5. Cleveland Indians
This team that reeled a 22 game winning streak towards the stretch run has all the tools to be one of the top teams in the American League. With a solid rotation led by Trevor Bauer and Corey Kluber and one of the best bullpens in all of baseball, the Indians can counter act with timely hitting and clutch power. Look for Francisco Lindor to be in the MVP discussion next season as he continues his progress as baseball's best young players. Terry Francona is a brilliant strategist who will figure in optimizing the team strengths during the season. Hard to root against a team who hasn't won a World Series since 1948. I sense another countdown coming on.
4. Chicago Cubs
People wrote this team off in 2017. If Theo Epstein and the Cubs are aggressive during the offseason, it won't happen again in 2018. Their offensive firepower will again be led by Bryzzo (Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo) the Cubs, like the Indians, have players who can mix and match precise hitting with power when they need it. Addison Russell and Javier Baez fit that mold. Their pitching can be suspect now that Jon Lester is in the back end of his career. Kyle Hendricks seems like a solid ace for them, but for them to contend, they probably will look at younger arms for the rotation. Theo Epstein can pull that off.
3. Washington Nationals
Every season, this team seems like they are a lock for the World Series. Unfortunately every season ends with them falling short. Dave Martinez is the new skipper for the Nationals as they embark with a new direction towards the top of baseball. Bryce Harper will continue to be dominate as the best player in baseball (My option, of course). Ryan Zimmerman enjoyed a Comeback Player of the Year-type season. Anthony Rendon had a breakout season. Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg lead a stout pitching rotation while the bullpen is adequate at best. 2018 could be the season the Nats punch their ticket in the Fall Classic. But will they?
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Despite falling one game short of a World Series title, expect the Dodgers to come back in 2018 hungrier than ever. Leading the forefront is Clayton Kershaw, a man determined to get that ring. The Dodgers are blessed with young talent like Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger to add with some unexpected clutch hitting from Chris Taylor. Yaisel Puig has Raul Mondesi-type ability if only he can have his head on straight. The starting rotation is solid behind Kershaw and the bullpen is fantastic with Kenley Jensen in the back end. Dave Roberts did an extraordinary job as manager as he leads the Dodgers to hopefully a banner 2018 season.
1. Houston Astros
The team that won it all in 2017 has the blueprint to win multiple titles if their young nucleus of Correa, Altuve, Springer, and Bregman can continue to progress in 2018. Dallas Keuchel will lead the starting rotation with Lance McCullers Jr. developing into a dominating number two starter. The Verlander trade paid off big time for Houston. The bullpen could be addressed during the offseason as it could be better. With the blueprint behind that young nucleus and A.J. Hinch's no nonsense approach to the game, the Astros could have another parade in downtown Houston around this time next year.