MLB predictions for 2024: Expert picks for full baseball standings, playoff fields and World Series champions

Sure, two games of the 2,430 scheduled games have already been played for the 2024 Major League Baseball season, but there are still many exciting moments to come. As we eagerly await the official Opening Day, it's time for our annual predictions. Every season brings its share of surprises, like the Diamondbacks winning the NL pennant last year or the Rangers clinching their first World Series title. The unpredictability is part of what makes the season so enjoyable. If everything was predictable, it wouldn't be as exciting to watch.

Our MLB staff at CBS Sports has put together their predictions for the 2024 season. Here are their individual picks:

American League East:
- R.J. Anderson: Orioles
- Mike Axisa: Orioles
- Kate Feldman: Orioles
- Dayn Perry: Orioles
- Stephen Pianovich: Orioles
- Matt Snyder: Orioles

American League Central:
- R.J. Anderson: Twins
- Mike Axisa: Tigers
- Kate Feldman: Twins
- Dayn Perry: Twins
- Stephen Pianovich: Tigers
- Matt Snyder: Twins

American League West:
- R.J. Anderson: Astros
- Mike Axisa: Astros
- Kate Feldman: Astros
- Dayn Perry: Astros
- Stephen Pianovich: Astros
- Matt Snyder: Astros

National League East:
- R.J. Anderson: Braves
- Mike Axisa: Braves
- Kate Feldman: Braves
- Dayn Perry: Braves
- Stephen Pianovich: Braves
- Matt Snyder: Braves

National League Central:
- R.J. Anderson: Cubs
- Mike Axisa: Cubs
- Kate Feldman: Cardinals
- Dayn Perry: Cubs
- Stephen Pianovich: Cubs
- Matt Snyder: Cubs

National League West:
- R.J. Anderson: Dodgers
- Mike Axisa: Dodgers
- Kate Feldman: Dodgers
- Dayn Perry: Dodgers
- Stephen Pianovich: Dodgers
- Matt Snyder: Dodgers

Wild Cards:
- R.J. Anderson: AL Wild Card 1 - Yankees, AL Wild Card 2 - Rays, AL Wild Card 3 - Rangers, NL Wild Card 1 - Phillies, NL Wild Card 2 - Cardinals, NL Wild Card 3 - Diamondbacks
- Mike Axisa: AL Wild Card 1 - Rays, AL Wild Card 2 - Yankees, AL Wild Card 3 - Yankees, NL Wild Card 1 - Phillies, NL Wild Card 2 - Padres, NL Wild Card 3 - Diamondbacks
- Kate Feldman: AL Wild Card 1 - Rays, AL Wild Card 2 - Yankees, AL Wild Card 3 - Yankees, NL Wild Card 1 - Phillies, NL Wild Card 2 - Giants, NL Wild Card 3 - Cubs
- Dayn Perry: AL Wild Card 1 - Yankees, AL Wild Card 2 - Rays, AL Wild Card 3 - Rangers, NL Wild Card 1 - Phillies, NL Wild Card 2 - Padres, NL Wild Card 3 - Cardinals
- Stephen Pianovich: AL Wild Card 1 - Rays, AL Wild Card 2 - Yankees, AL Wild Card 3 - Mariners, NL Wild Card 1 - Phillies, NL Wild Card 2 - Phillies, NL Wild Card 3 - Diamondbacks
- Matt Snyder: AL Wild Card 1 - Rays, AL Wild Card 2 - Yankees, AL Wild Card 3 - Yankees, NL Wild Card 1 - Phillies, NL Wild Card 2 - Padres, NL Wild Card 3 - Cardinals

Champions:
- R.J. Anderson: Astros vs. Braves (World Series), Astros (Champions)
- Mike Axisa: Astros vs. Phillies (World Series), Phillies (Champions)
- Kate Feldman: Astros vs. Dodgers (World Series), Dodgers (Champions)
- Dayn Perry: Astros vs. Dodgers (World Series), Dodgers (Champions)
- Stephen Pianovich: Astros vs. Phillies (World Series), Phillies (Champions)
- Matt Snyder: Orioles vs. Phillies (World Series), Phillies (Champions)

Each member of our staff has their own reasoning behind their picks. Here are some insights from a few of them:

- R.J. Anderson emphasizes the uncertainty of player health and acknowledges that his picks may look silly if teams stay healthier than expected. However, he believes that the Astros and Braves are strong contenders in their respective leagues.
- Mike Axisa believes that the favorites in each division are clear, but the postseason is subject to randomness. He sees the Astros, Orioles, and Rangers as the top teams in the AL, while the Phillies are well-built for the playoffs in the NL.
- Kate Feldman finds the AL East and NL Central to be the most interesting divisions. She expects a tight race in the AL East, with most teams in contention for the title. In the NL Central, she sees the competition being less intense but still competitive.
- Dayn Perry explains his picks by selecting the team he considers the best in each division. In the postseason, he chooses teams that sound reasonable to him at the time, considering the randomness that can occur.
- Stephen Pianovich believes that the Phillies have the potential to make a deep playoff run. He mentions their strong lineup and the possibility of them sneaking in through the wild card and defeating NL powerhouses in the playoffs.
- Matt Snyder predicts that the Dodgers will win the NL West but chooses the Phillies as his World Series champions. He believes the Phillies are better suited for the playoffs and mentions the Orioles' potential due to their trade for Corbin Burnes.

Please note that these predictions are for entertainment purposes and should not be taken as definitive outcomes. The beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability, and anything can happen during the course of the season. Let's enjoy the games and see how the season unfolds!