Reviewing 10 Predictions We Got Wrong This Year

In this article, MLB.com staffers review 10 predictions they made for the 2023 season that turned out to be incorrect. The predictions covered various aspects of the game, including team performances, player breakouts, and individual player performances.

The first prediction discussed was the Yankees winning the World Series. The writer believed that the team’s strong rotation, led by Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes, Luis Severino, and Frankie Montas, would propel them to victory. However, the season was marred by injuries, particularly to key players like Rodón, Cortes, Severino, and Montas. The team’s offense, which relied heavily on Aaron Judge’s record-breaking performance in 2022, also underperformed, leading to a disappointing 82-80 record.

The second prediction focused on the San Diego Padres winning the National League pennant. The writer was confident in the team’s lineup, which included Manny Machado, a full season of Juan Soto, a returning Fernando Tatis Jr., and a newly acquired Xander Bargers. However, the team struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season, with injuries and underperformance affecting their performance. They managed to win eight consecutive games in which they faced extra innings, but ultimately fell short of making the playoffs.

The third prediction involved the Cardinals winning the NL Central. The writer believed that the team’s strong lineup, led by Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, would be enough to secure their division title. However, the team faced numerous challenges, including the loss of key players like Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols. The team’s defense also underperformed, and their pitching staff struggled to maintain consistency. As a result, they finished with a disappointing record and did not make the playoffs.

The fourth prediction was about the Blue Jays winning the AL East. The writer believed that the team’s strong lineup, featuring players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer, would be enough to secure their division title. However, the team faced numerous challenges, including underperformance from key players and a lack of depth in their roster. They finished with a 89-73 record, which was not enough to secure the division title.

The fifth prediction was about the Angels making the playoffs. The writer believed that the team’s strong lineup, featuring Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout, would be enough to secure their playoff spot. However, the team faced numerous challenges, including injuries to key players and a lack of depth in their roster. They finished with a 73-89 record, which was not enough to secure a playoff spot.

The sixth prediction was about the White Sox making the playoffs. The writer believed that the team’s strong lineup, featuring players like Luis Robert Jr., Eloy Jiménez, and Tim Anderson, would be enough to secure their playoff spot. However, the team faced numerous challenges, including underperformance from key players and a lack of depth in their roster. They finished with a disappointing 101 losses, which was not enough to secure a playoff spot.

The seventh prediction was about Max Scherzer winning the AL Cy Young Award. The writer believed that Scherzer’s strong performance in the previous season would be enough to secure him the award. However, Scherzer faced numerous challenges, including a suspension and a decline in his performance. He finished the season with 174 strikeouts, which was not enough to secure the award.

The eighth prediction was about Cristian Javier having a breakout year. The writer believed that Javier’s strong performance in the previous season would be enough to secure him a breakout year. However, Javier faced numerous challenges, including a decline in his performance and a lack of consistency. He finished the season with a 92 OPS+, which was not enough to secure a breakout year.

The ninth prediction was about Bryan de la Cruz having a breakout year. The writer believed that de la Cruz’s strong performance in the previous season would be enough to secure him a breakout year. However, de la Cruz faced numerous challenges, including a decline in his performance and a lack of consistency. He finished the season with a 92 OPS+, which was not enough to secure a breakout year.

The tenth prediction was about Dinelson Lamet having a comeback season. The writer believed that Lamet’s strong performance as a reliever in the previous season would be enough to secure him a comeback season. However, Lamet faced numerous challenges, including injuries and a decline in his performance. He was released by the Rockies and eventually caught on with the Red Sox, but his performance did not improve.

Overall, the article highlights the challenges and unpredictability of sports, even for experienced analysts. It serves as a reminder that predictions are not always accurate and that unexpected events can significantly impact team and player performance.