There are many storylines to regulate as we strategy Opening Day. This is a take a look at the highest storyline for every MLB crew.
![Arizona Diamondbacks: Deeper starting rotation](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1504,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/c/0/c0c6e560e36dcc1232ee5556659647cee13394cb/arizona-diamondbacks-deeper-starting-rotation.jpg?resize=700%2C526)
Rob Schumacher / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Arizona superior to the World Collection final season despite a skinny beginning rotation. Now Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly are set to have extra assist with the addition of veteran Eduardo Rodriguez, together with Brandon Pfaadt’s late-season enchancment. The deeper rotation might assist Arizona make extra noise in October.
![Atlanta Braves: Ronald Acuna Jr.'s knee](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/e/5/e5ec70acef346b69e17ae089c50114c4904185b1/atlanta-braves-ronald-acuna-jrs-knee.jpg)
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Atlanta received a scare in early March when defending MVP Acuna suffered a meniscus damage in his knee. The damage is taken into account minor however value eyeing after the celebrity tore his ACL in 2021. The crew has excessive hopes for 2024, however Acuna’s lacking vital time might put these hopes on ice.
![Baltimore Orioles: Jackson Holliday's arrival](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/f/c/fcf9cecbc5a928bd879eec0d65afe10efcd1ec99/baltimore-orioles-jackson-hollidays-arrival.jpg)
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Holliday is extensively thought of one of the best hitting prospect within the sport and has an opportunity to interrupt camp as Baltimore’s beginning second baseman. It is fairly a two-year improvement for a participant who was drafted out of highschool lower than two years in the past, but he might assist the Orioles lineup change into elite.
![Boston Red Sox: The outfield picture](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/f/7/f7b331159607c4f86bd7ad59b0fded8a1dcf2f1d/boston-red-sox-outfield-picture.jpg)
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Crimson Sox followers aren’t thrilled about their offseason, however the outfield does look sturdy. Former 30 house run hitter Tyler O’Neill has upside if he can keep wholesome, Jarren Duran had a breakout 2023 season, and children Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu have big upsides. That is to not point out Masataka Yoshida, who’s more likely to cut up time between left subject and DH. Boston’s roster has some holes, however the outfield could possibly be nearly as good as any within the sport.
![Chicago Cubs: Craig Counsell's impact](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/a/2/a2905741ff498c3583072ab6b867118ba6199ac4/chicago-cubs-craig-counsells-impact.jpg)
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The Cubs had a giant offseason, however their largest transfer was hiring Counsell from the rival Brewers. The supervisor routinely overachieved in 9 seasons with Milwaukee and has the roster to make noise within the NL.
![Chicago White Sox: Waving the white flag](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/7/1/71692ef750c589f5df087b4af574fe9ade00adf9/chicago-white-sox-waving-white-flag.jpg)
Kamil Krzaczynski / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The White Sox have misplaced vital expertise during the last yr after sporting an underachieving roster, and there could possibly be extra strikes to come back. Stars like Dylan Stop, Luis Robert Jr., and Eloy Jimenez would appear to be prime commerce candidates if the crew falls out of competition early within the season.
![Cincinnati Reds: Pitching depth](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/f/9/f9917d68ba6449705fbb3e3ed2faf73a83225183/cincinnati-reds-pitching-depth.jpg)
Matt Kartozian / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The Reds roster is loaded with younger expertise, however they ran out of pitching final season. The crew addressed their pitching wants by signing Frankie Montas, Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagan, and Brent Suter, however there stay questions on whether or not it is sufficient. It is going to be key for younger starters Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott to stay wholesome.
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Cleveland Guadians: Younger outfielder affect
![Cleveland Guadians: Young outfielder impact](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/e/8/e82cbed520797ba7e981494678916b1d92449436/cleveland-guadians-young-outfielder-impact.jpg)
Matt Kartozian / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Cleveland struggled to search out offense final season, notably within the outfield. The crew added Estevan Florial to battle Myles Straw in heart subject, whereas prime prospect Chase DeLauter is not distant. That duo has an opportunity so as to add power that has been drastically missing.
![Colorado Rockies: Kris Bryant's health](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1374,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/a/c/ac73ca5f3e16d7acabccf1170985d49a57ac52b2/colorado-rockies-kris-bryants-health.jpg)
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Bryant has been unable to remain on the sector since signing a seven-year, $182 million contract in 2022. The hope is {that a} transfer to first base this season will assist finish his decrease physique accidents, however the state of affairs has appeared dire. The Rockies drastically want Bryant to remain on the sector to have any probability of competing.
![Detroit Tigers: Young flamethrowers](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/3/9/39d79ef2549497e38421debd36cb35af514de4fa/detroit-tigers-young-flamethrowers.jpg)
Mike Watters / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Tarik Skubal was arguably one of the best pitcher within the AL after getting back from damage at midseason in 2023, and the Tigers have a number of different intriguing arms behind him of their rotation. Former prime prospects Casey Mize, Reese Olson, and Matt Manning enter the yr wholesome, whereas fellow prime prospects Jackson Jobe, Ty Madden, and Wilmer Flores might additionally make an affect in 2024. After additionally including veterans Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty, Tigers followers have motive for optimism.
