This MLB season has plenty still to be written as the sport returns from an entertaining All-Star break.
The trade deadline will go a long way in understanding what’s to come down the stretch. For now, here are four bold predictions for the remainder of the season.
1. Red Sox Trade For Joe Ryan In Three-Team Trade
Boston’s 10-game winning streak before the break has the ballclub in great position for not just the playoffs, but to even win the pennant.
The Red Sox could use another arm to slot between ace Garrett Crochet and improved arms in Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito. Ryan’s name continues to swirl around rumors with Boston and the Minnesota Twins.
If a three-team deal came together, keep an eye on the San Diego Padres, with Jarren Duran at the peak of their interests.
2. Yankees Win American League East
The division that looked to be weaker early in the season could potentially produce four playoff teams.
The division could likely come down to which team acts more aggressively at the trade deadline. New York should have urgency, which could allow it to hop the Toronto Blue Jays and repeat as division champions.
3. Dodgers Fail To Emerge From National League
The three division leaders in the NL are all legit in the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs.
Those teams are dangerous in October, especially if they catch the reigning champions without momentum.
4. Cal Raleigh Wins AL MVP, But Mariners Miss Playoffs
This may go against the playoff predictions we just made, but the idea of four playoff teams from the AL East in real.
That shouldn’t stop Raleigh (38 home runs at the break) from continuing what could eventually stand alone as the best season by any catcher in history. Yankees star Aaron Judge paces the race, but Raleigh’s special season could guide him to the accolade.
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