A lot can go proper — or unsuitable — over the course of a 162-game season. Not even MLB’s greatest groups can predict precisely how their 2024 marketing campaign goes to play out, leaving the door open for what generally is a scary idea: the nice unknown.
Damage considerations, participant growth and extra symbolize the biggest questions looming for all 30 groups forward of Opening Day on Thursday. With the assistance of every membership’s MLB.com beat author, right here is the largest unknown for each workforce heading into 2024.
Blue Jays: Which pitcher will step up?With Alek Manoah’s shoulder situation retaining him sidelined to start the season, the Blue Jays want a hit story on the mound. This rotation has been very wholesome over the previous two seasons, so this would possibly really feel new, however there’s nothing uncommon about needing 9 or 10 starters over a single season. Bowden Francis is the primary to step into the highlight coming off a superb 2023 season out of the bullpen, however can Francis stretch again out and solidify that No. 5 spot? He’s seemed nice in camp, however a lot is being requested of him. Past Francis, can No. 1 prospect Ricky Tiedemann keep wholesome and kick the door down by mid-summer? That will increase the ceiling of this group considerably, however for now, it’s all about defending the ground. — Keegan Matheson
Orioles: Will the Félix Bautista-less bullpen be robust sufficient?Whereas their All-Star nearer recovers from Tommy John surgical procedure, the O’s will hope Craig Kimbrel can nonetheless be an efficient ninth-inning arm in his age-36 season. The suitable-hander, who ranks eighth in AL/NL historical past with 417 profession saves, ended the spring by placing out six over 4 straight scoreless appearances, so he should have lots left within the tank. However Baltimore may even lean closely on setup arms similar to Yennier Cano (an All-Star rookie in 2023) and Danny Coulombe, who don’t have lengthy monitor information. Cionel Pérez and Jacob Webb had shaky springs. The X-factor of the group is Dillon Tate, who missed all of final season resulting from proper elbow/forearm accidents and returned to have an electrical spring. — Jake Rill
Rays: Can the rotation maintain up?The Rays traded away Tyler Glasnow figuring out they have been prone to be with out Shane McClanahan all season, Shane Baz within the early going, Jeffrey Springs for maybe the primary half and Drew Rasmussen for doubtless a bit longer than that. Now, they’re anticipated to overlook Taj Bradley (proper pectoral pressure) for the primary month of the season. This was already a bunch with workload considerations, given some starters’ harm historical past and others’ restricted expertise in a Main League rotation. However with none prime pitching prospects banging down the door in Triple-A, they want their prime starters (Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale and Zack Littell) to be sturdy and their younger arms (Ryan Pepiot and Bradley) to take a step ahead till the reinforcements (Baz, Springs and Rasmussen) arrive later within the yr. — Adam Berry
Purple Sox: Will the rotation be ok?When this offseason began, the expectation was that the Purple Sox have been going so as to add to a rotation that completed twenty second within the Majors in ERA final season. It seems that the one addition they made – righty Lucas Giolito – is already misplaced for the season following a UCL restore on his elbow. Chris Sale acquired traded, and James Paxton left through free company. This leaves the Sox with a rotation wherein Nick Pivetta is the lone veteran and 4 pitchers of their mid-20s (Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck) should take steps ahead for the membership to have a practical likelihood to contend. — Ian Browne
Yankees: Can this workforce keep wholesome sufficient to get to October?We see the potential on paper, and the December transfer to import Juan Soto offers an added dimension to the offense, with supervisor Aaron Boone saying that Soto completely represents the grind-it-out perspective that the Bombers search from their lineup. However each harm units off new flashing crimson sirens on a veteran roster: Gerrit Cole might miss the primary two months with a sore proper elbow, DJ LeMahieu is a “lengthy shot” for Opening Day with a bruised proper foot, and Aaron Decide needed to miss 9 days of camp with belly discomfort. Lacking Decide and Anthony Rizzo for giant parts of the season sunk their probabilities in 2023. To get the place they wish to be, the Yankees want their massive names in motion. — Bryan Hoch
Guardians: Can the offense rating sufficient runs?Even with starter Gavin Williams and three relievers starting the yr on the injured record, the Guardians ought to nonetheless be in fairly good condition in the case of their pitching. In the case of the offense, we don’t have sufficient proof to consider that it may be higher than final yr’s simply but. The 2 variations with this roster from 2023 are the additions of catcher Austin Hedges and outfielder Estevan Florial and the removing of middle fielder Myles Straw. Hedges is thought for his management and his protection … not his bat. Florial might assist offensively, however after an underwhelming spring, it’s exhausting to easily assume that would be the case. Getting Tyler Freeman extra constant at-bats in middle discipline could possibly be a assist, changing Straw’s lackluster bat. However that is an offense that ranked final in homers, twenty ninth in slugging share and twenty seventh in runs scored final yr. They’ll must discover a solution to push extra runs throughout the plate. — Mandy Bell
