Baseball is finally back after a lockout that spanned the course of 99 days.  The 2022 MLB season projects to be one full of drama, storylines, star-power, upsets and so much more.

So without further ado, we present to you seven bold predictions for the 2022 MLB season. 

7. Cody Bellinger returns to All-Star form

Bellinger is coming off of a dreadful 2021 campaign that saw the former MVP hit just .165 to go along with 10 home runs. However, the outfielder was plagued by a shoulder issue for the majority of the year and the expectation is that he will be healthy in 2022. Bellinger saw a drastic increase in production during the postseason as well. He hit .353 over the course of 12 games while stealing five bases and recording an OPS of over .900. A healthy Bellinger could spell trouble for opposing National League pitchers. 

6. The Toronto Blue Jays will win the American League East

The Yankees have an offense with plenty of firepower, the Rays offer strategy through analytics, and the Red Sox find ways to win games in the late innings. But the Blue Jays feature a complete roster with balance that should lead to a huge season. They signed all-star pitcher Kevin Gausman to complement a rotation that already has the likes of Jose Berrios, Hyun Jin Ryu, and Alek Manoah.

When you factor the rotation in with their top-tier offense led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, there is no question that Toronto will be successful in 2022. After narrowly missing out on the playoffs in baseball’s deepest division a season ago, the Blue Jays will begin their revenge tour by looking to clinch the AL East. 

5. Bobby Witt Jr. will win AL Rookie of the Year over Adley Rutschman

A couple of top-tier prospects in Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals and catcher Adley Rutschman of the Orioles are expected to make their MLB debuts this season. Many have labeled Rutschman as the next Buster Posey as he projects as a slugging catcher with solid defensive ability. However, Witt Jr. was arguably ready for the big leagues a season ago. 

There were many people around the league who felt as if he should have been named to Kansas City’s big league roster following an impressive Spring Training performance in 2021. But the Royals ultimately sent him to the minor leagues to give him more time to develop. Witt responded by posting a slash line of .290/.361/.576 while clubbing 33 home runs and swiping 29 bases between Double-A and Triple-A. 

But it was the 23 year old Rutschman who was ranked as the number one prospect this past winter, as the 21 year old shortstop Witt was listed at number two. But Witt has a realistic chance of making the MLB roster to open the 2022 season and has all of the tools to thrive in the big leagues. His combination of power and speed to go along with his defensive prowess at a premium position automatically make him one of the most intriguing young players in the game. Both prospects are destined to have impressive campaigns, but I like Witt as the AL Rookie of the Year selection. 

4. The San Francisco Giants finish third in the NL West

There were many who doubted San Francisco last year and they came to regret their pessimism after the Giants finished with the best record in all of baseball. However, they feature a roster that is slowly aging and the heart and soul of the team, Buster Posey, announced his retirement following the conclusion of the 2021 season. It was reported that the Giants signed LHP Carlos Rodon on Friday, but this is still a team that does not have the same kind of talent as the Dodgers and Padres. 

San Francisco very well could make a run at a postseason berth, but Los Angeles and San Diego should do enough to capture the first two spots in the division. 

3. The Miami Marlins will make a run at the postseason in 2022

Earning an NL postseason spot this year will be extremely challenging based on the overall talent of the league. Miami will have plenty of competition in the NL West with teams such as the Braves, Mets and Phillies all looking to be competitive in 2022. But they have quietly built an exceptional roster over the years. 

It all begins with the starting pitching. Sandy Alcantara displayed ace-caliber stuff last season, while Trevor Rogers and Pablo Lopez both flashed signs of brilliance throughout the campaign. The Marlins also made a sneaky good trade by acquiring young left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo in 2021. Luzardo dealt with underperformance and injuries last season but he possesses star-like potential. Additionally, they have a number of young, high-ceiling arms ready to break into the show. 

The Marlins bolstered their offense this past offseason by signing Avisail Garcia to a contract prior to the lockout. Garcia smashed 29 home runs and hit over .260 in 2021. The lineup also features young star Jazz Chisholm who might be in line for a breakout performance this year. 

The Marlins should not be taken for granted in the NL East this season. 

2. Joey Gallo will receive 2022 MLB MVP votes

The Yankees acquired all-star slugger Joey Gallo in July of 2021. Gallo has been productive during his time in the MLB but has established a reputation as a boom-or-bust type of player. 

But Gallo is in the prime of his career at 28 years old, is receiving the opportunity to open the season In New York with the short right field porch, and the shift has been banned from the game. All of this should lead to more homers for Gallo and a higher batting average. If he is able to hit .240 or higher while smashing 45 bombs, Gallo is going to find himself in the MVP conversation. Will he still strike out at a high rate? Sure, but we could see the overall number decline a bit because of the ban on the shift. Gallo might feel more confident shortening up and hitting ground balls through the right side for base hits. 

1. The Milwaukee Brewers will win the 2022 MLB World Series

People truly do not appreciate the Brewers. Maybe it’s because they play in a small market, or maybe it’s because they are overshadowed by big time stars who play in the same city like Aaron Rodgers and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Whatever the case may be, the Brewers are used to being an under-the-radar team. 

But the fact is that pitching wins championships. And Milwaukee has an overload of quality arms. 

Their starting rotation features one of the best big threes in all of baseball in Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta. Burnes and Woodruff have been good for a while now, but Peralta broke onto the scene with a dominant 2021 performance. They also have two of the best relief options in baseball in Josh Hader and Devin Williams coming out of the bullpen. 

The offense could use some help, but Milwaukee is hopeful that former MVP Christian Yelich can return to his superstar-esque form in 2022. They could also be players on the free agent/trade market leading up to Opening Day. Matt Olson of the A’s is someone who could be a good fit in Milwaukee. 

But it is the elite pitching that will carry the Brewers to their first ever World Series championship in 2022.