TEAM TO BEAT
CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
The Guardians posted a winning record against all four AL Central opponents last season, including taking 13 of 19 from the Twins. That helped push Cleveland to 92-70 and 11 games up on the second-place White Sox. The Guardians won't get the same quantity of matchups versus divisional opponents with the new schedule, but the quality of the club's roster is improved after signing 30-year-old slugger Josh Bell to DH. The rest of the core of baseball's youngest team returns intact, with more help on the way.
Most of the organization's top prospects either finished 2022 at Triple-A or will get there this season, including righthanders Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee, lefthander Logan T. Allen, catcher Bo Naylor, outfielder George Valera and shortstop Brayan Rocchio.
TOP PLAYER
JOSE RAMIREZ, 3B, GUARDIANS
Ramirez is baseball's quietest superstar. He has played at a high level from the moment he became a regular in 2016, and in that time just three players-Mookie Betts, Mike Trout and Nolan Arenado-have accumulated more WAR than Ramirez. He hasn't broken through for an MVP but has five top-five finishes, including a fourth-place showing last year, when he hit 280/.355/.514 with 29 home runs, an American League-leading 44 doubles and a career-high 126 RBIS. Ramirez played through a wrist injury in the second half, which could be bad news for opposing pitchers this season.
TOP PITCHER
DYLAN CEASE, RHP, WHITE SOX
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HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Blaze Alexander entered spring training as a long shot to make the team, but there he was on March 28, starting and batting seventh in the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier
GEM COLLECTOR
In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits
EARNING POWER
A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players
NOBODY'S PERFECT
No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.
