Spring training is officially in full swing and as Opening Day inches closer, fans and players are eager to see how their teams will produce in the 2020 season. Despite the excitement of a new season, there are, of course, still many players, fans and ball clubs angered over the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, many of which are still looking for some action or punishment from the league to implement on the former World Series champion and runner-up.

Through all the debates and with play already underway, it is a perfect time to start making predictions for this season on who will succeed and who will disappoint.

A little over a year ago, Bryce Harper made his move from the Nationals to the Phillies and said, “I want to bring a title back to D.C.” and it seems as if him leaving the D.C. area was just the move they needed as the Nationals brought home the title, and Bryce Harper and the Phillies struggled all season long. With the Nationals being the reigning World Champs, questions arise on if they will be able to return and reclaim their title. In the offseason, the Nationals did lose their star batter from last season in Anthony Rendon but kept their pitching rotation which was truly a hit or miss last year. This year, look for them to just miss out on the Wild Card game in a tight race with our next team up to bat.

The next team on the list is the Chicago Cubs. Going into the offseason, the biggest question in Chicago baseball was the question if the Cubs could retain Kris Bryant and Javier Baez. With the Cubs able to keep them in the organization, the fans who go crazy for the two stars will be happy, as well as the stats. That’s right, the stats will be happy too. The return of Bryant and Baez, along with Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber and Ian Happ should be a plus for the batting stats. Aside from the batting lineup, the Cubs need to see major improvements in the bullpen if they are going to be successful and get back in the hunt for the title this season. Look for the Cubs to grab a Wild Card spot.

The team that will have the most success this year? The Los Angeles Dodgers. L.A. has finished runner-up in two of the last three World Series, with one being attributed to cheating. The Dodgers have consistently been in the driver’s seat getting to the playoffs but just not being able to complete the goal of lifting the trophy at the end of the season. With the retention of Clayton Kershaw, the bullpen will strengthen with former CY Young winner David Price joining the rotation, and also have a strong outfield with Cody Bellinger and Joc Pedersen and also adding former American League MVP Mookie Betts to the lineup. The Dodgers seem like they could be the dangerous team this season, bringing in a very well-rounded team. Look for them to make another appearance in the World Series come October.