Royals: Will the bullpen have sufficient energy?The Royals remade their bullpen with strike-throwers who know tips on how to pitch. Will Smith shall be their nearer to start the season, however others will get alternatives, together with James McArthur. To be clear, all have great things, and McArthur sits 94-95 mph with nasty secondary pitches. All of them pound the zone and shall be dependable within the again finish of video games. However the Royals are lacking a fireballer — anyone who can dominate hitters with excessive velocity. Inside choices received’t assist straight away: Carlos Hernández (shoulder) will start the season on the injured record, as will hard-throwing lefty Jake Brentz (hamstring). Prospects John McMillon (No. 18) and Will Klein (No. 19) each attain triple digits however will open the season in Triple-A Omaha. All 4 ought to be capable to assist Kansas Metropolis sooner or later in 2024, however when and the way a lot remains to be to be decided. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: Can Colt Keith be a run producer instantly?The Tigers thought sufficient of Colt Keith to signal him to a long-term contract earlier than he makes his MLB debut. Now the Tigers’ No. 2 prospect will get to place his mixture of left-handed energy and plate self-discipline to the check towards massive league pitching. The Tigers have accomplished their greatest to mood expectations, declaring what number of gifted, extremely rated hitting prospects struggled to make the leap final yr. However the Tigers are additionally clear they wish to give Keith a chance to seize this job and run with it. If he can try this, Detroit’s lineup turns into a lot deeper. — Jason Beck
Twins: What does Chris Paddack have within the tank?Not solely will Paddack want to point out that he has, certainly, bounced again from a second Tommy John surgical procedure, however the Twins may even actually be relying on him to take action. With the departures of Sonny Grey and Kenta Maeda, the Twins shall be back-filling with Paddack and Louie Varland — with not a ton of depth behind them. They’ll anticipate steps ahead from Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober however may even want Paddack to faucet into the upside they sought after they traded away Taylor Rogers on Opening Day 2022. The Twins in all probability received’t permit the fewest runs within the AL once more — however Paddack’s well being and efficiency shall be a big think about serving to them not take too massive of a step again. — Do-Hyoung Park
White Sox: How will Garrett Crochet deal with beginning?The southpaw expressed a need to start out throughout a dialog with basic supervisor Chris Getz early on on this previous offseason, and Crochet ran with the prospect to the purpose of dominance the place his first regular-season begin grew to become his first Opening Day begin. However Crochet has by no means thrown greater than 54 1/3 innings throughout a single season and has a 2.71 ERA over 73 profession innings protecting components of three campaigns. The White Sox should be watchful of his total pitch counts and innings whole, though Crochet believes he’ll reply properly to the constant schedule of pitching each fifth day. The White Sox additionally don’t have a set nearer, however supervisor Pedro Grifol just isn’t anticipated to call one hurler for that function. — Scott Merkin
Angels: How will the Halos’ younger hitters fare?The Angels have loads driving on their younger core, and it’s going to be the primary full season within the Majors for Logan O’Hoppe, Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel. All of them have lots to show, and it’s exhausting to undertaking how they may fare this season. The Angels even have to determine their outfield scenario with 5 outfielders and see if Jo Adell can lastly attain a few of his potential. And, in fact, it’s inconceivable to foretell accidents, they usually appeared to ravage the membership within the second half of final season. — Rhett Bollinger
Astros: Does Houston have sufficient center reduction?The Astros have beginning pitching depth when wholesome and boast one among baseball’s premier back-end bullpen trios in setup males Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressly and nearer Josh Hader, who signed a five-year deal to hitch Houston in January. Getting the ball from the starters to the again finish of the bullpen could possibly be a bit bit difficult contemplating the variety of innings Houston misplaced from final yr’s bullpen. The membership is relying on Rafael Montero to bounce again and is hoping to get contributions from Seth Martinez and lefty Bennett Sousa, who aren’t as confirmed as a number of the arms the Astros misplaced in free company. — Brian McTaggart
