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As Opening Day of the 2025 MLB season looms, Baseball Bar-B-Cast hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman are bringing us their bold predictions for 2025.
Here’s a run-down of the audacious forecasts they’ve made before the season begins on Thursday.
American League
1. Ben Rice hits four homers in a game: Jordan predicts that the New York Yankees’ Ben Rice will have a rare four-homer game, a feat not seen since 2017.
2. Orioles combine for 500 home runs: The Orioles’ pitchers and hitters are predicted to collectively achieve 500 home runs, a rare statistic seen only in the 2019 juiced ball season.
3. Red Sox break doubles record: Expect the Boston Red Sox to set a record for doubles in a season, surpassing the 376 doubles recorded by the 2008 Rangers.
4. Bo Bichette’s big contract: Toronto’s Bo Bichette is predicted to perform so well that he lands a $250 million contract in the next offseason.
5. Tampa Bay Rays’ unique scenario: We could see a unique scenario similar to the Danny Jansen incident, in which a player is traded and plays for both teams in a game that is suspended and completed later.
6. Payton Eeles leads Twins in stolen bases: Although he’s currently injured, Eeles is predicted to lead the Minnesota Twins in stolen bases.
7. Sean Burke vs. Garrett Crochet: The Chicago White Sox’s Sean Burke will have a lower ERA than new Boston Red Sox starter Garrett Crochet.
8. Bobby Witt Jr. reaches 12 WAR: Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. will record a 12-WAR season, a level not seen since Barry Bonds.
9. Detroit Tigers have three All-Star starters: Tarik Skubal, Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize will all become All-Star pitchers.
10. Austin Hedges avoids worst hitter spot: Hedges, a common fixture among the bottom three MLB hitters, avoids being one of the five worst hitters this season.
National League
1. Mike Soroka gets Cy Young vote: Even with Soroka’s limited games, he’s predicted to earn at least one Cy Young vote.
2. Grant Holmes meets Danny McBride: Holmes will get the chance to meet the actor who portrayed Kenny Powers from “Eastbound and Down” thanks to their resemblance.
3. Valente Bellozo throws 200 innings: Velozo, who has never pitched more than 110 innings in the minors, is predicted to reach 200 innings pitched.
4. Jose Iglesias’ playoff appearance: Iglesias will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a playoff game.
5. Brandon Marsh changes his look: Marsh will surprise fans with a haircut.
6. Nolan Arenado’s postseason homer: Arenado will hit a postseason home run … but for which team?
7. PCA’s steal on Jackie Robinson Day: Pete Crow Armstrong will steal home against lefty Yuki Matsui on a meaningful day.
8. Paul Skenes’ dog’s first pitch: Skenes’ dog, Roux, is predicted to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
9. Elly De La Cruz wins MVP: Elly is predicted to win NL MVP while leading the league in strikeouts, a rare feat.
10. Contreras brothers on the Brewers: The Brewers will trade for Wilson Contreras to pair with his brother, William.
10 more bold predictions
1. Cam Smith’s home run feat: Jordan believes Houston’s Cam Smith will hit more homers than Kyle Tucker.
2. Rowdy Tellez out-homers the Pirates: With his new team in Seattle, Rowdy Tellez is predicted to hit more home runs than any Pirate.
3. Sebastian Walcott’s rise: Rangers prospect Walcott will play more major-league games than the more seasoned Evan Carter in 2025.
4. Kyle Hendricks’ hit bonanza: Angels starter Kyle Hendricks is predicted to allow 15 hits in a game.
5. Sacramento’s dual-team player: An unusual crossover occurs in which a player appears in games for both the Sacramento River Cats and the Athletics.
6. Yuli Gurriel’s unique homer: The Padres’ Yuli Gurriel is predicted to homer off a pitcher who wasn’t born when he debuted.
7. Buster Posey spotting: Giants POBO Posey is predicted to be seen in baseball pants, despite his current role in the front office.
8. “Snakes Alive” city connect: Arizona’s new uniforms will give a nod to the “Snakes Alive” fan sign.
9. Colorado Rockies’ futile effort: The Rockies will not beat the Dodgers in any game.
10. Shohei Ohtani’s name tribute: Ohtani is predicted to give his child a name inspired by his buddy Mike Trout.
Whether these prophecies come true remains to be seen. For more on these predictions and the season ahead, tune in to “Baseball-Bar-B-Cast” on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.
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