2021 MLB Standings Predictions

AL EAST

1.) Tampa Bay Rays

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 85.5

PECOTA Projection: 86-76

Fangraphs Projection: 83-79

RotoChamp Projection: 86-76

My Projection: 90-72 (Second in Division)

Actual Record: 100-62

Why: The Rays formula for winning isn't a fluke. Their seasonal winning percentages have steadily increased from .556 to .593 to .667. They added depth to their starting rotation this offseason with the additions of Michael Wacha, Chris Archer, and Rich Hill. Their core roster is still intact from last year, and their depth combined with their prospects make the Rays a dark horse to repeat as division champions.

Why Worse: Losing Blake Snell is massive. His on-field performance speaks for itself, but his veteran presence in the clubhouse could have the bigger impact. The loss of a Cy Young caliber pitcher in a division that features the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox could be damning to the Rays postseason aspirations. We'll also see how the Rays respond after their crushing World Series defeat.

2.) Boston Red Sox

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 80.5

PECOTA Projection: 80-82

Fangraphs Projection: 86-76

RotoChamp Projection: 82-80

My Projection: 80-82 (Fourth in Division)

Actual Record: 92-70

Why: The Red Sox are going to score a lot of runs this year. Their bullpen and rotation will need to flip the switch from last year if they want to have a chance. Last year, they finished 28th in the league with a 5.58 ERA.

Why Better: Hunter Renfroe, Marwin Gonzalez, and Enrique Hernandez are additions that should provide a spark for the Red Sox. Renfroe is a proven power hitter that could have a huge season with the short porch at Fenway Park. Gonzalez has proven his worth as he has been a part of postseason teams the past four seasons and five of the past six. Hernandez could be the key, as he'll finally have the opportunity to be a full-time starter. Finally, and most importantly, is the (re)hiring of Alex Cora. Cora is beloved in the clubhouse and will look to push the right buttons to get Boston back to their winning ways.

3.) New York Yankees

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 95.5

PECOTA Projection: 100-62

Fangraphs Projection: 95-67

RotoChamp Projection: 98-64

My Projection: 97-65 (First in Division)

Actual Record: 92-70

Why: The addition of Corey Kluber is already looking like a shrewd move. If he regains his old form it makes the Yankees the clear team to beat in the American League. Even with the stacked division the Yankees appear to be the class of the east.

Why Worse: Limiting injuries will be crucial for the Yankees, especially after the hellacious season they just endured. Their depth will be tested now that Luke Voit has been ruled out for the month of April. Another factor to the Yankees success will be their defense. Last season, they finished last in the league with 48 errors. In 2019, they finished tied for 19th. If they don't clean up these mistakes it could leave them vulnerable in the AL East.

4.) Toronto Blue Jays

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 86.5

PECOTA Projection: 84-78

Fangraphs Projection: 88-74

RotoChamp Projection: 87-75

My Projection: 83-79 (Third in Division)

Actual Record: 91-71

Why: The Blue Jays improved their roster immensely this offseason. Marcus Semien and George Springer bring veteran leadership to a team looking to take another step forward this year. Unlike last year, the Blue Jays won't be sneaking up on their opponents.

Why Better: The presence of Semien and Springer automatically brings credibility to the Blue Jays. Their biggest question mark is clearly their pitching. If Robbie Ray, Steven Matz, and Ross Stripling pitch up to their capability it makes the Jays legitimate threats in the division.

5.) Baltimore Orioles

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 64.5

PECOTA Projection: 67-95

Fangraphs Projection: 67-95

RotoChamp Projection: 64-98

My Projection: 59-103 (Fifth in Division)

Actual Record: 52-110

Why: The Orioles haven't posted a winning percentage better than .475 since 2016. Tank mode is in full effect and I expect the Orioles to continue to offload their older assets. To replace these veterans they'll be calling up their highly rated prospects.

Why Better: Adley Rutschman is ranked as the 2nd best prospect in all of baseball. He should have an opportunity to make an immediate impact this season. Ryan Mountcastle is another highly rated prospect that will have an opportunity to succeed. Their division is a gauntlet and their success will be tied to their prospect's development.

