NL Upsets & Surprises: 5 Bold Predictions for 2024
Sammy Jacobs
Host · Writer
5. Shohei Ohtani Doesn't Win MVP (+900 to win)
Ohtani dominated the offseason headlines, signing a monster deal with the Dodgers. However, he is coming off Tommy John surgery and will likely not pitch in 2024. Shohei is still a good enough hitter to put himself in the discussion for MVP, though. However, a black cloud hangs over Ohtani as a betting scandal involving his former interpreter could be a distraction all season.
1. The Pirates Fight for a Playoff Spot (+1500)
The NL Central is filled with teams with young stars ready to blossom. While most people are talking about the Reds and the Cubs, the Pirates have started putting pieces around Oneil Cruz and other prospects. The division is wide open as well. If they get off to a hot start, Pittsburgh could be in it until the end of the season.
2. Defending NL Champion Diamondbacks Miss Playoffs (-650)
It took until the last week of the season for the Diamondbacks to edge out the Cubs for the final wildcard spot before making a run to the Fall Classic. This may not be that bold of a prediction, but Arizona overachieved and could miss October altogether in 2024.
3. Cardinals are Sellers at the Deadline…Again (+168 to miss playoffs)
It has been a long time since the Cardinals have been this bad. They finished last in the NL Central in 2023 with just 71 wins and really did not improve their roster much for 2024. The NL Central is wide open, but if the Cards are out of it by the trade deadline, they do have some moveable pieces.
4. Mets Miss the Playoffs Again (+360)
New York went for it all in 2023, and it went so poorly that they traded their two top starters and more to accelerate a rebuild. The Mets will not have an easy path to the postseason in a division with the Braves, Phillies, and Marlins.
5. Shohei Ohtani Doesn't Win MVP (+900 to win)
Ohtani dominated the offseason headlines, signing a monster deal with the Dodgers. However, he is coming off Tommy John surgery and will likely not pitch in 2024. Shohei is still a good enough hitter to put himself in the discussion for MVP, though. However, a black cloud hangs over Ohtani as a betting scandal involving his former interpreter could be a distraction all season.
1. The Pirates Fight for a Playoff Spot (+1500)
The NL Central is filled with teams with young stars ready to blossom. While most people are talking about the Reds and the Cubs, the Pirates have started putting pieces around Oneil Cruz and other prospects. The division is wide open as well. If they get off to a hot start, Pittsburgh could be in it until the end of the season.