Athletics: Can Mason Miller keep wholesome?For as a lot pleasure because the A’s have proven over their flamethrowing No. 2 prospect, there may be an equal quantity of concern over Miller’s well being. After a UCL sprain sidelined Miller for almost 4 months final season after an electrical MLB debut, the A’s are taking a cautious strategy with him this season by shifting him to the bullpen. The hope is that he can emerge as a lights-out nearer and possibly even turn out to be a starter once more sooner or later. However for 2024, the main focus is getting him via the yr wholesome. — Martín Gallegos
Mariners: Will the new-look lineup produce?They consider {that a} re-tooled group — headlined by the additions of Mitch Garver, Mitch Haniger and Jorge Polanco, together with the anticipated progress of Dominic Canzone and the hopeful rebound of Ty France — ought to be higher geared up to deal with the lows within the ebbs and flows of a six-month season. However spring outcomes may be convoluted; Garver, Haniger and Polanco every have a notable harm historical past, Canzone has simply 59 video games of MLB expertise and France had, by his estimation, an all-around down yr. There’s promise with this new-look group, but additionally some uncertainty. — Daniel Kramer
Rangers: Can the bullpen reclaim the postseason magic?It’s no secret that the Rangers’ bullpen was the weakest hyperlink for a lot of the common season final yr. However guys like José Leclerc and Josh Sborz buckled down within the postseason, changing into the largest power throughout Texas’ World Sequence run. In an effort to keep on prime, these two, plus the brand new additions of David Robertson and Kirby Yates should produce rather more stability than the bullpen provided in 2023. — Kennedi Landry
Braves: How will Jarred Kelenic carry out?Kelenic doesn’t have to right away be an All-Star, however he should no less than create confidence he’s able to dwelling as much as his nice potential. He created encouragement close to the top of camp as he began to create outcomes with the brand new swing he developed initially of Spring Coaching. The 24-year-old outfielder is a greater defender than Eddie Rosario, and he’s actually able to besting what Rosario supplied as Atlanta’s left fielder final yr. However till Kelenic lastly finds some consistency, there shall be some who doubt his bid to point out why he was the sport’s No. 4 prospect simply three years in the past. — Mark Bowman
Marlins: How will A.J. Puk fare as a starter for the primary time?It is one factor to look dominant throughout Spring Coaching and one other to stick with it over the course of a six-month season. In 4 Grapefruit League begins, Puk allowed simply two earned runs in 13 2/3 innings with 23 strikeouts and 4 walks. However how a lot of that may be attributed to opposing lineups seeing his up to date arsenal for the primary time? And the way will Puk’s arm maintain up with this workload? — Christina De Nicola
Nationals: How quickly will the highest prospects debut?The Nationals invited 16 of their prime 30 prospects to Main League camp, the place they confirmed the following chapter of the workforce is properly on its approach. Dylan Crews (MLB No. 7 total prospect, Nationals No. 1), James Wooden (MLB No. 14, Nationals No. 2), Brady Home (MLB No. 48, Nationals No. 3) and Robert Hassell (Nationals No. 8) remained in camp till the ultimate weekend, and Trey Lipscomb (No. 16) was with the workforce till the top. The Nats don’t wish to name up their prospects till they’re able to play day-after-day on the Main League stage — now the query is, when will that be? — Jessica Camerato
Phillies: How a lot will Johan Rojas’ bat enhance?A lot has been written this spring concerning the Phillies middle fielder. The Phillies mentioned Rojas wanted to earn the job in middle discipline, however in addition they mentioned they wished him to win it. They appreciated sufficient of what they noticed late in camp to place him on the workforce. Bear in mind: The Phillies don’t want Rojas to hit like an All-Star to win. They don’t even want him to be a mean massive league hitter to win. They simply want him to hit sufficient to maintain his glove in middle discipline. Rojas is a very elite defender. He may also help them win together with his glove. — Todd Zolecki
Cardinals: Did St. Louis do sufficient to deal with its pitching?President of baseball operations John Mozeliak acknowledged that his offseason focus could be on “pitching, pitching and pitching,” and he adopted that promise up by signing starters Sonny Grey, Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson and including relievers Andrew Kittredge, Keynan Middleton, Riley O’Brien, Ryan Fernandez and Nick Robertson. However did the membership err in not chasing youthful and extra confirmed pitching? Grey, 34, missed a lot of the Grapefruit League motion with a hamstring pressure, whereas Gibson (10.80 ERA), Lynn (7.90 ERA), Steven Matz (9.00 ERA) and Matthew Liberatore (5.94 ERA) had forgettable spring performances. The bullpen ought to be considerably higher with Kittredge, Middleton and O’Brien, however questions abound concerning the beginning workers. Ought to the Cardinals have pursued former Redbird Jordan Montgomery or 2023 NL Cy Younger Award winner Blake Snell as an alternative of 36-year-old hurlers Lynn and Gibson? — John Denton