AL CENTRAL

1.) Chicago White Sox

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 90.5

PECOTA Projection: 80-82

Fangraphs Projection: 84-78

RotoChamp Projection: 84-78

My Projection: 89-73 (First in Division)

Actual Record: 93-69

Why: The White Sox have the most talented roster in the AL Central. They complimented this young talent by adding Lance Lynn and Liam Hendriks during free agency. Michael Kopech is a guy fans should be watching out for. He's shown glimpses of being a star, but hasn't been able to stay healthy over the course of a full season.

Why Worse: The loss of Eloy Jimenez is massive. He'll likely miss the entire season with a torn pectoral muscle. Luckily, the White Sox signed free agent Adam Eaton earlier in the offseason. Eaton isn't Jimenez offensively, but is a much better defender. It remains to be seen how Tony La Russa will adapt to the new style of baseball.

2.) Cleveland Baseball Team

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 81.5

PECOTA Projection: 85-77

Fangraphs Projection: 81-81

RotoChamp Projection: 83-79

My Projection: 81-81 (Third in Division)

Actual Record: 80-82

Why: Replacing Francisco Lindor is not realistic. This isn't a scenario like Moneyball where they'll be able to replace him in the form of aggregate players. Having said that, Andrés Giménez had a strong spring training and could be a building block for the future. Terry Francona will have Cleveland competing, but the departure of a Lindor may be too much to overcome.

Why Better: Shane Bieber has the electric stuff to compete for another Cy Young Award. If Bieber gets help from Zach Plesac and Triston McKenzie it would form one of the best young rotations in baseball. Nolan Jones is a highly rated prospect Cleveland fans should anticipate seeing at some point this season.

3.) Detroit Tigers

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 68.5

PECOTA Projection: 66-96

Fangraphs Projection: 71-91

RotoChamp Projection: 67-95

My Projection: 63-99 (Fifth in Division)

Actual Record: 77-85

Why: The Tigers haven't had a winning season since 2016. With all that losing comes top picks and prospects. Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal are guys to watch in the rotation. The Tigers aren't going to win many games this year, but have potential building blocks for a strong future.

Why Better: The Tigers made some under the radar moves this offseason. They signed veterans Robbie Grossman and Wilson Ramos. Grossman is the first multi-year free agent deal the Tigers have made since Justin Upton in 2016. The addition of A.J. Hinch should be another welcome sight to Tigers fans. Despite the scandal, he is held in high regard as one of the better managers in the league.

4.) Kansas City Royals

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 74.5

PECOTA Projection: 72-90

Fangraphs Projection: 77-85

RotoChamp Projection: 73-89

My Projection: 75-87 (Fourth in Division)

Actual Record: 74-88

Why: The Royals have been surprisingly active this offseason. They've added Michael A. Taylor, Wade Davis, Greg Holland, Mike Minor, Carlos Santana, and Andrew Benintendi. These veterans are all trying to prove they have gas left in the tank.

Why Better: Which Andrew Benintendi will the Royals get? If they get the Benintendi that hit .290 and stole 21 bases a few seasons ago it could elevate them into a postseason spot. Another signing that could be underestimated is Michael A. Taylor. Is Taylor as good as Lorenzo Cain? No, but his defensive metrics indicate he has an elite outfield jump and sprint speed. Their biggest question mark will be the health of Salvador Perez. If Salvy can stay healthy it makes the Royals dark horse contenders.

5.) Minnesota Twins

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 88.5

PECOTA Projection: 91-71

Fangraphs Projection: 87-75

RotoChamp Projection: 89-73

My Projection: 87-75 (Second in Division)

Actual Record: 73-89

Why: What they lack in talent they make up in grit. Nelson Cruz is an MVP candidate at 40-years of age. Josh Donaldson is still a quality player, and the additions of Andrelton Simmons and J.A. Happ solidify their team defense and pitching rotation. Rocco Baldelli is among the best managers in baseball and we'll see if they can win the division for a third straight season.

Why Worse: 18-straight postseason game losses has taken a psychological toll, at least for their fans. Each loss comes with its own pain, but last year's loss may be among the most crushing. This offseason, the Twins said goodbye to free agents Marwin Gonzalez and Rich Hill. Neither of whom were star players but worthy veterans that knew how to compete. Their pitching staff durability will be worth monitoring as they have one guy in their rotation under the age of 30.