![Houston Astros: Justin Verlander](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/3/c/3c77bb6b33d17906cd6581ac2ed628ab359b7ce8/houston-astros-justin-verlander.jpg)
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Verlander was introduced again to Houston ultimately yr’s commerce deadline however is already trying uncertain for Opening Day resulting from an arm damage. Accidents include the territory for a 41-year-old pitcher, however the Astros want their former ace wholesome to win the AL West once more.
![Kansas City Royals: Ready to compete?](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/f/d/fd73a49e8550ca0fefc78be44f03c3804319ea74/kansas-city-royals-ready-compete.jpg)
Joe Camporeale / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The Royals had been energetic within the offseason, revamping their pitching with Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Will Smith whereas additionally including Hunter Renfroe to the lineup. There is no doubt KC want to compete after one other disastrous common season in 2023, and the emergence of Cole Ragans late within the yr fuels their optimism.
![Los Angeles Angels: Life without Ohtani](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/6/1/618351c82a54c6e8b4c4aba4a7c03354b60ac128/los-angeles-angels-life-ohtani.jpg)
Kyle Schwab / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The Angels are recognized for making splashes in free company, however weren’t in a position to retain Shohei Ohtani. The crew’s star energy stays, led by Mike Trout, and new supervisor Ron Washington is saying all the suitable issues throughout Spring Coaching. Nonetheless, it could possibly be a tall job for the crew to compete within the AL West.
![Los Angeles Dodgers: Sky high expectations](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1378,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/3/1/3190153738301705e9e8f2f574f6fdbf65202232/los-angeles-dodgers-sky-high-expectations.jpg)
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The Dodgers have maybe essentially the most impactful offseason in MLB historical past with the additions of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, amongst others. Becoming a member of a star-studded roster and with former aces Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler anticipated to return later within the season, LA has a transparent goal to win the World Collection.
![Miami Marlins: Rotation without Alcantara](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/b/2/b2997f15c0564385b41ee0aa8f2abab0a584b956/miami-marlins-rotation-alcantara.jpg)
Jonathan Dyer / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Miami is more likely to miss Sandy Alcantara for the whole yr following Tommy John surgical procedure. The excellent news is that they’ve constructed depth behind him, with younger pitchers like Jesus Luzardo, Eury Perez, and Braxton Garrett. The Marlins had been one of many shock groups in 2023, and have sufficient pitching to compete once more.
![Milwaukee Brewers: Sal Frelick's role](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1348,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/6/5/6545bf67a7b315b82603fe3d410e7a8fc7463ab3/milwaukee-brewers-sal-frelicks-role.jpg)
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Frelick added power to the Brewers lineup when he was promoted within the second half, and the pure outfielder’s effort to study the infield offers the crew extra choices. The outfield is crowded with prime prospect Jackson Chourio set to affix Christian Yelich, Garrett Mitchell, and Joey Wiemer, so the potential of enjoying Frelick at third or second is welcome.
![Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton's return to the field](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/d/5/d552aa12dec2b02fa00ab97b6358b9b25e042b58/minnesota-twins-byron-buxtons-return-field.jpg)
Jesse Johnson / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The oft-injured Buxton struggled with a knee problem once more final season and did not seem on the sector. He feels higher this spring and is about to take over heart subject once more, although his damage historical past—just one 100-game season within the majors since 2015—ought to result in some anxiousness. Actually, the Twins lineup and protection can be a lot improved if Buxton can keep on the sector.
![New York Mets: Starting rotation questions](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/c/2c997fe50de69a7cfd23b48d2226a46bb5a86d94/new-york-mets-starting-rotation-questions.jpg)
Vincent Carchietta / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
After buying and selling Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander final season, newly topped ace Kodai Senga suffered a shoulder damage in Spring Coaching that might hold him sidelined for a lot of 2024. The Mets are actually relying on free-agent additions Sean Manaea and Luis Severino to calm the storm, however there is not practically as a lot hoopla over this yr’s roster.
![New York Yankees: Carlos Rodon's rebound](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1318,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/b/0/b0b6d886b915f3bf8694a9caba61ed0b68381846/new-york-yankees-carlos-rodons-rebound.jpg)
Kim Klement Neitzel / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Rodon gave the impression to be a free-agent bust within the first yr of his six-year contract, lacking vital time with elbow and again points and posting a 6.85 ERA. He seems more healthy this spring, although the radar gun hasn’t mirrored that wholesome early. The Yankees lineup seems stacked after including Juan Soto, however they want Rodon to ship behind Gerrit Cole.
![Oakland Athletics: Zack Gelof's stardom](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/4/7/474429984c62501e8b3de6a02f934c143a387901/oakland-athletics-zack-gelofs-stardom.jpg)
Robert Edwards / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Oakland stays a great distance from competing after stripping down its roster during the last two seasons, however it’s starting to develop extra identifiable gamers. Zack Gelof made headlines because the beginning second baseman final season after his promotion, exhibiting himself as a succesful hitter with an .840 OPS and 14 house runs in 69 video games. The hope is that he’ll proceed to develop this yr.
