With spring training starting around the majors now is the time to evaluate every roster with the focus on what to expect in 2017. We narrowed down our list to the top five teams in baseball with a closer examination of the true contenders heading in to this season. Here is a look at the MLB top five power ranking heading in to spring training.
1. Chicago Cubs
World Series Odds: +300
The defending World Series champion Cubs are the favorites to repeat in the MLB in 2017 after reloading with some interesting wrinkles in the offseason. Chicago signed the oft-injured Brett Anderson to compete for the final job in their rotation, which will push Mike Montgomery to the bullpen in a relief role. The Cubs still own one of the best pitching staffs in the majors with Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey while their bullpen should be just as good with Montgomery, Wade Davis and Koji Uehara in the mix. Kyle Schwarber returns to the offense full-time joining Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist. Chicago owns a lethal blend of pitching, offense and defense and they absolutely deserve to be the World Series favorites heading in to spring training.
2. Cleveland Indians
World Series Odds: +750
The reigning American League champions went all-in with the signing of Edwin Encarnacion, who has consistently been one of the best hitters in baseball over the last few years. The combination of Encarnacion and a healthy Michael Brantley could help put the Cleveland offense over the top this coming season. Meanwhile, the Indians added lefty reliever Boone Logan to give them more flexibility in the bullpen with Andrew Miller and Cody Allen looking to put together another dominant season. Cleveland will also welcome back Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar for full seasons with the hope that they can compliment Corey Kluber, Josh Tomlin and Trevor Bauer to make up one of the better rotations in the majors. The Indians are legitimate World Series contenders once again heading in to 2017.
3. Boston Red Sox
World Series Odds: +350
The Red Sox reloaded as the biggest winners of the offseason with the additions of Chris Sale and Mitch Moreland. Sale will slot in ahead of David Price, Rick Porcello, Steven Wright and Drew Pomeranz to give Boston one of the best rotations in the majors. Meanwhile, the Red Sox added Tyler Thornburg to the bullpen with the hope that he could solidify their relief situation. Boston will have to overcome the loss of David Ortiz but they brought in Moreland to help while Andrew Benintendi is projected to be even better in his second full season. The Red Sox will also have to see what they have in Pablo Sandoval, who lost significant weight to make sure he could be ready for spring training.
4. Washington Nationals
World Series Odds: +800
It seems as though every year the Nationals are considered among the top teams in the MLB heading into the season and then wind up disappointing. However, Washington still has the potential to contend for a World Series thanks in large part to some star talent on both sides of the ball. Bryce Harper is bound to bounce back following a disappointing year with Adam Easton joining the mix on offense. Harper, Eaton, Jayson Werth and Daniel Murphy will need to lead the offense with big seasons in 2017. Meanwhile, Washington is set on the other side of the ball with Max Scherzer and Stephan Strasburg leading an improved rotation. The Nationals have the talent to make some noise but everything will have to come together in order to finally reach their immense potential.
5. Houston Astros
World Series Odds: +1200
While the Indians and Red Sox are at the top of the list of American League contenders, the Astros are knocking on the door as a team that could break through in 2017. Houston is absolutely loaded on offense with the additions of Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Josh Reddick to a group that already features Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and George Springer. Meanwhile, Houston is banking on a bounce back season from Dallas Keuchel ahead of Lance McCullers, Colin McHugh and Mike FIers in an improved starting rotation. Houston is loaded with talent and if everything comes together they could be a dark horse contenders to challenge Cleveland and Boston for the chance to play in the World Series.
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