AL WEST

1.) Houston Astros

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 87.5

PECOTA Projection: 92-70

Fangraphs Projection: 88-74

RotoChamp Projection: 92-70

My Projection: 90-72 (First in Division)

Actual Record: 95-67

Why: Despite the lack of fans last season, it was evident the effects the cheating scandal had on Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Yuli Gurriel. All of whom had career low numbers. They did however rediscover their forms during their postseason run. The emergence of Framber Valdez, Christian Javier, and Jose Urquidy have the Astros believing they can make the postseason for a fifth consecutive season.

Why Worse: As stated above, the development of Valdez, Javier, and Urquidy could prove to be the difference in the division. The loss of George Springer adds pressure to every starter in the lineup. We'll see if Yordan Alvarez and Kyle Tucker can help pick up the slack.

2.) Seattle Mariners

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 72.5

PECOTA Projection: 71-91

Fangraphs Projection: 74-88

RotoChamp Projection: 73-89

My Projection: 75-87 (Fourth in Division)

Actual Record: 90-72

Why: The Mariners made big strides and figure to be competitive again this season. Unfortunately, they are lacking in the amount of talent of the aforementioned teams. However, this season will go a long way in the development of their youth.

Why Better: Their prospects made massive impacts last season. Kyle Lewis is the real deal, and many believe rookie Taylor Trammell is just as good. The Mariners are also getting back a healthy Mitch Haniger who missed all of last season. They'll rely heavily on highly touted prospect Justus Sheffield to live up to his hype. Don't be surprised if the Mariners hang around in the division race.

3.) Oakland Athletics

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 86.5

PECOTA Projection: 82-80

Fangraphs Projection: 83-79

RotoChamp Projection: 82-80

My Prediction: 85-77 (Third in Division)

Actual Record: 86-76

Why: Frankie Montas, Jesus Luzardo, and Chris Bassitt have potential to be as good of a 1-2-3 punch in the league. The Athletics biggest questions will come on offense. They'll hit more than their fair share of home runs, but need to prove themselves with runners in scoring position. Getting Elvis Andrus was a great pickup, but it remains to be seen if he can replace Semien on and off the field.

Why Better: Murphy gained valuable experience as the everyday catcher and will have an even better command of the pitching staff this year. If the A's continue to pitch and play defense at a high level they'll be right in the thick of the AL West race.

4.) Los Angeles Angels

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 83.5

PECOTA Projection: 87-75

Fangraphs Projection: 84-78

RotoChamp: 83-79

My Projection: 87-75 (Second in Division)

Actual Record: 77-85

Why: Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout are the best hitting tandem in the league. The additions of Dexter Fowler, Kurt Suzuki and Jose Iglesias offer immediate upgrades to the Angels defense. One of the Angels biggest strengths this season will be their roster depth. This could play a huge factor in their success given the injury history of Justin Upton and Shoehei Ohtani. Joe Maddon has demonstrated his impact within organizations during his second seasons. In his second season with the Rays, the team improved +5 wins. With the Cubs he had an improvement of +6 wins.

Why Worse: The Angels pitching has been a concern for years. Their pitching ranked 25th in the league last season with a 5.09 ERA. This factors in Dylan Bundy's career season in which he held a 3.29 ERA. Andrew Heaney, Griffin Canning and Jose Quintana makeup the rest of the staff. None of whom strike fear into opposing lineups. How the Angels use Ohtani will be a mystery. Will he pitch and hit on the same day? Will he have an innings limit? How effective will he be? Lots of questions for a team that hasn't made it to the postseason since 2014.

5.) Texas Rangers

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 67.5

PECOTA Projection: 68-94

Fangraphs Projection: 70-92

RotoChamp Projection: 70-92

My Projection: 62-100 (Fifth in Division)

Actual Record: 60-102

Why: The Rangers are clearly in tank mode. That didn't stop them from bringing in veterans to compete for roster spots. Ian Kennedy, Brock Holt, and Charlie Culberson are all guys that signed minor league deals and made the opening day roster. Expect the Rangers to be active in the trade market this season.

