The 2023 Major League Baseball season is right around the corner, and with each new season comes new predictions. Fans love to speculate about what will happen in the upcoming season, and analysts are no different. Here are some bold predictions for the 2023 MLB season that are sure to get fans talking.
Perfect Game Alert
One bold prediction is that a perfect game will be thrown during this season, and it will be a combined effort. While perfect games are rare, they do happen from time to time. With an increasing number of talented pitchers in the league, we could see a perfect game sooner than we think.
Japanese Outfielder Masataka Yoshida Will Exceed Expectations
Another bold prediction is that Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida will perform exceptionally well in his first season in the big leagues, hitting 30% better than the average hitter. Yoshida is known for his impressive bat control and ability to hit for both power and average.
Michael Conforto Will Bounce Back After Shoulder Injury
Michael Conforto missed the entire 2022 season with a shoulder injury, but one bold prediction is that he will return with a vengeance in 2023, hitting 30 home runs despite coming off a major surgery. Conforto has always been known for his power at the plate, and if he can stay healthy, he could be a force to be reckoned with once again.
Julio Rodríguez Will Win Home Run Derby
Julio Rodríguez is a highly touted prospect who has been turning heads since he was signed by the Seattle Mariners in 2017. One bold prediction is that he will win the Home Run Derby in 2023, which will be held in T-Mobile Park. Rodríguez has impressive raw power and has shown his ability to hit for both distance and accuracy.
Javier Assad Will Become Relief Ace
Javier Assad is a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who has been mostly used as a starter over the past few seasons. However, one bold prediction is that he will emerge as a relief ace after performing well in a relief role during the World Baseball Classic. Assad could be a valuable asset out of the bullpen for the Cubs in 2023.
Graham Ashcraft Will Ascend to All-Star Status
Graham Ashcraft is a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has shown flashes of brilliance during his brief stints in the majors. One bold prediction is that he will ascend to All-Star status by marrying strikeouts with weak contact and posting a mid-3.00 ERA. If Ashcraft can continue to refine his command and pitch repertoire, he could become one of the league’s best pitchers.
Jordan Lawlar Will Be Top Prospect in Baseball
Jordan Lawlar is a highly touted prospect for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has drawn comparisons to former MVP Kris Bryant. One bold prediction is that Lawlar will finish the 2023 season as the No.1 prospect in baseball due to his dynamic all-around skill set. Lawlar has shown impressive power at the plate and solid defensive skills at shortstop.
Oakland Athletics Will Announce Move to Las Vegas
One bold prediction regarding off-the-field matters is that the Oakland Athletics will announce their move to Las Vegas in 2023. The Athletics have been looking for a new home for several years, and Las Vegas has emerged as a top candidate.
Los Angeles Dodgers Will Struggle Without Key Players
Another bold prediction is that the Los Angeles Dodgers will have their worst record since 2012 due to the absence of key players and weak depth. The Dodgers have been one of the league’s most dominant teams over the past decade, but injuries and departures could catch up to them in 2023.
Predictions from MLB Analysts
Finally, multiple MLB analysts have made their own predictions for the 2023 season. The American League East is expected to be a tight race between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, while the Cleveland Guardians are projected to win the AL Central. Houston Astros are favorites to win the AL West.
On the National League side, there is a three-team race in the NL East between the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets. The San Diego Padres are expected to win the NL West. Atlanta Braves are predicted as favorites for winning NL Wild Card spot.
The 2023 MLB season is shaping up to be full of surprises, with plenty of bold predictions coming from experts and enthusiasts alike. Fans will have to wait and see which ones come true and which fall flat – that’s part of what makes baseball so exciting!
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