MLB Bold Predictions 2014: Thirty Teams, Thirty Predictions

Each year, I write a post on my MLB bold predictions for the upcoming season, and yes, they are extremely bold.  It’s that time of year again. MLB Opening Day – which was actually last weekend in Australia and literally nobody knew about it – is less than a week away. The Bucs will start their 2014 season off on Monday afternoon, though.

Last year, I hit on 8.5 of the 30 predictions, which isn’t terrible considering some of the MLB Bold Predictions from 2013 were straight up insanity. This year, I’m shooting for double-digits. (It probably won’t happen).

So without further adieu, here are my bold predictions for each team throughout the 2014 MLB season.

Arizona Diamondbacks

While Mark Trumbo will be a tremendous acquisition and put up monster numbers, look for Paul Goldschmidt to win National League MVP. If not, the two of them will still be the best hitting tandem in the MLB.

Atlanta Braves

Freddie Freeman will finish right behind Goldschmidt in the MVP voting, and the 24-year old will become a household name in 2014.

Baltimore Orioles

American League East Champions. Davis, Jones, Wieters, Machado, Cruz, and Hardy make up a very skilled offense. While the offense is scary good and will carry the team, the pitching staff will see the resurrection of Ubaldo Jimenez.

Boston Red Sox

Jackie Bradley Jr. and Xander Bogaerts will both post fantastic rookie seasons and be accompanied by veterans who can make another run at the pennant.

Chicago Cubs

Starlin Castro will at some point in the season walk off the field in the middle of a game because he just doesn’t care anymore.

Chicago White Sox

Hawk Harrelson will be removed from the air during a game for one his rants about umpires/opposing team players.

Cincinnati Reds

Billy Hamilton will steal 100 bases. Vegas has his over/under set at 63.5, and I’m all but sure he’ll bury that number and lead the National League in steals. I mean, this is the same guy that stole 155 bases in 132 games in the minors in 2012.

Cleveland Indians

Jason Kipnis will be the best second baseman in the American League and hit 30 home runs, while driving in over 100 runs.

Colorado Rockies

Will win 82 games and the future will look bright for Rox fans.

Detroit Tigers

Nick Castellanos will win American League Rookie of the Year.

Houston Astros

Will win 70 games. I know that sounds hilarious, but this is the same team that has averaged 54 wins over the past three seasons. The additions of Dexter Fowler and Scott Feldman, along with the young talent across the diamond will give Astros fans something to cheer about in 2014.

Kansas City Royals

Greg Holland will record 50 saves. Salvador Perez will be the best catcher in the American League.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Mike Trout will continue to be the best player in baseball. Expect a historical season coming from the 22-year old. Something along the lines of 200 hits, 30 doubles, 10 triples, 30 home runs, 30 stolen bases, 90 runs batted in doesn’t sound to crazy when you’re talking about a player like Trout.

Los Angeles Dodgers

World Series Champions.

Miami Marlins

Jose Fernandez will lead the National League in strikeouts.

Milwaukee Brewers

Jean Segura will be the starting short stop for the National League All-Star team. Man, this kid is going to give the Pirates a real headache for a long, long time.

Minnesota Twins

Thanks to his switch to first base, a huge season is up-and-coming for Joe Mauer, who will hit 20 home runs.

New York Mets

Despite not having Matt Harvey, a surprisingly successful season is coming from the Mets, who will be right up there for one of the National League Wild Card spots.

New York Yankees

The Derek Jeter Farewell Tour will be spoiled when he plays less than 75 games. Masahiro Tanaka will be a disappointment and post sub-par numbers. (Sorry Yanks fans.)

Oakland Athletics

Sonny Gray will finish in the top-ten for the three main pitching categories.

Philadelphia Phillies

Dominic Brown will play very well and be dealt at the trade deadline to a contender.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Pedro Alvarez will lead the National League in home runs and hit 40 bombs. Gregory Polanco and yes, the much rumored about Jameson Taillon will be on the team at some point in June.  Take that Dr. James Andrews!

San Diego Padres

Jedd Gyorko will be best offensive player and lead the team in majority of hitting categories, while earning himself a chance to play in the All-Star game.

San Francisco Giants

Madison Bumgarner will win the National League Cy Young.

Seattle Mariners

King Felix will win the American League Cy Young.

St. Louis Cardinals

Michael Wacha will be the best starting pitcher on the team and win 20 games.

Tampa Bay Rays

Best pitching staff in the MLB. Will get 80 wins combined from David Price, Chris Archer, Alex Cobb, Matt Moore, Jake Odorizzi, and Jeremy Hellickson. Wil Myers will post better statistics than Yasiel Puig.

Texas Rangers

Prince Fielder will beat out former teammate Miguel Cabrera for the American League MVP after hitting 50 home runs in his first season with the Rangers.

Toronto Blue Jays

Colby Rasmus will hit 30 home runs for the Jays. Jose Reyes will be traded at the deadline.

Washington Nationals

Winners of National League East. Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, and Jordan Zimmerman will combine for 55 wins.

Well, there’s that. The majority are just player predictions, and this list wasn’t as crazy as it’s been in past years. Regardless, I’ll look like a moron if you decide to check back in at this article once September rolls around.

Go Bucs.