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As we approach the Opening Day of the 2025 MLB season, hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman from Baseball Bar-B-Cast are sharing their daring predictions for the upcoming season.
Here’s a breakdown of the bold forecasts they’ve put forth before the season kicks off on Thursday.
American League
1. Ben Rice smashes four home runs in a single game: Jordan anticipates that Ben Rice from the New York Yankees will achieve a rare four-homer game, a feat not seen since 2017.
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2. Orioles collectively hit 500 home runs: The Orioles’ pitchers and hitters are projected to combine for 500 home runs, a statistic that was only seen during the 2019 juiced ball season.
3. Red Sox shatter the doubles record: The Boston Red Sox are expected to set a new record for doubles in a season, surpassing the 376 doubles mark set by the 2008 Rangers.
4. Bo Bichette secures a massive contract: Toronto’s Bo Bichette is predicted to perform exceptionally well, leading to a $250 million contract in the upcoming offseason.
5. Tampa Bay Rays in a unique scenario: A situation similar to the Danny Jansen incident may occur, where a player is traded and plays for both teams in a game that is suspended and completed at a later time.
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6. Payton Eeles leads the Twins in stolen bases: Despite being currently injured, Eeles is projected to lead the Minnesota Twins in stolen bases.
7. Sean Burke vs. Garrett Crochet: The Chicago White Sox’s Sean Burke is forecasted to have a lower ERA than the new Boston Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet.
8. Bobby Witt Jr. achieves a 12-WAR season: Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. is expected to have a 12-WAR season, a level of performance not seen since Barry Bonds.
9. Detroit Tigers boast three All-Star starters: Tarik Skubal, Jackson Jobe, and Casey Mize are all predicted to become All-Star pitchers.
10. Austin Hedges avoids being among the worst hitters: Hedges, who is often among the bottom three MLB hitters, is forecasted to avoid being one of the five worst hitters this season.
National League
1. Mike Soroka receives a Cy Young vote: Despite limited games, Soroka is expected to receive at least one Cy Young vote.
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2. Grant Holmes meets Danny McBride: Holmes will have the opportunity to meet the actor who portrayed Kenny Powers from “Eastbound and Down” due to their resemblance.
3. Valente Bellozo throws 200 innings: Velozo, who has never pitched more than 110 innings in the minors, is projected to reach 200 innings pitched.
4. Jose Iglesias makes a playoff appearance: Iglesias is set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a playoff game.
5. Brandon Marsh undergoes a transformation: Marsh will surprise fans with a new hairstyle.
6. Nolan Arenado hits a postseason home run: Arenado will hit a postseason home run, but the question remains: for which team?
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7. PCA steals home on Jackie Robinson Day: Pete Crow Armstrong will steal home against lefty Yuki Matsui on a significant day.
8. Paul Skenes’ dog throws the first pitch: Skenes’ dog, Roux, is expected to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
9. Elly De La Cruz wins the NL MVP award: Elly is predicted to win the NL MVP award while leading the league in strikeouts, a rare accomplishment.
10. Contreras brothers unite on the Brewers: The Brewers will acquire Wilson Contreras to join his brother, William, on the team.
10 more bold predictions
1. Cam Smith’s impressive home run display: Jordan believes that Houston’s Cam Smith will hit more home runs than Kyle Tucker.
2. Rowdy Tellez out-homers the Pirates: With his new team in Seattle, Rowdy Tellez is predicted to hit more home runs than any player on the Pirates.
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3. Sebastian Walcott’s breakthrough: Rangers prospect Walcott will play more major-league games than the more experienced Evan Carter in 2025.
4. Kyle Hendricks’ hit barrage: Angels’ starter Kyle Hendricks is projected to allow 15 hits in a game.
5. Sacramento’s dual-team player: A unique crossover event will occur where a player participates in games for both the Sacramento River Cats and the Athletics.
6. Yuli Gurriel’s extraordinary home run: The Padres’ Yuli Gurriel is forecasted to hit a home run off a pitcher who was not even born when he made his debut.
7. Buster Posey makes an appearance: Giants’ POBO Posey is expected to be seen in baseball pants, despite his current role in the front office.
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8. “Snakes Alive” city connect: Arizona’s new uniforms will pay homage to the “Snakes Alive” fan sign.
9. Colorado Rockies’ struggles against the Dodgers: The Rockies are anticipated to not win any games against the Dodgers.
10. Shohei Ohtani’s tribute through his child’s name: Ohtani is predicted to name his child after his friend Mike Trout.
Only time will tell if these predictions come to fruition. For more insights on these forecasts and the upcoming season, don’t forget to listen to “Baseball-Bar-B-Cast” on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.