The 2024 MLB season kicks off on March 20-21 in Seoul, South Korea, with a two-match spectacle between the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. There will be several other out-of-the-US MLB games this year, to give the global popularity of this sport and league a little boost.
The other MLB clubs are going to play their matches in the new season on March 28.
This article is a concise yet resourceful analysis of what we can expect in the forthcoming season.
Florida-Grown: Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays and the Miami Marlins are the two best-known Florida-grown baseball clubs.
The Rays haven’t come closer to winning the World Series since 2020, when they were defeated by the LA Dodgers. After their World Series finals in 2008, which they lost against the Philadelphia Phillies, it was their second placement in the play-off finals. In the following season, the fans’ consensus is that they’ll reach some 86 or 87 wins.
The Miami Marlins had more success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, having won the World Series in 1997 and 2003. In the last decade, the Marlins have been trying to get back on a winning streak and reached the playoffs in 2023. After several post-season roster changes, they’re not expected to repeat that result in 2024.
Still, the tide might turn on both sides of the Florida peninsula to cheer their fans. If you’re rooting for the Marlins most of the best FL betting apps are giving them odds of +9000. The Rays are looking more likely to claim the title with odds of +3300, but that still makes them distant 12th-favorites overall.
New York-Based: Yankees and Mets
The two most notable MLB clubs in terms of merch sales and fan base are probably the New York Mets and the New York Yankees.
The Mets have been trying to revoke their noble history, when they were the winners of the World Series (in 1969 and 1986). The last time they got close was 2015, but the Kansas City Royals begged to differ and defeated the Mets.
In 2024, the Mets could settle down at the 84-78 finish, which would qualify them for the postseason. However, given that they haven’t acquired any top-class free agents, like Shohei Ohtani, they’re likely to have a bumpy year, with ups and downs. Let’s hope Lindor, Nimmo, Alonso, and Co won’t disappoint their fans.
The Yankees are still the record-holding MLB teams in terms of the World Series appearances. Having played 40 World Series finals and won 27 titles, they’re by far the most successful MLB franchise.
Still, their last success dates back to 2009, as they haven’t either won the World Series or played it since that year. This season, they’re about to set off on an ambitious quest, with some hot acquisitions, like Juan Soto and Marcus Stroman. They should make it to the playoffs and then the sky’s the limit. As predicted by Foxsports, their odds of winning the World Series amount to the great +800, compared to the hardly-probable +5000 of the Mets.
The Wind-City Rivalry
The rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox is a long tradition in MLB and joy for the fans of both clubs.
The Cubs have been more successful recently, especially in 2016, when they defeated the Cleveland Indians in the World Series finals. After signing Cody Bellinger at the dawn of the 2024 season, they’re now the major favorites for winning the National League Central. The expected win-loss ratio for this season is 85-75, which might book them a seat in the playoffs.
The Chicago White Sox last won the World Series in 2005. They’ve been struggling lately, but they’re eager to recover from the abysmal 2023, when they ended at 61-101. Also known for some of the biggest trade misses – such as trading Sammy Sosa to the Cubs in 1992 – the White Sox need to pay more attention to clever acquisitions.
However, some new players on the pitch, such as pitcher Chris Flaxen, and old stars, like Mike Soroka, will try to improve the impression in 2024. If nothing, then at least get a chance to defeat the Cubs. With most bookmakers, the White Sox have terrible odds as the potential World Series winners: +25000, while the Cubs are at the medium +3500.
The LA Duel
The Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers are the two last local rivalries in this guide.
The Dodgers are high on the list of the potential 2024 World Series winners – the projected ratio of 100-62 (almost inversely proportional to that of the White Sox). After the two appearances in the 2017 and 2018 World Series, and winning the title in 2020, they’ve had a successful decade. The arrival of Shohei Ohtani should help them reach that goal. Many experts give the Dodgers the best odds to win the 2024 World Series: +320.
The LA Angels will probably have another difficult season. The expected 72-90 finish for 2024 isn’t too encouraging for their fans – neither are the odds of +18000 – but surprises are always possible, at least to hit the playoffs.
The Final Word
With another MLB season underway, the guide above will help you understand how some of the mutual rivals have prepared for the forthcoming clashes. Starting 20th March, sit back, get the right bat as a companion, and enjoy the hitting, pitching, and running magic of the baseball pitch.
