Baseball is back, and with Opening Day here, several major storylines will shape the season. From the Los Angeles Dodgers assembling an All-Star roster to Juan Soto leaving the Bronx for Queens, here are eight key narratives to follow as the season unfolds.
Top Eight MLB Storylines
Can anyone stop the Los Angeles Dodgers?
The Dodgers didn’t sit back after winning the World Series. Instead, they reloaded with a staggering offseason haul: two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim (who starts the year in the minors), former All-Star outfielder Michael Conforto, and elite relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates. They also re-signed All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernández and future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw.
On paper, the Dodgers have no visible weaknesses. Built like The Avengers, this team is a juggernaut. But can anyone take them down?
When will Shohei Ohtani return to the mound?
The Dodgers’ rotation is already stacked with Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, and Dustin May. At some point, they’ll add Shohei Ohtani back into the mix.
Ohtani last pitched on Aug. 23, 2023, while as a member of the Los Angeles Angels, before undergoing right elbow surgery in September. Despite not pitching in 2024, he still dominated at the plate, becoming the first player in MLB history with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, and winning his first National League MVP award — third overall. The Dodgers are being cautious with his return, especially after a torn labrum in his shoulder he suffered in the World Series required surgery. There’s no official timetable, but the team is hoping for 18–20 starts from Ohtani this year.
How will Juan Soto fare in Queens?
Juan Soto shocked the baseball world, leaving the New York Yankees after just one season to sign a record-breaking $765 million deal with the New York Mets.
A generational superstar, Soto enters his eighth MLB season with 201 career home runs and an impressive .285/.421/.532 slash line. The Mets, fresh off a surprising NLCS run, are counting on him to power an offense featuring Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. Their rotation remains a question mark without a true ace, but their offense could be one of the most dangerous in baseball.
Can New York Yankees overcome injury woes?
Despite losing Soto, the Yankees had an aggressive offseason, landing two-time All-Star Max Fried, former NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt, ex-MVP Cody Bellinger, and elite closer Devin Williams.
But spring training was brutal. Ace Gerrit Cole is out for the season following Tommy John surgery. Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is sidelined until June with a lat strain. Starter Clarke Schmidt starts the year on the injured list, and Giancarlo Stanton is shut down indefinitely with severe tennis elbow in both arms.
Can the Yankees stay afloat despite these setbacks?
Will the Toronto Blue Jays extend or trade Vladimir Guerrero Jr.?
The Toronto Blue Jays failed to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr. before his self-imposed spring training deadline, reportedly falling $50 million short in negotiations.
If an extension doesn’t happen, Guerrero hits free agency after this season. The question is: Will the Blue Jays let him walk for nothing, or will they trade him at the deadline if they’re out of contention? Moving him could bring back a major prospect haul.
Can Chicago Cubs reclaim National League Central supremacy?
The Chicago Cubs haven’t won the NL Central — or made the playoffs — since 2020. They’re hoping this offseason’s moves change that.
Chicago pulled off a blockbuster trade for All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, acquired reliever Ryan Pressly, and signed starter Matthew Boyd to bolster a rotation featuring Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon. Top prospect Matt Shaw starts the year at third base, adding depth to a lineup that already includes Tucker, Ian Happ, Michael Busch, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Dansby Swanson, and Seiya Suzuki.
However, Tucker is a free agent after this season. Will he follow Soto’s path and leave after just one year?
What will Paul Skenes do for an encore?
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes dominated in his rookie season, winning NL Rookie of the Year and finishing third in Cy Young voting.
In 23 starts, he posted a 1.96 ERA, struck out 170 batters in 133 innings (an 11.5 K/9 rate), and recorded a stellar 214 ERA+. His electric fastball regularly touches triple digits, making him nearly unhittable.
Skenes’ dominance even extended to the collectibles market — his 2024 Topps Chrome Update Debut Rookie Patch Autograph 1/1 card sold for a jaw-dropping $1.1 million at auction. If he stays healthy, he will easily become the best pitcher of his generation.
Are the Boston Red Sox finally contenders again?
The Boston Red Sox had an active offseason, acquiring All-Star ace Garrett Crochet, signing Walker Buehler, and bringing in All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. They also bolstered their bullpen with Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson.
Rafael Devers moves to DH to make room for Bregman at third, opening the door for top prospect Kristian Campbell to take over second base. Meanwhile, highly touted prospects Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer are waiting in the wings.
With the Yankees battling injuries and the Baltimore Orioles failing to upgrade their rotation, the AL East is there for the Red Sox to seize.