Why Better: New General Manager, Chris Young, has been extremely active since taking over in December. He's already parted ways with Rangers mainstay, Rougned Odor. His next moves may include trading Joey Gallo and buying out Khris Davis.

NL EAST

1.) Atlanta Braves

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 91.5

PECOTA Projection: 83-79

Fangraphs Projection: 89-73

RotoChamp Projection: 87-75

My Projection: 94-68 (First in Division)

Actual Record: 88-73

Why: The Braves went under the radar this offseason due in large part to the acquisitions made by the Dodgers, Padres, Cardinals and Mets. However, they were able to improve their roster by signing veterans Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly. They also locked up Silver Slugger Award Winner Marcell Ozuna.

Why Worse: The retirement of Nick Markakis shouldn't be overlooked. He was one of the elder statesmen on the team, and played a critical role in the development of their younger players. The NL East should be the most difficult division in the league. Every team in the division has a legitimate case as to why they could win the NL East. It remains to be seen how the Braves react after their crushing NLCS defeat.

2.) Philadelphia Phillies

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 80.5

PECOTA Projection: 83-79

Fangraphs Projection: 81-81

RotoChamp Projection: 82-80

My Projection: 80-82 (Fourth in Division)

Actual Record: 82-80

Why: J.T. Realmuto and Didi Gregrius were huge re-signings for the Phillies this offseason. Their experience and leadership will go a long way in determining if the Phillies can make the postseason, which they haven't done in ten years.

Why Better: Matt Moore could be a valuable wild card signing. Moore hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2019. Last year, he pitched for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of the Nippon Professional League in Japan. From 2011-2014, he was 29-17 as a starter with a 3.53 ERA. The Phillies rotation as a whole will go a long way in their success. Getting quality innings against the potent lineups in that division will be key.

3.) New York Mets

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 90.5

PECOTA Projection: 91-71

Fangraphs Projection: 92-70

RotoChamp Projection: 92-70

My Projection: 87-75 (Third in Division)

Actual Record: 77-85

Why: The additions of Francisco Lindor, James McCann, Taijuan Walker, and Carlos Carrasco have the Mets looking like serious threats on paper. However, we've seen how long it can take for teams to come together after a roster overhaul. If the Mets struggle out of the gates it leaves them vulnerable to the wrath of the New York media. It's also worth noting the distraction Lindor's contract negotiations could have.

Why Better: Jacob deGrom has put together one of the best 3-year spans of all-time and hasn't shown signs of slowing down. Carrasco, Stroman, and Walker will look to provide consistency to a rotation that hasn't lived up to expectations in the past. Their biggest question mark, and x-factor, is the return of Noah Syndergaard. If he comes back healthy it eliminates the need for a starting pitcher at the trade deadline. Don't rule out the Mets making at run at Kris Bryant or Kyle Seager, either.

4.) Miami Marlins

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 71.5

PECOTA Projection: 70-92

Fangraphs Projection: 73-89

RotoChamp Projection: 70-92

My Projection: 70-92 (Fifth in Division)

Actual Record: 67-95

Why: The Marlins have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball. It's going to be difficult to compete in a loaded NL East. However, they should have an opportunity to showcase their young talent. Jazz Chisholm is a great example, as he was just named their starting 2nd baseman. I would anticipate seeing other young prospects making their debuts.

Why Better: Kim Ng is not only the first female General Manager, but one of the best baseball minds. Ng and the Marlins were smart not to overreact by last season's success. They didn't make any unnecessary signings or jeopardize their farm system. I would anticipate the Marlins to be very active around the trade deadline as they have a decent amount of veterans on their roster.

5.) Washington Nationals

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 84.5

PECOTA Projection: 83-79

Fangraphs Projection: 83-79

RotoChamp Projection: 85-77

My Projection: 88-74 (Second in Division)

Actual Record: 65-97

Why: The Nationals added former all-stars Kyle Schwarber, Jon Lester, and Josh Bell this offseason. They'll need these guys to step up if they want to have any chance at a postseason birth.

