MLB Insider World Series, award predictions for the 2023 season

MLB Predictions 2023: Division winners and World Series champion

American League East: New York Yankees

The Yankees’ main competition in the division will be the ultra-talented Toronto Blue Jays. But the Yankees, who re-signed Aaron Judge and signed superstar left-hander Carlos Rodon to pair with Gerrit Cole, will ultimately prevail in the AL East.

American League Central: Cleveland Guardians

The popular pick for the AL Central has seemingly been the Minnesota Twins and after signing Carlos Correa, I can see why. But I really like the upside of this Guardians roster and we got to see glimpses of what they are capable of last season.

American League West: Houston Astros

The Seattle Mariners will give the Astros their fiercest competition in recent memory. But the Astros are just too good, and too experienced, and will come out on top in the AL West.

National League East: Philadelphia Phillies

This is the toughest division to predict of them all. There are three worthy teams — the Phillies, Braves and Mets — but the Phillies are the team to beat in the division. They represented the NL in the World Series last year and added Trea Turner, who I feel is the favorite to win NL MVP, and also added veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker to the rotation.

National League Central: St. Louis Cardinals

I’m confident — perhaps too confident — that the St. Louis Cardinals win this division. But I can’t come up with a strong enough case for the Brewers or any other team in the NL Central to win it. Give me the Cardinals, and I’m not sure it’s close.

National League West: San Diego Padres

I think the Padres win the World Series, so I feel obligated to take them here. They have the roster — offense and pitching — to be a matchup nightmare for any team in baseball. And I think they top the Dodgers in the division and run through the NL.

World Series: Padres over Astros in 6 games