AL Upsets & Surprises: 5 Bold Predictions for 2024
Sammy Jacobs
Host · Writer
5. Juan Soto Leads the AL in Home Runs (+1400 to lead MLB in HR)
Soto is the best lefty hitter in Major League Baseball, and he is playing his home games in a stadium built for lefties to hit a ton of home runs. He will have protection in the lineup, hitting in front of Aaron Judge or another Yankee power hitter. I would not be shocked if Soto broke Judge’s AL record of 62 home runs in 2024.
1. Yankees Miss Playoffs (+390)
The Yankees have not had a losing season since 1992, but they missed the playoffs in 2023. The offseason saw the Bronx Bombers add vital pieces in Juan Soto and Marcus Stroman. However, the injury bug has already hit the Yanks hard, with Gerrit Cole and DJ Lemahieu missing the beginning of the season. Health was an issue last year; if it is again in 2024, the Yanks will be home in October.
2. Mariners Win the AL West (+280)
The Mariners have slowly built up their roster over the last few years. With one of the top pitching staffs in the American League and a lineup with Julio Rodriguez, the Mariners should be able to challenge the Astros and Rangers for the West crown.
3. White Sox Finish with the Worst Record in the AL
The White Sox win total is 60.5 (O -115), so it’s not like the South Siders are expected to be good. However, the Oakland Athletics are still in the AL and will battle the Sox for worst in the league. Chicago got rid of anybody with any value and will be selling anything at the deadline.
4. Tigers Win AL Central (+350)
The Central is the weakest of the American League divisions, and the Tigers took a giant step forward last season, winning 78 games. The next step is to make the playoffs, which may be easiest by winning the division. Additions like Kenta Maeda will help a young pitching staff, while youngsters like Spencer Torkelson will ignite the lineup.
5. Juan Soto Leads the AL in Home Runs (+1400 to lead MLB in HR)
Soto is the best lefty hitter in Major League Baseball, and he is playing his home games in a stadium built for lefties to hit a ton of home runs. He will have protection in the lineup, hitting in front of Aaron Judge or another Yankee power hitter. I would not be shocked if Soto broke Judge’s AL record of 62 home runs in 2024.
1. Yankees Miss Playoffs (+390)
The Yankees have not had a losing season since 1992, but they missed the playoffs in 2023. The offseason saw the Bronx Bombers add vital pieces in Juan Soto and Marcus Stroman. However, the injury bug has already hit the Yanks hard, with Gerrit Cole and DJ Lemahieu missing the beginning of the season. Health was an issue last year; if it is again in 2024, the Yanks will be home in October.
