By Joe Giordano || Senior Editor
The MLB season is finally underway and there are many intriguing and promising storylines heading into the new year. The Houston Astros, fresh off their World Series win in November, look to defend their title for the first time in franchise history. In addition, free agency and trades has shook up the league in many regards. The addition of Japanese star Shohei Ohtani to the Los Angeles Angels has made headlines as one of the most highly coveted free agents in recent memory.
In addition, the introduction of slugger Giancarlo Stanton to the already powerful Yankees lineup has people around the league buzzing. With plenty to talk about, we are certainly in for an exciting year of baseball.
Of the 30 teams in the Major Leagues, there was not one that wasn’t hopeful that Shohei Ohtani would land on their squad. In the end, the Los Angeles Angels were the winner of the Ohtani sweepstakes and they have not been disappointed thus far in the season. The pitching and hitting stud has gotten things started in LA with a bang, hitting home runs in three straight games. This would be impressive for any hitter. However, this is added to the fact that Ohtani is also a stud starting pitcher for the squad. This is rarity in the Major Leagues and something that has not been seen and may never be seen again. Whether or not Ohtani can keep up this hot start remains to be seen. However, his promising start has fans in LA very hopeful for their future.
The other main storyline was certainly the addition of Giancarlo Stanton to the already potent batting order. The Yankees already possessed Aaron Judge who had 52 home runs of his own last year, leading the American League. The addition of National League Most Valuable Player Giancarlo Stanton could only make the Yankees lineup more dangerous. Accounting for 59 home runs and 132 RBIs last season, Stanton was a breakout star in Miami. After a trade sent him to New York, the 2-3 punch of Judge and Stanton in the Yankee order has pitchers all around the league fearful of facing the team from the Bronx.
While the Yankees and Astros seem like the favorites in the American League, the always dangerous Chicago Cubs are lurking and the defending National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for revenge on the Astros for last year’s defeat. Those two powerhouse squads look to be far and away the favorites in the National League and any other matchup in the championship series would certainly be surprising. However, baseball is a game of inches and anything can happen.
Fans around the league have lots to watch for this season and regardless of the results, it looks to be on track for a season to remember for Major League Baseball and their fans.
Senior Joe Giordano is a Senior Editor. His email is jgiorda1@fandm.edu.