
Pegged as the fourth-best team in the National League West ahead of Opening Day, the Giants (9-3) are currently tied for the second-best record in baseball, trailing the Padres (10-3) and even with the rival Dodgers (10-4). Yes, the West has the three top teams in MLB entering mid-April. While the Giants will have a tough time hanging with the Dodgers throughout the season, they certainly look like a club that will contend for a playoff bid. The offense has yet to find its collective footing, but second-year player Jung Hoo Lee has looked great in his return to the diamond. A coveted signing two winters ago, Lee appeared in just 37 games last year before suffering a season-ending injury. Through 11 games, the center fielder is hitting .333 with a .908 OPS. The strength of this team was expected to be the pitching staff and it has lived up to the hype. Overall, the Giants have a 2.78 ERA — and that is with Justin Verlander sporting an ugly 6.92 mark. San Francisco will be in a battle all year with the Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks within the West.
Minnesota Twins — Real
The Twins (4-9) look like a club poised to regress for the second year in a row. An 87-win season in 2023 was followed by a Wild Card victory over the Blue Jays before the Twins fell to Houston in the ALDS. Last year, Minnesota went 82-80 and finished fourth in the AL Central. No team in the Central is off to a great start, but Detroit appears to be the team to beat. As for the Twins, the team has been completely lackluster. Ace Pablo Lopez is headed to the IL with a hamstring injury, the team is batting .199 overall — with only two players hitting over .250 — and the club just went 1-3 against the Royals. Two of Minnesota’s wins came against the White Sox. In its other three series, Minnesota is 2-8. This team is not good.
