Seven teams most likely to improve in 2024

The calendar recently shifted to 2024, meaning a clean slate for Major League teams. 2023 Even for disappointing clubs, a year can make a big difference.

Here's the proof: Nine teams improved by 10 or more games compared to 2022 from a year ago (and two teams improved by nine). Among the group of double-digit increases were several teams:

Teams with wins in 2022 ranged from 55 games (Nationals) to 86 (Rays), with a minimum of 71 wins (Nationals) to a maximum of 101 (Orioles). -Backs) for 22 more (Rangers).

Which teams have the best chance to continue that trajectory and double their win total in 2024? It could be a good team reaching another level, a rebuild coming out of the cellar, or something in between. (Although, obviously, the lower the win total in 2023, the more likely it is to improve.)

We asked seven MLB.com writers to make their picks, and here are the results:

Yankees
Record in 2023: 82-80

Why they improve: Let's start with the biggest reason: Aaron Judge played in just 106 games last year and still hit 37 home runs. We know the numbers that former American League MVP Judge could post in a full, healthy season. Is Dominican Juan Jose Soto in their ranks now? A lot of offensive production is expected in the Bronx. It's reasonable to predict that this team will win at least 92 games in 2024, as they won 82 games last year despite multiple injuries. Carlos Roden will also be healthy, along with Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole on the young circuit.

**BIGEST OBSTACLE: **Even after adding Marcus Stroman, more pitching is always needed. Depth can be a big help. Health, of course, is not a guarantee. Injured impact players should be ready in 2023, unfortunately we don't know what will happen in 2024 with 162 games. — *Sarah Longs*

Record in 2023: 82-80

Why they improve: Considering the Reds are already up 20 wins from 2022 to 2023, this could be an ambitious choice. But have you seen the young talent already developing on this team at the Major League level? Several position players like Dominican Ellie de la Cruz (age 22), Matt McClain (24), Cristian Encarnacion-Strand (24) and Noelvi Marte (22) all pitched last year, as did pitcher Andrew Abbott (24). They all contributed to Cincinnati's turnaround. However, McClain was only one of five players to play for the Reds before June, and he only played in 89 games last year.

With the continued development of all players in the majors, along with healthy seasons from pitchers Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, it's not hard to imagine the Reds taking another leap in 2024. And that's before mentioning the team's under-the-radar moves. The Dominicans built this winter by signing free agents Jaimer Candelario, Francis “Frankie” Montas, Nick Martinez, Emilio Bacon and Brent Suter.

Biggest obstacle: His opening pitch. The Reds' rotation has plenty of potential, but the club lacks an established big-team ace or durable manpower. Of the six starters who could make the rotation, Montas was the only one in a 30-start season and is coming off a lost season due to surgery on his right shoulder. Green may have the best chance to become a top starter, thanks to his fastball and excellent slider, but he needs to demonstrate better command and durability. — Thomas Harrigan

Royals
Enrollment in 2023: 56-106

** Why they'll improve: ** This is an easy pick because there's quite a bit of potential. Even last year, his Pythagorean record — based on run differential — was eight wins better than his actual record. Other precision performance ratings scored another 10 hits. So without further reinforcements, the Royals could easily recoup that amount, especially in an American League Central division that isn't exactly overflowing with power. However, Kansas City made a real effort to improve its roster, signing a group of veterans that included right-handers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha and outfielder Hunter Renfro. Full seasons with left-hander Cole Ragans (acquired June 30) and first baseman Vinny Bascutino (limited to 61 games due to injury) would help, as would preventing Bobby Witt Jr. from becoming one of the brightest stars. Baseball.

Biggest obstacle: The moves they've made this offseason have focused on solid complementary pieces rather than stats, and each of those players carries some risk. If new pieces aren't delivered and the team's minor league structure — rated 29th by MLB Pipeline — doesn't produce high-impact reinforcements, things could quickly fall apart again. — *Andrew Simon*

Enrollment in 2023: 71-91

Why they improve: They have a proud franchise coming off their worst season in nearly 30 years. Even before the reinforcements this offseason, expectations were raised that they would make moves to bring St. Louis back into contention. Then, the club improved the aspect they needed most: pitching. Only four clubs had a worse starting ERA than the Cardinals' 5.08 last year: the Rockies, Athletics, Reds and Royals. St. Louis added Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. The team's bullpen ranked 23rd with a 4.47 earned run average, so they traded up to add Andrew Kittredge and Nick Robertson to improve their lineup — and get more pieces.

