AL East
Gerrit Cole, Yankees
I’m a Yankees fan, so no shocker that I think the Yankees will be the most interesting, but even non-Yankees fans have to say that Cole could be the Cy Young in the AL. Plus, one of the most crucial story lines for New York will be the pitching staff. This is the final year that the Yankees will really have all these core pieces that they are building around, and the pressure to win a championship is growing.
Tyler Glasnow, Rays
The Rays are interesting because they are so smart that you don’t know what they are thinking. I read a great book about the Rays’ analytics a few years back, and I’m interested to see how they compete this season. Glasnow will be huge to the Rays success.
Hyun-jin Ryu, Blue Jays
The Blue Jays are in a similar situation to the Yankees, if only a few years behind. The bats are going to be there in the future for Toronto, but the question will be if the Blue Jays get the pitching to match. This team could honestly compete for a title in two-four years, but Ryu (34 years old) will most likely not be the centerpiece for that championship run. Still, the veteran lefty can show the up-and-coming pitchers how to pitch at an elite level.
Nathan Eovaldi, Red Sox
The Red Sox are not expected to compete at the top of the baseball world, but Eovaldi is an excellent pitcher. Hopefully, Eduardo Rodriguez pitches again soon, but the 4,500 fans that will be in attendance at Fenway Park will likely see a memorable start from Eovaldi.
Josh Means, Orioles
I can’t wait until Trey Mancini is back and playing with the Orioles. Means will definitely be in the background of the emotional game, and I hope he pitches okay so Mancini can go 4-4 and hit a go-ahead home run in the 9th inning.
AL Central
Lucas Giolito, White Sox
Giolito is going to be one of the top pitchers in baseball this season, and quite possibly going to have a chance at the Cy Young. I think that although many think the White Sox will win the Central, they are vastly underrated. Even with Eloy out, Giolito could lead Chicago to the AL Championship.
Shane Bieber, Indians
The defending Cy Young, how can you not be excited to watch Bieber pitch. The Indians may not be one of the most fun teams in baseball, but even still Shane is going to be a top pitcher this season.
Brad Keller, Royals
Big Royals Fan. That is why I think Keller is somewhat-interesting.
Kenta Maeda, Twins
If the Twins want to win the Central, Maeda needs to have one of the top seasons in the Central. Probably more interesting then Keller for opening day if you’re not a Royals fan.
Matthew Boyd, Tigers
Not interesting.
AL West
Zack Grienke, Astros
Grienke is one of the best pitchers and he plays for one of the most hated teams. Every Astros game will be interesting.
Marco Gonzales, Mariners
I want the Mariners to succeed. They need to make the playoffs once, and then they can go back to being below average.
Chris Bassitt, Athletics
The Athletics are really good and Bassitt will be key to success this season. Don’t sleep on the A’s to make the playoffs or at least be competitive.
Dylan Bundy, Angels
THE ANGELS NEED PITCHING BECAUSE EVERYONE WANTS TO SEE TROUT IN THE PLAYOFFS. Pitch good Dylan.
Kyle Gibson, Rangers
The Rangers are interesting because of how many fans they are letting into the games. The Ranger players are way less interesting.
NL East
Sandy Alcantara, Marlins
Sandy is probably the most fun pitcher in The Show. He is an exciting young pitcher with a ton of upside, and Alcantara could be a Cy Young winner.
Max Scherzer, Nationals
I want to see 20 strikeouts on Opening Day. Scherzer can do it.
Jacob DeGrom, Mets
DeGrom is so good, it might not be as exciting. I hope he dominates this season. It’s incredible how much velocity he has gained heading into the season, and DeGrom could quickly become the face of pitching. Sorry Kershaw.
Aaron Nola, Phillies
Kinda the same as DeGrom, very good, just not expecting it to be that interesting.
Max Fried, Braves
The Braves offense will be fun.
NL Central
Kyle Hendricks, Cubs
I don’t know why Hendricks is so intriguing. It’s like I expect him to throw a no-hitter every time he pitches, but I never feel like I’m disappointed in his performances. Plus, baseball is fun when the Cubs are good.
Jack Flaherty, Cardinals
The guy throws well, plain and simple, and the Cardinals will feature a very okay third baseman in Nolan Arenando. But even with Arenando as one of the best corner infielders in the game taking the spotlight, I think Flaherty will be a guy to impress this season…Sub-3.00 e.r.a?
Luis Castillo, Reds
Don’t sleep on Castillo to have another great season. In 2019, the guy had a Baseball-Reference w.a.r. of 5.2. I wouldn’t be surprised if he finished with 10 strikeouts on Opening Day.
Brandon Woodruff, Brewers
I just don’t think that Woodruff will be too notable on Opening Day.
Chad Kuhl, Pirates
The most exciting part of the Pirates Organization is that we could see Jack Leiter pitching on Opening Day in a couple of seasons.
NL West
Yu Darvish, Padres
Darvish is one of my favorite guys to watch pitch. He throws a ton of pitches and his ability to get guys out on any of them is impressive. If I had pick anyone to throw a historic season in 2021, I would definitely say that Darvish would be at the top of the list.
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
My favorite pitcher of all-time, besides maybe Buehler. Watching Kershaw pitch on Opening Day is just a regular pastime. As he slowly starts towards the end of his career, we finally get to see him start as a reigning World Series champion.
German Marquez, Rockies
The Rockies were probably the least popular team in the league this season in terms of trade deals, and I think many hold a negative view towards the Rockies. But I think Marquez will be excellent this season, and will hopefully keep Colorado fans happy until the rebuild is complete.
Madison Bumgarner, Diamondbacks
It still feels weird that Madison is not pitching for the Giants, but to see him pitch on Opening Day is still nice. I enjoy watching the Diamondbacks play and Bumgarner is a good fit to start opening day.
Kevin Gausman, Giants
At least it ain’t the Tigers.
It’s finally here! I don’t agree with all of them, but not bad!