It is officially almost spring, which means that it is almost time for America’s favorite pastime — baseball. Spring training is underway and opening day for the 2021 MLB regular season is set for April 1. After the season was shortened to a measly 60 games for each team last year due to the pandemic, baseball fans everywhere are excited that this season is expected to be back to normal in regard to schedules, as each team plans on having its usual 162-game season. 

There is a lot to look forward to this year, from rising stars to already-dominant players on new teams. This upcoming campaign should be full of excitement. Last year ended with the Los Angeles Dodgers victorious in the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Dodgers will look to repeat. However, many other teams have made strong moves and can look to contend as well. 

There have been some very notable transactions made throughout the league, such as trades of some of the biggest stars in the league, like third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals, pitchers Yu Darvish and Blake Snell to the Padres and shortstop Francisco Lindor to the Mets. Additionally, there were also some big signings, like Cy Young winning pitcher Trevor Bauer to the defending champs, outfielder Geroge Springer to the Blue Jays and superstar catcher J.T. Realmuto to Philadelphia for a five-year, $115.5 million contract. 

One of the most notable moves came from the Padres, where they signed young superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. to a ridiculous 14 years, $330 million deal. He clearly showed he was worth the money last season when he placed fourth in NL MVP voting at the age of 21. Now, at 22 and fresh off of signing the third biggest contract in MLB history, Tatis is out to continue to show the doubters just why San Diego locked him up for the next 14 years of his career. 

While the MLB is planning on having its full season, it is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and there will still be precautions in place. There will still be frequent testing, at least every other day, and those who do test positive will be required to isolate for ten days. Players still are not allowed to attend gatherings of ten or more people indoors, and are not permitted to leave team hotels aside from team-related activities. Masks will be worn in dugouts and in the clubhouse, but regardless of all this, the season will be played in full. Based on last year, that is a huge step in the right direction. 

Although Philly sports fans may be caught up with the Flyers and red-hot Sixers, the Phillies could be a lot of fun to watch this year. With catcher J.T. Realmuto back, as well as shortstop Didi Gregorious, the Phillies maintained much of their offense, as they, of course, still have superstar outfielder Bryce Harper as well as breakout star third baseman Alec Bohm. The real issue for Philadelphia last year was their bullpen, but they did make some improvement in that area with the signing of Archie Bradley. Their rotation looks solid, headlined by Aaron Nola, with Zack Wheeler as a solid option as well. Zach Eflin also looks like he could be a good member of the rotation, as he looks primed for a breakout year. They also signed pitcher Matt Moore who will try and make a case for a spot.

My personal pick to win it all this year would be the San Diego Padres, due to their talented young roster mixed with some incredible vets. I already mentioned the type of season Fernando Tatis Jr. had last year, but he was not even the highest player on the team in the ranks of MVP voting. Teammate Manny Machado finished third in the NL voting for MVP, making a ridiculous duo. Rookie Jake Cronenworth also made a large impact, and the rest of their team is rock solid as well. However, what does it for me is this new and improved rotation. As previously mentioned, they have acquired both Yu Darvish from the Cubs and Blake Snell from the Rays, and that was huge after they were lacking at that position with newly acquired Mike Clevinger getting injured. Overall, the Dodgers are still first on the power rankings, but I’m going with the Padres to win the pennant. 

Regardless of who wins this year, myself along with millions of others are just happy to get a full season of baseball. There will be fans allowed at Citizens Bank Park as well as stadiums around the country, and there will finally be that sense of normalcy back in the big leagues. With all the changes and exciting players and teams, this is set to be an incredible season. Hopefully everything runs smoothly so we can see the conclusion.