Opening Week Overreactions? Let’s Talk MLB 2025
Welcome back to Staten News — this week, we're diving into the diamond.
Opening Week of the 2025 MLB season has delivered plenty of excitement. While it's early, let's delve into some forecasts, award predictions, and playoff projections based on the initial performances.
🔥 Award Season Way-Too-Early Picks
📈 MVP (AL): Adley Rutschman, Orioles
Rutschman had an explosive Opening Day, contributing significantly to the Orioles' 12-2 victory over the Blue Jays.
📈 MVP (NL): Juan Soto, Mets
He’s not just adjusting to Queens — he’s thriving. Soto is already showing signs he’s the alpha in this Mets lineup, and his plate discipline + raw power combo looks even more dangerous in the NL East. If the Mets take the division, it’ll be because Juan Soto dragged them there with a bat hotter than Citi Field in July.
📈 Cy Young (AL): Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays
Gausman secured a win with a strong performance, leading the Blue Jays to their first victory of the season against the Orioles.
📈 Cy Young (NL): Max Fried, Yankees
In his Yankees debut, Fried showcased his prowess, striking out William Contreras for his first K as a Yankee.
📈 Rookie of the Year (AL): Cam Smith, Astros
Smith made a notable MLB debut, recording a hit in his first at-bat and contributing to the Astros' victory over the Mets.
📈 Rookie of the Year (NL): Owen Caissie, Cubs
Caissie impressed in the Iowa Cubs' season opener, hitting a massive 426-foot solo home run, signaling his readiness for the big leagues.
🌟 Playoff Forecast
It's early, but based on Opening Week performances, here's a speculative look at the postseason landscape:
AL Playoff Picture:
Orioles (AL East Champs): Dominant Opening Day performance with a 12-2 win over the Blue Jays.
Astros (AL West Champs): Secured a 3-1 victory over the Mets, showcasing strong pitching.
Guardians (AL Central Champs): Opened with a 7-4 extra-innings win against the Royals.
Yankees (Wild Card): Started strong with a 4-2 win over the Brewers.
Blue Jays (Wild Card): Bounced back with an 8-2 win against the Orioles.
Rays (Wild Card): Secured a walk-off win against the Rockies.
NL Playoff Picture:
Mets (NL East Champs): Call it bold. Call it delusional. But call it early: The Mets are taking the East. Soto + Lindor = Best 1-2 punch in the division, young arms on the rise, and bullpen depth that’s better than advertised.
Dodgers (NL West Champs): Undefeated start, including a 5-4 win over the Tigers.
Cubs (NL Central Champs): Strong performances in the Tokyo Series and home opener.
Braves (Wild Card): Despite a loss to the Padres, the roster remains formidable.
Padres (Wild Card): Notched a 7-4 victory over the Braves.
Phillies (Wild Card): Secured a 7-3 extra-innings win against the Nationals.
World Series Prediction: Dodgers over Orioles in 6
The Dodgers' depth and early-season form position them as early favorites.
🔥 Hot Takes Section:
Yankees' Lineup Experimentation Pays Off: Paul Goldschmidt's leadoff homer set the tone for a revamped lineup.
Dodgers' Offense Looks Unstoppable: With contributions from Betts and Ohtani, the Dodgers are firing on all cylinders.
Orioles' Power Surge: Baltimore's six home runs on Opening Day signal a potent offense.
Astros' Rookie Impact: Cam Smith's debut adds depth to an already strong lineup.
Cubs' Farm System Shines: Owen Caissie's performance in Triple-A hints at a bright future for Chicago.
🔷 Updated Hot Takes & Forecasts with Mets Flavor
📈 NL MVP: Juan Soto, New York Mets
He’s not just adjusting to Queens — he’s thriving.
Soto is already showing signs he’s the alpha in this Mets lineup, and his plate discipline + raw power combo looks even more dangerous in the NL East.
If the Mets take the division, it’ll be because Juan Soto dragged them there with a bat hotter than Citi Field in July.
Why it works:
He’s a superstar in a huge market.
The storyline of “new face, new franchise centerpiece” plays beautifully.
He’ll have every chance to lead the league in OBP, HR, and highlight reels.
⚾ NL East Champs: New York Mets
Call it bold. Call it delusional. But call it early: The Mets are taking the East.
Soto + Lindor = Best 1-2 punch in the division
Young arms ready to shine (Senga when healthy, Christian Scott possibly midseason)
Underrated bullpen depth
And yeah, the Braves are great — but regression is real and the Mets’ vibes are better than they’ve been in years.
“If the Mets stay healthy, this is a 95+ win team. Book it.”
🔗 Get Involved
What are your Opening Week impressions? Who's exceeding expectations? Who's underperforming?
Share your thoughts in the comments or reply directly. We'll feature some of the best insights in next week's issue.
For exclusive analyses and midseason updates, join the Garbage Crew as a paid subscriber and gain full access.
Until next time,
— The Bandicoots