TEAM TO BEAT
HOUSTON ASTROS
The defending World Series champions bring back eight of nine starters from last year's lineup, four of their top five starters and every key member of their bullpen. Offseason signee Jose Abreu represents an upgrade from Yuli Gurriel at first base, Michael Brantley is set to return from injury and reigning World Series MVP Jeremy Peña should continue to progress in year two as the club's shortstop to give the Astros potentially an even more explosive offense than last year's championship team. The loss of reigning Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander in free agency hurts, but the Astros still have a rotation that runs six deep, led by burgeoning ace Framber Valdez.
TOP PLAYER
SHOHEI OHTANI, RHP/DH, ANGELS
At this point, there seems to be nothing Ohtani can't do. After hitting 46 home runs and posting a 3.18 ERA en route to winning the AL MVP award in 2021, Ohtani took a step forward as a pitcher to become a true ace last season. He finished fifth in the majors in ERA and sixth in strikeouts while also batting .273/.356/.519 with 34 home runs, finishing second in AL MVP voting. The two-way superstar is entering his final year under contract with the Angels and will be plenty motivated to deliver another historic season as he heads into free agency.
TOP PITCHER
JACOB deGROM, RHP, RANGERS
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