Why Worse: Will their pitching staff hold up throughout a full season? Max Scherzer will be 37-years of age in July. Stephen Strasburg is coming off a season in which he pitched in two games. Patrick Corbin held a 4.66 ERA last year. Jon Lester is hoping for one last chance at a postseason run before retiring.

NL CENTRAL

1.) Milwaukee Brewers

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 82.5

PECOTA Projection: 88-74

Fangraphs Projection: 81-81

RotoChamp Projection: 85-77

My Projection: 85-77 (Second in Division)

Actual Record: 95-67

Why: The additions of Kolten Wong and Jackie Bradley Jr. do wonders for the Brewers defense. All three of their starting outfielders have won Gold Gloves at one point in their careers. If the Brewers are to be serious threats in the NL Central they'll need Yelich to have another MVP-like season.

Why Worse: The Brewers rotation was a strength last season. It will be interesting to see if they can sustain that success this year. Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes will anchor the pitching staff, but questions arise after those two in the rotation.

2.) St Louis Cardinals

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 86.5

PECOTA Projection: 78-84

Fangraphs Projection: 79-83

RotoChamp Projections: 80-82

My Projection: 91-71 (First in Division)

Actual Record: 90-72

Why: The Cardinals made arguably the biggest splash this offseason in acquiring Nolan Arenado. Arenado takes the Cardinals from a postseason team to a contender for the NL Pennant. Jack Flaherty and Kwang-Hyun Kim are a formidable 1-2 punch. It remains to be seen how the back end of their rotation holds up throughout the season.

Why Worse: Kwang-Hyun Kim and Mike Mikolas will start the season on the injured list. This is a tough pill to swallow with how late in spring training their injuries occurred. The other guys in the rotation are Adam Wainwright and Carlos Martinez. Wainwright is as consistent as they come while Martinez has been erratic in his career. If the Cardinals get the Martinez that made the all-star game a few seasons back it would answer a lot of question marks. The biggest factor to the team's success this season will be the health of Yadier Molina. As Molina goes, the Cardinals go.

3.) Cincinnati Reds

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 81.5

PECOTA Projection: 78-84

Fangraphs Projection: 78-84

RotoChamp Projection: 79-83

My Projection: 75-87 (Fourth in Division)

Actual Record: 83-79

Why: Trying to replace Trevor Bauer is going to be impossible. Having said that, their biggest issues will stem on offense. The Reds finished last in the league with a team batting average of .212 last season. Batting Average is an antiquated stat, but does reveal efficiency of an offense.

Why Better: Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray makeup the best 1-2 punch in the division. The additions of Sean Doolittle and Tyler Naquin give the Reds immediate veteran credibility. I'm extremely intrigued by highly rated prospect, Tyler Stephenson. He should be the starting catcher at some point this season and could be the x-factor in the Reds success.

4.) Chicago Cubs

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 78.5

PECOTA Projection: 85-77

Fangraphs Projection: 78-84

RotoChamp Projection: 80-82

My Projection: 81-81 (Third in Division)

Actual Record: 71-91

Why: The Cubs feature one of the most prolific offenses in baseball. Eight players have potential to hit 15+ home runs this season. Of those eight, five of them have potential to hit 25+ home runs. Needless to say, their issues won't stem from hitting the long ball.

Why Better: Another year of David Ross at the helm will be beneficial to the Cubs. A huge priority of his will be helping Jake Arrieta rediscover his dominant form. If the Cubs get innings out of him they could certainly make the the postseason. Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner could be under the radar guys that keep the lineup clicking on offense.

5.) Pittsburgh Pirates

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 59.5

PECOTA Projection: 60-102

Fangraphs Projection: 66-96

RotoChamp Projection: 62-100

My Projection: 61-101 (Fifth in Division)

Actual Record: 61-101

Why: The Pirates clinched postseason berths in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Each of these seasons ended in anguish, and the Pirates haven't been the same since. General Manager, Ben Cherington will continue to offload contracts and aging players. He started this offseason by trading Joe Musgrove and Josh Bell.

Why Better: Gregory Polanco is the next Pirate to be traded. Many expect the Pirates to be in the running for the worst record in the league. They should be using the Astros and Royals philosophy of tanking, as that ended in a World Series championships for both organizations.