![Philadelphia Phillies: Who's closing?](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/4/24a58a47156d6c6b998420975b5d9620c91c06d6/philadelphia-phillies-whos-closing.jpg)
Invoice Streicher / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
![Pittsburgh Pirates: Young arrivals pending](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/0/d/0d452a4dc3816c9e7f74e2526a3d72ab38d74b6e/pittsburgh-pirates-young-arrivals-pending.jpg)
Jonathan Dyer / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Pittsburgh received off to a quick begin final season earlier than floundering. They face lengthy odds this yr after a quiet offseason, although a deep farm system does give the crew hope. Specifically, followers are enthusiastic about 2023 first-round decide Paul Skenes, who has flashed triple-digit velocity throughout Spring Coaching and could possibly be the long run. MLB items Oneil Cruz, Liover Peguero, Henry Davis, and Roansy Contreras might additionally assist the crew shock.
![San Diego Padres: Outfield mess](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/e/2e2d8766a6222464c9a04c8bae772b069df41078/san-diego-padres-outfield-mess.jpg)
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The Padres have had a really quiet offseason as they slashed payroll, buying and selling Juan Soto whereas additionally permitting pitchers Blake Snell and Josh Hader to stroll in free company. Early within the offseason, the outfield gave the impression to be weak past Fernando Tatis Jr., with the crew hoping veteran Jurickson Profar and prime prospect Jackson Merrill might emerge. There’s nonetheless time for the Padres to deal with their outfield holes in free company, however the lack of urgency ought to go away followers involved.
![San Francisco Giants: Big acquisitions](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/0/a/0a742aaab1b18f9b0be111536f7b5806a53af6ec/san-francisco-giants-big-acquisitions.jpg)
Joe Camporeale / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The Giants typically play second fiddle to the rival Dodgers, and that included this offseason when their huge spending on Jordan Hicks, Jorge Soler, Jung Hoo Lee, and Matt Chapman was neglected. Some huge holes stay on the roster, together with the beginning rotation, however the crew might bounce again into competition.
![Seattle Mariners: Offensive deficiencies](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1435,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/d/c/dc9941d122ba0be8b9ee93cf34f14691871d9c56/seattle-mariners-offensive-deficiencies.jpg)
Mark J. Rebilas / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Seattle has probably the most spectacular beginning rotations in baseball, however it stays to be seen in the event that they did sufficient to deal with their offensive points. The Mariners added Mitch Garver, Jorge Polanco, and Luke Raley to celebrity Julio Rodriguez, although the lineup would not stack as much as Texas or Houston on paper.
![St. Louis Cardinals: Oldies but goodies?](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/b/3/b376b757c191253e159ee45c9b5e94ef54a0b5ee/st-louis-cardinals-oldies-goodies.jpg)
Sam Navarro / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Whereas most groups are making efforts to get youthful, the Cardinals went the other way after a disappointing 2023 season. Sonny Grey, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson had been added to the beginning rotation, whereas the crew additionally added seasoned veterans Matt Carpenter and Brandon Crawford to the bench. It is a danger for a crew whose stars, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, are additionally of their 30’s.
![Tampa Bay Rays: Rotation treading water](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/9/3/93c406f3f2935edb577b54ea76fdf5cede8eb389/tampa-bay-rays-rotation-treading-water.jpg)
Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
No group does extra with lower than the Rays, and that effort continues in 2024 whereas the Rays watch for Shane Baz, Jeffrey Springs, Drew Rasmussen, and Shane McClanahan to get wholesome within the beginning rotation. The rotation nonetheless appears succesful, led by Zach Eflin, however it stays to be seen if they’ve sufficient to stay aggressive within the AL East.
![Texas Rangers: Young outfielders](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/e/2ed866f86c5a60ab594ef53f9e595bc17bdc0d13/texas-rangers-young-outfielders.jpg)
Rick Scuteri / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The Rangers in all probability would not have gained the World Collection with out the contribution from Evan Carter. Along with a full season of Carter, followers are very excited concerning the eventual arrival of 2023 first-round Wyatt Langford. With a robust Spring Coaching, Langford might arrive before anticipated.
![Toronto Blue Jays: Meeting expectations](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/4/8/48c836d3c430fb864934b34a1979695fe5fc1e29/toronto-blue-jays-meeting-expectations.jpg)
Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
Whereas they’ve made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, few groups have been greater latest disappointments than the Jays. The younger group of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and firm have not gotten Toronto even near a World Collection, and time is working out earlier than the crew has to pay their stars. Regardless of a quiet offseason, this crew has all the pieces it wants.
![Washington Nationals: Pitcher development](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1357,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/8/4/84ebf3e33c44414a26da5cce8172d83b47abb171/washington-nationals-pitcher-development.jpg)
Rhona Sensible / USA Immediately Sports activities Pictures
The Nats have been backside feeders since successful the World Collection in 2019, and their lack of pitching improvement is disturbing. Washington continues to be optimistic about MacKenzie Gore and Josiah Grey, with prime prospects Cade Cavalli, Jackson Rutledge, DJ Herz, and Cole Henry proper behind them. The event of these pitchers can be key to Washington getting again to competition.