Thu Mar 27 05:40:00 UTC 2025: ## ESPN Predicts Red Sox, Royals, and Rangers to Win Their Divisions in MLB’s 2025 Season
**New York, NY** – With Opening Day just around the corner, ESPN’s baseball experts have weighed in on their predictions for the 2025 MLB season, offering insights into division winners, playoff contenders, and award recipients. A panel of 28 writers, analysts, and editors cast their votes across various categories, revealing intriguing possibilities and potential upsets.
The American League East is projected to be a tight race, with the Boston Red Sox emerging as the favorites (13 votes) but facing stiff competition from the Baltimore Orioles (10 votes). Tim Keown, who picked Boston for the World Series, highlighted the Orioles’ young talent as a key factor, while AJ Mass, the sole voter for the Toronto Blue Jays, pointed to the Yankees and Orioles’ injury woes as potential openings.
In the AL Central, the Kansas City Royals (12 votes) edged out the Detroit Tigers (11 votes) for the top spot. Doug Glanville emphasized the Royals’ improved lineup and pitching depth, while Tim Kurkjian lauded the Tigers’ pitching prowess, particularly Tarik Skubal, predicted by many to win another Cy Young award. The AL West sees the Texas Rangers (18 votes) as overwhelming favorites, although Jorge Castillo highlighted the Seattle Mariners’ potential for a turnaround based on improved offense and managerial changes.
The AL Wild Card race is expected to be fiercely competitive, with the New York Yankees and Houston Astros leading the pack. Tristan Cockcroft explained the Yankees’ precarious position after losing Gerrit Cole and Juan Soto, while also noting the Astros’ hitting and pitching concerns. Jesse Rogers offered a surprising prediction, selecting the Oakland A’s as a potential wild-card team due to their improved offense and pitching acquisitions.
The National League predictions present a different picture. The Atlanta Braves are the heavy favorites in the NL East (18 votes), though the Philadelphia Phillies pose a significant threat, according to Bradford Doolittle, who highlighted the Phillies’ improved starting pitching as a key advantage. Kiley McDaniel’s unique pick, the New York Mets, was based on their prospect depth and spending power.
In the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs (15 votes) are favored over the Milwaukee Brewers (8 votes), with David Schoenfield citing the Cubs’ acquisition of Kyle Tucker as a game-changer. Jeff Passan countered, backing the Brewers’ consistent playoff appearances and strong farm system. The NL West is dominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers (28 votes), with every voter selecting them as division winners. The NL Wild Card race is projected to be a battle between the Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies.
The predicted World Series matchup features a rematch of the 2023 series: the Texas Rangers against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with the Rangers emerging victorious.
Individual awards also received attention, with Bobby Witt Jr. (14 votes) favored for AL MVP, Jackson Jobe for AL Rookie of the Year, Tarik Skubal for AL Cy Young, and Shohei Ohtani for NL MVP. Dylan Crews was the top pick for NL Rookie of the Year, with Paul Skenes the favorite for NL Cy Young.
These predictions offer a glimpse into what could be a thrilling 2025 season, but as ESPN acknowledges, only time will tell how accurate these prognostications truly are.
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