Thank goodness, the MLB season is finally upon us. Now that it’s here, there are plenty of storylines to follow. Based on what happened this offseason and what figures to transpire in the coming months, here are the 10 biggest storylines to keep an eye on in 2016. Note: If you’re an expert-level fan already aware of these storylines, put your baseball knowledge to test against other fans here.
10. What Progress Rebuilding Teams Have Made
Bill Streicher-USA Today SportsIt's not that exciting, but when you're the fan of a rebuilding team, looking at the small victories within a season is about the only excitement you get. Plenty of teams, including the Phillies, Braves and Reds (just to name a few), are rebuilding right now. Fans of those teams should be watching for potential breakout stars who will be cornerstones of the franchise when they're competitive again.
9. How White Sox Respond To Strange Clubhouse Controversy
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The Adam LaRoche situation this spring training was very bizarre and seemed to polarize the clubhouse from the front office. It remains to be seen whether those wounds have been mended yet. Either way, it appears this incident will band the team together or break it apart.
8. Teams Making Bids To Be 2016 Surprises
Getty ImagesThere is always a surprise team or two every MLB season, so who is it going to be this year? Some good candidates include the Indians, Rays and Marlins for various reasons. Those teams will have to be healthy and get key contributions from unproven players, but at least one of them is likely to be competitive.
7. The Health Of Marlins' Two Stars
Getty ImagesSpeaking of surprise teams, the Marlins could be one if they're healthy. If Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton both stay healthy, they could be a pretty dangerous team. After all, they're two of the best overall players in the National League. However, until they prove they can stay healthy, don't count on it from both of them in 2016.
6. Royals' Devil Magic Alive And Well
Getty ImagesAfter a heartbreaking World Series loss in 2014, most assumed the Royals were going to go away. Boy, did they prove people wrong. So after winning it all in 2015, do the Royals still have what it takes to win it all? Do they still have that "devils magic" that keeps them in any game? It remains to be seen, but if last year taught us anything, it's not to count the Royals out.
5. Wild, Wild AL East Race
Kim Klement-USA Today SportsThere is no clear favorite in the AL East, which will make the race for the division title exciting. It appears the Red Sox and Blue Jays have the inside track, but it really wouldn't be all that surprising if any team in the division topped the standings by October. With all of these teams battling for a single spot, the intensity will be high in September.
4. Bryce Harper Tries To Cement Himself As Game's Best Hitter
Getty ImagesMike Trout was generally accepted as baseball's top hitter entering 2015. After last season, people aren't so sure Bryce Harper doesn't deserve that title. This year, if Harper can build upon his MVP performance from 2015, there will be no doubt he's the best slugger in the game.
3. Tight MVP Races In Both Leagues
Getty ImagesMVP races are always fun to watch, but they will be especially so this season. There is so much individual talent in both leagues that there figures to be around five candidates in each that could legitimately win the award. Specifically, look to the NL, where the battle between Bryce Harper, Paul Goldschmidt and possibly Anthony Rizzo could be legendary.
2. MLB's Impressive Youth Movement
Getty ImagesIt has been decades since MLB had this much young talent coming up at once. Guys like Carlos Correa, Kris Bryant, Francisco Lindor and so many others are making MLB extremely exciting to watch. As these guys develop, they're only going to be more fun to watch play. Appreciate having all of these guys in the league at once; it doesn't happen often.
1. Cubs Try To Break The Curse Of The Billy Goat
Getty ImagesBy far the most intriguing storyline this season will be watching the Cubs try to break their 108-year World Series title drought. They appear to be the team to beat this year after an NLCS appearance in 2015 and a monster offseason. If they can get the job done in 2016, it will be the greatest moment in sports history as millions of fans around the world can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief.
