Ten Early-Season MLB Storylines To Watch

These ten storylines are ones to watch as we head into MLB Opening Day.

The MLB season is upon us. These ten storylines are ones to watch as the season gets underway.

Youth Movement In Boston Looks To Help Return The Team To Contention

Boston hasn’t made the playoffs since 2021, failing to finish above .500 in any of those years. They made key veteran additions like Alec Bregman and Garrett Crochet this offseason, but the real excitement comes in the farm system. Top prospect Kristian Campbell will be the opening day starter at second base, and megaprospects Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony should debut at shortstop and centerfield at some point this season. They’re a sleeper in the AL.

Terry Francona Returns To Baseball To Manage The Reds

Terry Francona is one of the finest managers of his generation, quite possibly the best. Now, he’s back with the Cincinnati Reds, a young team with real potential in a wide-open NL Central. Can Tito lead them to a division title?

Paul Skenes Looks To Establish Himself As The Best Pitcher In Baseball

The former LSU flamethrower is set for his first full season in the big leagues after an extraordinary rookie year. Don’t be surprised if he’s the consensus top pitcher in baseball by the All-Star Break.

The Orioles Look To Regain Their Mojo

In the second-half of 2023 and first-half of 2024, the star-studded young Orioles core was dominant. But, things fell apart for them in the second-half last year. Can they get back to their winning ways and establish themselves as the best team in the American League?

The Braves Wait For Stars To Return

Last year’s Braves season was derailed, in part, by injuries to Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna. Both players should be making their season debut within the first month-or-so of the season, and will inject some life into the Braves.

Astros Rookie Cam Smith Looks To Keep Up Hot Spring

Cam Smith has only played five career games above High-A ball. But, a phenomenal Spring Training from the converted third-baseman has landed him the right fielder job. Smith looks to be a future star if he can play like he did in Spring Training.

The Athletics Move To Sacramento

Amidst all the controversy around the Athletics in recent years, the move to Las Vegas in a few years is finalized. They will play home games this year in Sacramento at Sutter Health Park, home of the AAA Sacramento Bees. The stadium seats just under 15,000, which will provide an intimate atmosphere. The Tampa Bay Rays will also play in a similar situation, calling George Steinbrenner Field, Spring Training home of the Yankees, their home park this year after extensive damage done to Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Milton.

Carlos Rodon Looks To Step Up For The Yankees

Gerrit Cole is set to miss the season with Tommy John surgery. Now, Rodon, the team’s prized free agent signing two years ago, will be counted on to be a co-ace with Max Fried. He needs to have a big year if the Yankees are going to make the playoffs.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s Contract Situation Remains Unsettled

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the next player to get a megacontract, though he seems at least somehwat interested in re-signing with the Blue Jays if they can match his demands. So far, that hasn’t happened, leading to the possibility that he is traded at the deadline or hits the open market this year. Negotiations are supposedly ongoing.

Juan Soto Makes His Mets Debut

Juan Soto is the best pure hitter of his generation, and at just 26, signed a 15-year, $765 million contract that shook up Major League Baseball as the Mets swooped in to steal him with the New York Yankees. Now, a Mets team that took the Dodgers to six games in the NLDS has the star power throughout the lineup to win the World Series for the first time since 1986.