Baseball Season Projections
As baseball season approaches, we’re diving into the projections for this year. While we await actual game play, we can examine how the upcoming season might unfold.
Standout Player Projections
Certain player projections stand out, sparking discussions about their potential standout seasons. Utilizing FanGraphs’ Steamer projections, several athletes are on track to achieve historic statistics.
Noteworthy Players Expected to Break Records
Juan Soto: Projected for a .395 OBP, Soto is set for his ninth season with 25+ home runs and 115+ walks. His anticipated .413 on-base percentage would be the best in the National League, second only to Aaron Judge in MLB. If achieved, he would join the elite players in MLB history with such consistency.
Ohtani’s Dual Threat
Shohei Ohtani: Following a remarkable previous year, Ohtani is projected to strike out 136 batters while hitting 43 home runs. This would establish him as only the second player in MLB history to have more than 15 home runs and over 30 strikeouts in a season. His continued dominance showcases his unique talent as a two-way player.
Pitching Prowess: Skenes and Skubal
Paul Skenes: Projected to lead the NL with a 2.92 ERA for the second year in a row, Skenes has the potential to become the youngest pitcher in history to achieve this milestone twice. He’s also expected to top the league with 237 strikeouts.
Tarik Skubal: The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner aims to maintain his dominance, projected to lead MLB with a 2.81 ERA, 242 strikeouts, and possibly co-lead in wins. Achieving this would secure his second career Triple Crown and further elevate his status among elite pitchers.
Potential Home Run Leaders
Judge and Schwarber are on track for impressive seasons, with Judge projected to tie Ohtani for the MLB lead in home runs. Both players could achieve significant milestones this year, reinforcing their places in baseball history.
Exciting 30-30 Candidates
While no players are projected to reach both 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, there are several contenders nearing these marks. If they exceed their projections slightly, we could witness stunning seasons that include numerous 30-30 performances.
