With Opening Day just a few days away, it’s time to again go on the record with predictions for the 2023 season and subsequent offseason. As we await the start of the season, here are 23 bold (and not-so-bold) predictions for this year. Like all preseason predictions, some will pan out and some will flop. Let me know what you think, and share your own predictions, in the comments section.

 

1. Juan Soto, who rejected a 15-year, $440 million offer from the Nationals before he was dealt to the Padres at last year’s trade deadline, agrees to a 16-year contract extension with San Diego, becoming the first half-a-billion-dollar player in MLB history.

 

2. The Astros, despite their reluctance to give a player a 10-year contract, make an exception for outfielder Kyle Tucker, signing him to a deal that matches the 10-year, $212 million contract the Braves awarded to Austin Riley in 2022.

MLB

Each AL team's biggest question early this season

3. Aaron Boone is the first manager ejected in the 2023 season, as he gets thrown out arguing balls and strikes in the Yankees’ opener against the Giants. Boone goes on to lead the majors in managerial ejections with 10, breaking his career record of nine from last year.

 

4. Aroldis Chapman has an incredible bounce-back year with the Royals, eventually becoming their closer before being traded to a contender at the deadline.

 

5. Triston McKenzie becomes the ace of the Guardians’ staff, taking the reins from Shane Bieber. He leads Cleveland to a second consecutive American League Central title and finishes top five in the AL Cy Young Award voting.

 

6. Mariners righty Logan Gilbert throws the first no-hitter of the 2023 season on May 12 against the Tigers in Detroit.

 

7. The Pirates select right-handed pitcher Chase Dollander out of Tennessee with the first pick in the MLB Draft. The Nationals take LSU outfielder Dylan Crews at No. 2.