At the plate last year, star sluggers Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado performed well below their levels after winning the National League MVP in 2022 and finishing third in the voting that same year. The resurgence of said duo could go a long way toward getting this club back to .500 and above in 2024.

** Biggest barrier: **Age. This factor looms large in the starting rotation — Gray is 34, Gibson is 36, and Lin will turn 37 in May. With any pitch injury and wear and tear on each of those arms, health is a big question mark. The lineup's most dangerous hitters aren't that young either. Goldschmidt turns 36, while Arenado turns 33 in April. — Manny Randhawa

Enrollment in 2023: 75-87

**Why they'll improve: ** The only goal is to be at the top, right? A year ago, Queens had another postseason expectation, and the core of position players that had 101 wins in 2022 — mainly Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil and Starling Marte — remains intact. Add some improvement from young hitters like Harrison Bader, Tyrone Taylor and Joey Wendle, plus depth additions like DJ Stewart, and it's not hard to imagine them hitting 85. Hits or more. Especially as the trumpets sound again at Citi Field, with the return of Puerto Rican Edwin Diaz, who missed all of last season.

Biggest obstacle: In simple terms, pitching. Despite Diaz's return, the bullpen lacks strong late-inning weapons following the departures of David Robertson and Adam Ottavino. For its part, the rotation lacks stars like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer; And aside from rookie sensation Koda Senga, other members — Colombian Jose Quintana and newly acquired Luis Severino, Sean Manea and Adrian Houser — have struggled with injuries and/or consistency. Additionally, most of the Mets' top prospects won't make a big impact this season, including Ronnie Mauricio, whose promising bat was poised to see another big-team opportunity before he tore a ligament in his right knee. . — Jason Catania

Why they improve: The Phillies have had a relatively quiet season. They didn't think twice about bringing back Aaron Nola on a seven-year, $172 million deal — but barring any future moves, Philadelphia's lineup will be largely intact through 2024. So why should they get 10 hits? Strange territory that won 100 games? Don't forget that Bryce Harper missed the first month of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and even after returning — much earlier than expected — in May, it took him a while to get back to his senses. Additionally, Trea Turner's first season in Philadelphia was largely disastrous, and he was ultimately able to turn things around later in the year. Despite all that, the Phillies went 65-40 in their last 105 games — a 100-game hitting streak of 162 games. Only the Braves and Dodgers had a better record during that four-month span.

Biggest obstacle: Like every other team on this list: Pitch. The Phillies will return with the same 2023 rotation led by Cy Young Award candidate Zach Wheeler. But beyond him, the Phillies need to bounce back from Nola, who is coming off a different season and turns 31 in June. After a slump in September (5.93 ERA), Taijuan Walker hasn't been used. By stretch, the right-hander has only made 22 starts in his career. Plus, there's always the bullpen, where the Phillies decided to part ways with veteran closer Craig Kimbrel after a disappointing postseason. Promising rookie Orion Kerkering could take the bullpen to another level if he taps into his potential, but beyond that Philadelphia hasn't made any additions. –Paul Casella

Why they improve: There are three obvious reasons here. Reason no. 1: Shohei Ohtani. Reason no. 2: Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Reason #3: Tyler Glasnow.

The Dodgers won 100 games last year, and now they're putting together a super team for 2024. A 10-win improvement this year would mean a 110-win season, which is a lot of games won, but when you add Ohtani, Yamamoto and Glasnow to a team that already has Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman… 110 wins doesn't seem like a difficult number to reach. Remember that Los Angeles won 111 games in 2022, and that roster doesn't have as many stars as it does now. We haven't even talked about Walker Buehler, “under the radar” star Will Smith, Dominican right-hander Descar Hernandez and the arrival of the 2024 Dodgers. We are talking about one of the most complete teams. In recent memory.

Biggest obstacle: Expectations through the roof. Winning 100 games year after year is difficult, and now somehow the Dodgers have to deal with more pressure to win the World Series than they do in a “normal” season. It will be disappointing if this team isn't historically good, and they will have to deal with all the demands day in and day out. If Ohtani or Yamamoto or Glass or Betts or even Freeman falters a bit…or one of the superstars gets hurt…or the Dodgers get off to a slow start, or hit a surprising slump…the weight of this team's expectations on LA will all get heavier and faster. –David Adler