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MLB 2016 Season: 5 Bold Predictions

By Parker Hurley

Apr 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) against the Philadelphia Phillies during opening day at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) against the Philadelphia Phillies during opening day at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts (50) makes the catch against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts (50) makes the catch against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Mookie Betts will win the AL MVP

This season could be known as the year of Mookie. Betts created a buzz about himself with strong minor league play in 2014. He then compounded that into an eye-popping rookie season that had the whole league buzzing about the 23-year-old star in the making. Now as he enters year two the only way to keep the hype increasing is to take his game even further and to bring home the MVP.

Betts is going to be in tough company though. There is this guy Mike Trout, who for the last four years has either finished in first or second for the award. Then there are previous winners, Miguel Cabrera and the reigning champion Josh Donaldson who will have something to say this year. Lastly, there is the sensation that is Carlos Correa, who essentially has more buzz than Betts as he enters his first full season in MLB.

They all bring a strong argument to the table, but the argument for Betts is that he is basically a combination of all of their skills. Betts last year hit .291 with 18 home runs and 21 steals. He posted a .340 OBP, and struck out just 12 percent of the time. He also happened to flash a strong glove in the field last year, and was a SportsCenter Top 10 nominee often in 2015. At 22 and as a rookie these numbers and plays may all be the low point of his career.

While he will not post the big time power numbers of the Trout, Donaldson or Cabrera, he can hit at least 20 home runs and be in respectable range. Add in his glove and speed, and Betts has an argument.

The Red Sox are a team a lot of people like to bounce back and potentially win the AL East. If they are back in that prominent light, Betts will be the one leading the way. If he can improve across the board you are thinking about an average over .300 with at least 20 home runs, and 25 steals all in play to go with strong defense. All that said, it could be hard to keep Mookie out of the conversation, and he could find himself as the surprise award winner.

Next: Tyson Ross, and Joey Votto will get traded

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