One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds third base to score a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox: Mookie-V-P

The Red Sox appeared to be on a collision course to meet the Chicago Cubs in the World Series last year until their offense unexpectedly bogged down in the ALDS against the Cleveland Indians. Baseball would have killed for that Fall Classic matchup, but this season could deliver it. The Red Sox appear to be the class of the American League on paper.

Boston’s offense ran roughshod over the AL for the entirety of the regular season last year, leading the entire league in runs, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging. Surrounded by a burgeoning group of young superstars, David Ortiz had a swan song for the ages. Ortiz is gone for the time being, but the rest of the lineup remains, and should go on without missing a beat.

Mookie Betts finished a close second in the MVP race last year with an epic season. He is one of the most complete players in the game, doing it all on offense, defense, and the bases. Betts’ 2016 season was not just a product of hitting in front of Ortiz (though that certainly didn’t hurt), and he will carry the Red Sox offense in 2017. With a bolstered rotation led by Chris Sale, Boston has to be viewed as one of the top-two favorites to come out of the American League.

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