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MLB Predictions 2022 from Cape League Interns

04/07/2022 8:31 AM

Article By: CCBL Public Relations Office

 With Opening Day for the 2022 MLB season finally here, some members of the CCBL PR Department (Michael Lane, Ethan Kagno, Josh Schwam, Kaley Brown, Lenny Losen, and Saylor Murphy) put together our predictions for this season!

AL East:
Our pick: Blue Jays (4 votes)
Who else got votes: Yankees (1), Red Sox (1)

It’s been roughly six months since the Toronto Blue Jays missed out on a playoff berth by one game, despite achieving an impressive 91-71 regular season campaign. This season, the Jays are poised to make some noise in the American League, and are among one of the favorites to emerge from the ALCS this season.

Toronto wasted no time in putting together a solid rotation by extending 27-year-old righty, José Berríos (seven-year, $131 million), and signing 31-year-old RHP, Kevin Gausman (five-year, $110 million) who pitched for the Harwich Mariners in 2011. Other Cape League Alumni who find themselves returning to the Rogers Centre this season include Alek Manoah (Chatham ‘18), Tim Mayza (Cotuit ‘12), Cavan Biggio (Harwich ‘15), David Phelps (Falmouth ‘07), and George Springer (Wareham ‘10). - Ethan Kagno

AL Central:
Our pick: White Sox (5 votes)
Who else got votes: Guardians (1)

AL West:
Our pick: Astros (5 votes)
Who else got votes: Mariners (1)

Since 2017, the Astros have made it to the ALCS or further in every season, including their relative “down year” in 2020. During that five year span, they have a .614 win percentage which is second in the MLB only to the Dodgers. Despite losing Carlos Correa this offseason, there’s no reason to believe they won’t see continued success again in 2022. With Dusty Baker still chasing a World Series ring to top off a Hall of Fame career, expect Houston to be hosting playoff games deep into October again this fall. - Michael Lane

AL Wild Cards:
Votes: Red Sox (5), Rays (5), Yankees (3), Mariners (2), White Sox (1), Blue Jays (1), Tigers (1)

As spring training comes to a close, the Boston Red Sox come home with a record of 11-8. Coming into the season with one of the better records compared to other teams in the Grapefruit League. The team showcased an extremely strong offense and a pretty decent defense during this year's spring training. Following a deep postseason run last year, I am looking forward to watching the Red Sox this season!
- Saylor Murphy

AL Champions:
Our pick: Blue Jays (3)
Who else got votes: Yankees (2), Astros (1)

Seemingly the bottom of the AL East’s big three over the last five seasons, the Yankees have always been a year and piece off. This year, with a reshuffling of key pieces along with it being a contract year for some of their - and MLB as a whole - biggest talents, including Aaron Judge (Brewster ‘12), the Yankees are poised to make a WS run. - Josh Schwam  

NL East:
Our pick: Braves (4 votes)
Who else got votes: Mets (2)

NL Central:
Our pick: Cardinals (5 votes)
Who else got votes: Brewers (1)

While the Milwaukee Brewers are generally projected to win the NL Central, I am choosing the Cardinals to take the title for the first time since 2019. Tommy Edman (Yarmouth-Dennis ‘15), Paul Goldschmidt, Tyler O’Neill and Nolan Arenado highlight St. Louis’ batting order, just a handful of talented hitters who combined for 110 home runs and 340 RBI for the Cards in 2021. With pitchers such as Adam Wainwright, Jack Flaherty and Steven Matz anchoring their rotation and Giovanny Gallegos as their closer, St. Louis has the opportunity to exceed their 90-win season last year.
- Kaley Brown

NL West:
Our pick: Dodgers (6 votes)

NL Wild Card:
Votes: Giants (5), Mets (4), Phillies (3), Padres (3), Brewers (2), Braves (1)

The New York Mets will reach the wild card in 2022 if their starting pitching can stay healthy (largely deGrom and Scherzer), and they can produce runs. Their rotation has potential to be the best in the MLB. However, they always find themselves struggling towards the end of the year. If the Mets can stay healthy and their top guys perform, they will at least be able to snag a wild card spot in a stacked NL East division, where the Braves and Phillies will give them lots of trouble.
- Lenny Losen

NL Champion:
Our pick: Dodgers (5 votes)
Who else got votes: Mets (1)

While many people believe that the reigning World Series champ Atlanta Braves are a lock to return to the title game, I would be surprised if the Los Angeles Dodgers did not reclaim their NL crown in 2022. From top to bottom, LA’s lineup is simply frightening. With former MVPs in Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger, newly-signed Freddie Freeman, and returning bats Trea Turner and Max Muncy (Wareham ‘10 & ‘11) are all deadly – all they need is one bad pitch. Walker Buehler (Yarmouth-Dennis ‘14), Julio Urías and Clayton Kershaw are great arms anchoring the 2020 World Series champions’ rotation that will help lead their squad back to the World Series.
- Kaley Brown

World Series Champion:
Our pick: Dodgers (4 votes)
Who else got votes: Yankees (1), Mets (1)

It is hard not to choose the Los Angeles Dodgers to win it all this season. The Atlanta Braves shocked the world in 2021 with their World Series title run, but I think it is LA’s turn again. The Dodgers’ starting lineup is intimidating and I am not sure how many pitchers in MLB will necessarily thrive versus any one of those bats. I am a firm believer that utility man Chris Taylor (Yarmouth-Dennis ‘11) will become a two-time World Series champion come October.
- Kaley Brown