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MLB predictions: Top 10 storylines

By Joshua Sadlock

Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs fans celebrate and wave W flags after game six of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs fans celebrate and wave W flags after game six of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) throws the ball to first base against the Boston Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado (13) throws the ball to first base against the Boston Red Sox at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Which Orioles hitter will lead MLB in home runs?

For the past four seasons, the Baltimore Orioles have employed the MLB leader in home runs. Chris Davis kicked off the streak with 53 in 2013, and Mark Trumbo was the latest O’s hitter to top baseball with 47 in 2016. Both are back on the team in 2017, and the Orioles will look to improve on their team total of 253 from a season ago.

Since they began winning again in 2012, the Orioles have hit over 1,100 home runs as a team, nearly 100 more than the Toronto Blue Jays in second place. Their entire offense is predicated on their ability to hit the longball. They don’t draw many walks, can be prone to empty at-bats with men in scoring position, and hardly ever run. Just sit back, watch the Orioles swing from their heels, and enjoy the show (sidenote, this can be a very frustrating show to watch for Orioles fans).

The eventual MLB leader in home runs this season is very likely on the 25-man roster in Baltimore. Davis and Trumbo would be good picks. In the first year of his massive contract, Davis struggled, but was held back by a hand injury that affected his swing. He still managed to approach 38 home runs. Trumbo is a perfect fit for the Orioles lineup and the AL East. He has also tinkered with his swing to maximize his launch angle.

Davis or Trumbo would be the easy picks, but keep an eye on Manny Machado. The superstar third baseman is on the verge of taking things to yet another level. He had 77 extra-base hits in 2016, with 37 leaving the yard. With just a bit more plate discipline and a little more protection from Davis hitting behind him, it would not be a surprise to see Machado hit 45 home runs this year. He’s bulked up, and ready to put himself further ahead of Bryce Harper in the conversation for second-best player in the game behind Mike Trout.

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