Arizona- (Sell) The Diamondbacks, one of Eye Test Analytics’ top buys in 2023, shocked the baseball world reaching the World Series as a Wild Card after winning only 74 games the previous year. What was even more remarkable is they did it despite being ranked 20th in MLB in team ERA (4.39) while also residing in the bottom half of the league in walks allowed and strikeouts per 9 innings. In addition to that, the lineup lacked pop only generating 1.04 home runs per game (22nd in MLB) and was held to 8.41 hits per game (17th in MLB). While this is a team that has plenty of young talent it must now manage high expectations coming off last year’s tremendous success. OVER/UNDER Total Wins 83.5
Tampa Bay- (Sell) The Rays have won at least 90 games 4 out of the past 5 full seasons under Manager Kevin Cash who holds a 739-617 record entering his 10th season in St. Petersburg. However, pitching is a big question mark this year after ranking in the top 6 in MLB in team ERA as well as both strikeouts and walks allowed per 9 innings in 2023. The starting rotation lost ace Tyler Glasnow (10-7, 162 K, 120 IP) to the Dodgers in the offseason and LHP Shane McClanahan, (Tommy John Surgery) who posted an 11-2 record last season. The AL East should again be one of the league’s strongest divisions leaving little margin for error for an organization that relies on young, low-priced players to contend. OVER/UNDER Total Wins Odds 84.5
Kansas City- (Buy) Matt Quatraro enters his second season as Manager of the Royals after leading the team to just 56 wins (tying a franchise low) in year 1. However, there are plenty of reasons for optimism in Kansas City entering 2024. SS Bobby Witt Jr. has superstar potential coming off a 30 HR, 96 RBI, and 49 SB season. GM A.J. Picolla made a bevy of moves to bolster the pitching staff, which ranked 28th in MLB in team ERA (5.17) last year. Right handers Seth Lugo (Padres) and Michael Wacha (Padres), who combined for 22 wins a year ago, were added to the rotation along with LH closer Will Smith (Rangers) who has 113 career saves. RF Hunter Renfroe also joined the team coming off a 20 HR, 31 2B season with both the Reds and Angles. In a weak AL Central the Royals are well positioned for a giant step forward. OVER/UNDER Total Wins 74.5
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