Cubs: Will Christopher Morel keep put at third base?Fairly rapidly after taking over the Cubs’ managerial job, Craig Counsell talked up the potential of the 24-year-old Morel. The supervisor wished Morel’s potent bat within the coronary heart of the lineup but additionally wanted a greater match than merely rolling him out as a delegated hitter. This spring, Counsell had Morel spend his time almost solely at third base, giving the younger infielder an opportunity to grab that place and enhance his efficiency via constant work at one spot. If Morel sticks and proves he can deal with that function full time, that could possibly be an enormous win for Chicago. — Jordan Bastian
Pirates: Can Oneil Cruz dwell as much as the hype?Cruz has maybe probably the most boundless potential of any Pirate since Andrew McCutchen broke into the league in 2009. There are additionally loads of questions surrounding him, specifically his protection and if he can keep wholesome. Regarding the latter, he’s performed with out restriction this spring after lacking virtually all of 2023 with a fractured ankle. Defensively, he’s shifting properly within the discipline, but it surely hasn’t all the time been fairly. If Cruz lives as much as the hype and stays wholesome, he could possibly be a 30-homer, 30-steal candidate whereas addressing the workforce’s largest holes within the lineup final yr: A shortstop and a leadoff hitter. Simply how shut will he come to reaching that potential? — Alex Stumpf
Reds: Will Frankie Montas return to kind in Cincinnati?With the A’s, Montas obtained Cy Younger Award votes in 2021, and he was rolling in ’22 till his commerce to the Yankees. A proper shoulder harm and subsequent surgical procedure restricted him to 1 1/3 innings of reduction final yr. The Reds have been bullish on Montas and signed him to a one-year, $16 million contract in January to bolster a younger rotation. He is been spectacular in camp and, extra importantly, wholesome. If Montas can ship 30 begins in 2024, his acknowledged aim, and channel his Oakland days, the Reds could be more than happy. — Mark Sheldon
D-backs: Will the bullpen be pretty much as good because the final two months of the 2023 season?The D-backs’ bullpen was a giant purpose why they have been capable of catch and finally overtake the Cubs for the ultimate NL Wild Card spot final yr. This yr’s model has the identical forged of characters, however bullpen performances can fluctuate wildly from yr to yr. Paul Sewald is a confirmed nearer, however all eyes shall be on setup males Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel to see if they are often as dominant as they have been on Arizona’s stunning run to the World Sequence. — Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: Who’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto?After profitable three consecutive pitching Triple Crowns in Japan’s Nippon Skilled Baseball league, Yamamoto got here into this offseason as the highest pitching goal for greater than a handful of organizations. Over the previous few years, scouts have raved about Yamamoto’s make-up and his means to command the baseball. By means of spring and his Main League debut begin, the place he allowed 5 runs in only one inning, Yamamoto remains to be seeking to show he deserved the $325 million he acquired this offseason. — Juan Toribio
Giants: How will Jung Hoo Lee maintain up over his first Main League season?Lee hasn’t missed a beat in the case of dealing with massive league pitching this spring, however the larger problem could be sustaining that productiveness over the course of a 162-game season, which can embody a much more grueling journey schedule than he skilled whereas enjoying within the KBO. The Giants are relying on their $113 million man to be their on a regular basis middle fielder and leadoff hitter, so that they’ll want him to be a sturdy and constant presence within the lineup this yr. — Maria Guardado
Padres: What contributions will San Diego get from its revamped farm?The 2023 Padres roster was stuffed with veterans and principally set weeks earlier than the season. The 2024 Padres? Fairly the other. Prime 30 prospects Jackson Merrill, Graham Pauley, Randy Vásquez, Eguy Rosario and Stephen Kolek cracked the Opening Day workforce in Korea. There are extra on the best way. The Padres shall be relying closely on their farm in 2024. The contributions from these prospects would possibly make or break their season. — AJ Cassavell
Rockies: Can Kris Bryant stay wholesome?When the Rockies signed Bryant for seven years and $182 million, they knew the roster was going to transition to gifted, youthful gamers. It’s occurring within the type of shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and outfielders Nolan Jones and Brenton Doyle. However sprinkling in an achieved participant like Bryant was supposed to present the workforce a preventing likelihood. Bryant, nonetheless, has appeared in simply 122 video games over the primary two seasons of the contract due to harm. The perfect likelihood for the Rockies to make progress is for the aforementioned younger gamers and extra to make an impression, however to even have Bryant producing within the lineup to reduce stress on them. — Thomas Harding
