2016 MLB season previews: Outlooks, predictions for all 30 teams
The start of the 2016 MLB season is almost here, as all 30 teams are gearing up for the 162 games ahead, including the chase for the playoffs and the World Series. But who will be this year's favorites to win it all, and who will come up short in the quest for a championship?
To get ready for another year of baseball, check out SI.com's individual season previews for all 30 clubs, featuring scouting reports, detailed analysis and more. In each preview, one of SI.com's baseball experts gives the case for and case against each team contending for a title, including the X-factor and number to know for 2016, as well as a scout's takes on the most overrated and underrated player on each roster. Each preview also includes the team's projected finish for the coming season, as we reveal our No. 1 team for 2016. And below, you'll find SI's full projected standings, playoff picks and World Series champion.
Want more exclusive and cutting-edge MLB content? Then pick up a copy of SI's baseball preview issue, now on newsstands; follow SI's MLB coverage on Twitter and Facebook; and subscribe to The Strike Zone podcast, SI.com's weekly discussion of all things baseball.
AL EAST
team | w | l | gb |
Blue Jays | 93 | 69 | — |
Red Sox | 92 | 70 | 1 |
Rays | 84 | 78 | 9 |
Yankees | 83 | 79 | 10 |
Orioles | 69 | 93 | 24 |
AL CENTRAL
team | w | l | gb |
Royals | 90 | 72 | — |
Indians | 83 | 79 | 7 |
Tigers | 80 | 82 | 10 |
White Sox | 77 | 85 | 13 |
Twins | 74 | 88 | 16 |
AL WEST
team | w | l | gb |
Astros | 96 | 66 | — |
Rangers | 88 | 74 | 8 |
Mariners | 82 | 80 | 14 |
Angels | 72 | 90 | 24 |
Athletics | 63 | 99 | 33 |
NL EAST
team | w | l | gb |
Mets | 95 | 67 | — |
Nationals | 83 | 79 | 12 |
Marlins | 78 | 84 | 17 |
Phillies | 65 | 97 | 30 |
Braves | 61 | 101 | 34 |
NL CENTRAL
team | w | l | gb |
Cubs | 99 | 63 | — |
Cardinals | 90 | 72 | 9 |
Pirates | 87 | 75 | 12 |
Brewers | 70 | 92 | 29 |
Reds | 68 | 94 | 31 |
NL WEST
team | w | l | gb |
Dodgers | 93 | 69 | — |
Giants | 88 | 74 | 5 |
Diamondbacks | 81 | 81 | 12 |
Padres | 73 | 89 | 20 |
Rockies | 73 | 89 | 20 |
POSTSEASON PREDICTIONS
American League
AL wild card: Rangers over Red Sox
AL Division Series: Astros over Rangers; Royals over Blue Jays
AL Championship Series: Astros over Royals
National League
NL wild card: Giants over Cardinals
NL Division Series: Cubs over Giants; Dodgers over Mets
NL Championship Series: Cubs over Dodgers
World Series
Astros over Cubs
