The first two weeks of the MLB season have seen the Pirates start strong, the Red Sox’s rotation excel, and the Astros struggle, among other developments. The Pirates’ early success is attributed to solid pitching, making their chances of contending in a competitive division seem more realistic this year. The Astros, on the other hand, have struggled, especially in the bullpen, but it’s expected that their key players will turn things around eventually.
The Marlins seem to be headed for a rough season, prompting suggestions that they should start selling and building for the future. Their poor start, coupled with their struggles from the previous year, indicate a challenging season ahead. The Red Sox’s rotation has been surprisingly effective, but doubts remain about their ability to maintain this level of performance throughout the season, especially given their lack of pitching depth.
Anthony Volpe’s impressive start is seen as legitimate, with improvements in his offensive game making him a valuable asset for the Yankees. Meanwhile, Shōta Imanaga’s strong start for the Cubs has raised expectations, but some concerns about his pitching style and sustainability have been noted. In the AL Central, the Tigers and Royals are being viewed as potential contenders, taking advantage of the struggles of other teams in the division.
Despite early struggles, the Twins and Mariners are not yet in panic mode, with expectations of improvement as the season progresses. The Cardinals’ poor start has raised doubts about their playoff chances, while the Rays’ pitching staff is facing injuries but is expected to overcome these challenges, given their track record of finding solutions in challenging situations. Overall, it’s still early in the season, and many outcomes could change as teams settle into their rhythm.
