After a long, tumultuous year that saw the coronavirus pandemic wreak havoc on global economies, cultures, and daily life, baseball is set to return to America, ready to pick up where it left off. The 2021 Major League Baseball season promises to be an exciting one, with teams vying for position in what is slated to be a packed and competitive campaign. So, what can fans expect from the upcoming baseball season? Let’s find out.
First up, the World Series is back! After the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the title in a dramatic series against the Tampa Bay Rays last year, baseball fans are excited to see which team will emerge as the ultimate victor in 2021. Will the Dodgers repeat, becoming the first team since the New York Yankees in 2000 to win back-to-back championships, or will another team take home the coveted Commissioner’s Trophy?
One team looking to dethrone the Dodgers is the New York Yankees. After a disappointing season that saw the team make an early exit from the playoffs, the Yankees have reloaded and are ready to make another run at the World Series. They’ve beefed up their strength on the mound, adding Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon to their starting rotation, and have signed veteran outfielder Brett Gardner to a one-year deal. However, they’ll have to contend with the reigning American League champion Rays, who have one of the most dominant pitching staffs in all of baseball.
Over in the National League, the San Diego Padres have emerged as one of the league’s most exciting and dynamic teams. Led by young stars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, the Padres have built a formidable lineup, complementing it with strong pitching and solid defense. They’ll be looking to dethrone the Dodgers in the highly competitive NL West, a division that also features the talented and reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Trevor Bauer of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Baseball fans can also look forward to several intriguing storylines throughout the season. For example, can the Chicago Cubs compete in the NL Central after trading away ace Yu Darvish? Will the Atlanta Braves make another deep playoff run after reaching the NL Championship Series last year? Can the Houston Astros rebound after their sign-stealing scandal? These are just a few of the many intriguing questions that will help keep fans engaged throughout the season.
Finally, let’s not forget the fans themselves. After a season played in front of empty seats and artificial crowd noise, baseball will return to a more familiar atmosphere in 2021 as teams begin to welcome fans back into stadiums. While the number of spectators will still be limited in many parks, the sight of live audiences cheering on their teams will be welcome and a reminder that we are all moving closer towards normalcy.
In conclusion, the upcoming baseball season promises to be an exciting one, with plenty of drama, storylines, and, of course, the ultimate goal of becoming World Series champions. Whether you are a seasoned baseball fan or a newcomer to the game, there is no better time to get involved and experience the thrill of America’s favorite pastime.