NL WEST

1.) San Francisco Giants

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 75.5

PECOTA Projection: 73-89

Fangraphs Projection: 77-85

RotoChamp Projection: 75-87

My Projection: 75-87 (Third in Division)

Actual Record: 107-55

Why: The Giants exceeded everybody's expectations last season. In doing so, they were able to find some quality players. Expect the Giants to be active this season with trades, waiver wire transactions, and promotions from their minor league system. This formula worked for them last year.

Why Better: The acquisition of Tommy La Stella is huge. He's one of the hardest hitters in the league to strike out, and is versatile in the field. This versatility allows the Giants to play the differing splits depending on the opposing pitcher. A huge question mark will be their starting rotation. Kevin Gausman is coming off a career season. Johnny Cueto is trying to prove he's still a quality pitcher. Alex Wood, Anthony DeSclafani, and Aaron Sanchez are pitching for their major league lives.

2.) Los Angeles Dodgers

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 102.5

PECOTA Projection: 103-59

Fangraphs Projection: 98-64

RotoChamp Projection: 103-59

My Projection: 101-61 (First in Division)

Actual Record: 106-56

Why: Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Trevor Bauer, Julio Urias, David Price, and Dustin May are all guys that would be the ace pitcher in most rotations. Good luck beating them in a 3, 5 or 7 game series. Until they are knocked off as division champion, it's their spot to lose.

Why Worse: The Dodgers finally delivered a World Series to Los Angeles. It was the first championship for them since 1988. Now that the pressure is off it could cause complacency. It also appears the Dodgers may have a challenger within the division. The Dodgers-Padres rivalry could become what the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry was in the early 2000's.

3.) San Diego Padres

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 94.5

PECOTA Projection: 95-67

Fangraphs Projection: 94-68

RotoChamp Projection: 97-65

My Projection: 94-68 (Second in Division)

Actual Record: 79-93

Why: The Padres addressed their rotation and bullpen this offseason by acquiring for Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, Blake Snell, and Mark Melancon. Even with these additions, it remains to be seen if the Padres can hang with the Dodgers over a 162-game schedule.

Why Worse: The Padres need to handle their business against the teams in their division not named Dodgers. They will need to compete with the same intensity against the Diamondbacks, Giants, and Rockies that they would against the Dodgers. Another concern is their roster depth. Jurickson Profar is their utility man, but after him their roster flexibility is limited. I'd be shocked if the Padres don't make a midseason acquisition.

4.) Colorado Rockies

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 63.5

PECOTA Projection: 61-101

Fangraphs Projection: 67-95

RotoChamp Projection: 64-98

My Projection: 62-100 (Fifth in Division)

Actual Record: 74-87

Why: Gone is a generational talent. Gone is a Gold Glove defender. Gone are 40 home runs a year. Even with the loss of Nolan Arenado, the Rockies still feature one of the best hitting combinations in the league. Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story should continue to put up big numbers, but it won't be near enough to make up for their subpar pitching.

Why Better: This season won't be considered a success by their wins and losses. The only way to quantify it as a success is if they bolster their farm system with quality and quantity of talent. The Rockies have one of the worst rated farm systems in the league, and that factors in the prospects they received in the Arenado trade. They're going to need to make difficult decisions about the futures of Charlie Blackmon and Trevor Story. It's pretty simple, do the Rockies start their rebuild now and hope to be good in five years, or do they wait and hope to be good in ten years? Seems pretty straight forward.

5.) Arizona Diamondbacks

DraftKings O/U Win Total: 74.5

PECOTA Projection: 76-86

Fangraphs Projection: 72-90

RotoChamp Projection: 76-86

My Projection: 73-89 (Fourth in Division)

Actual Record: 52-110

Why: The Diamondbacks, like the Giants and Rockies, are going to be battling for the third spot in the division. They figure to have one of the better fielding teams with the likes of Kole Calhoun, Ketel Marte, and Nick Ahmed.

Why Better: Madison Bumgarner and Luke Weaver figure to have better seasons than they did last year. If they do, it will go a long way in helping Zac Gallen, who was a bright spot for the Diamondbacks. This is a pivotal season for the Diamondbacks, and one in which they should look to build for the future.