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Bold MLB rankings for all 30 teams heading into 2017

MLB predictions
Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Tier four: In flux

19. Pittsburgh Pirates

As things stand heading into opening day, it’s safe to say we’ve underrated the Pirates. If every team holds serve, Pittsburgh is better than No. 19. One problem is that teams don’t hold serve. Another related problem is that the Pirates are just not a playoff team in the crowded National League. If Pittsburgh doesn’t surprise early, the offseason trade rumors swirling around Andrew McCutchen will resume, and with his free agency looming, a deal would make sense. No. 19 might seem harsh now, but that’s the ranking this team is trending towards.

Prediction: 75-87, T-third place, National League Central

18. Colorado Rockies

The Rockies are the polar opposites of the Pirates. Colorado hasn’t enjoyed a lot of success recently but is heading in the right direction. Still, many questions loom. How will Ian Desmond recover from an injury? Can both Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzalez stay healthy for a full season? Are Charlie Blackmon and David Dahl ready to be a full time players? Will Trevor Story and DJ LeMahieu keep their 2016 magic? Can anyone pitch in that park? The questions are legitimate, but the Rockies’ talent is unquestioned. Colorado can go many ways in 2017.

Prediction: 82-80, third place, National League West

17. Baltimore Orioles

In a way, the Orioles are similar to a lot of the teams that we’ve already gone over. They can hit, but pitching is a real question. But Baltimore’s lineup is more than just guys with potential. Adam Jones, Chris Davis, Mark Trumbo and Manny Machado are nightmares to even the best opposing pitchers. The Orioles also have a strong bullpen, anchored by Zach Britton. Additionally, Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy at least have potential to be top of the rotation guys.

We expect some regression from 2016’s playoff squad, but the Orioles are a force.

Prediction: 78-84, third place, American League East

16. Kansas City Royals

Maybe no team defines “in flux” better than the Royals. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alcides Escobar and Lorenzo Cain are all in free agent seasons. If Kansas City starts poorly, look for the trade gates to open. A small market team will want to get something for players like that. If the Royals start strong, it’s important to remember that while 2016 was a disappointment, those guys made up much of the nucleus of the 2014 and 2015 teams that made consecutive World Series appearances and won the whole thing in 2015. This season will go very good, or very bad.

Prediction: 82-80, third place, American League Central

15. Detroit Tigers

Right now, we actually like Kansas City’s team slightly more than Detroit’s. But the Royals are far more likely to blow things up. We could conceivably see the Tigers competing for a playoff spot. Detroit is a talented team. But with Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez and Justin Verlander on the roster, it’s also an aging team. It would not be unprecedented for an aging team to go from decent one year (the Tigers were 86-75 in 2016) to below average the next. We know the nucleus in Detroit. But what it can still do over 162 games is very much up in the air.

Prediction: 81-81, second place, American League Central

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