Baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes, and as with any beloved sport, there are bound to be plenty of hot takes and controversial opinions surrounding it. From debates about the best teams and players to discussions about rule changes and strategy, the world of baseball is rife with passionate opinions and arguments. While some hot takes may be well-founded and thought-provoking, others can be downright absurd or illogical. As a result, it can be challenging for fans to sift through the noise and determine which takes are worth considering and which are best left ignored. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular baseball hot takes, analyze their merits, and provide our own expert opinion on whether they hold any weight. Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just a casual spectator, join us as we take a closer look at the world of baseball hot takes.

Take #1: Alek Manoah is already a top 5-7 pitcher in baseball and will finish at least second in CY Young voting in 2023

I disagree with this one personally. Manoah makes an interesting case for being a top pitcher in baseball after a great 2022 campaign. Manoah threw 4 pitches in 2022, all with a -4 or better run value, his best being his fastball at -19. Manoah also maintained a really solid K% of 22.9% in 2022, as well as recording 180Ks. I think realistically Manoah is probably closer to the top 20 range than top 5-7. Manoah will continue to develop though and make an interesting case in years to come, I just don’t think now is the time to praise him this high yet.

Take #2: Diamondbacks play well in 2023, becoming this upcoming season’s version of the ’22 Orioles

I buy this take without a doubt. The Dbacks should have multiple, legit impact players this upcoming season, and if their pitching continues to perform, they could be a few deadline adds away from being a wild card team. The Dbacks will have Rookie of the Year candidate Corbin Carroll, future star Alek Thomas, all around hitter Jake McCarthy, and former Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis in the outfield. As for infielders, the Dbacks added veteran Evan Longoria, they will still have Ketel Marte, and power hitting first baseman Christian Walker. The Dbacks overall had a solid and surprising rotation in 2022 with CY Young candidate Zac Gallen, veterans Merrill Kelly and Madison Bumgarner, and more. I think that if the Dbacks find ways to win, and trade for a decent starting pitcher or two in 2023, they have a legit chance to make a solid run at a wildcard spot in 2023.

Take #3: Julio Rodriguez is the new face of Baseball

I don’t agree with this one just yet. Julio is hands down on this path, but I think the title still goes to two-way star Shohei Othani. Not only does Othani get national attention with the records he regularly breaks, as well as his pure talent, but he gets national attention in Japan especially. Othani is one of Japan’s biggest superstars, and regularly makes national headlines for his play in the USA. In a dark place for baseball advertisement and marketing, Othani is just what baseball needs to help put the league even more out there. Julio Rodriguez is on the brink of joining the faces of baseball, but Othani definitely takes the cake for now.

Take #4: Pittsburgh Pirates finish the season at or above .500

I agree with this one, but I think it makes a lot more sense for it to be closer to .500 than above. The Pirates made significant changes in the roster this off-season bringing in veterans Carlos Santana, Austin Hedges, Vince Velasquez, Ji-man Choi, and Rich Hill. The Pirates also brought back franchise icon, Andrew McCutchen. Overall, the Pirates took huge steps forward, and even if the changes on the field fall short, the veteran presence will significantly help the young bucs transition into the big leagues. As more prospects come up, and young stars like O’Neill Cruz, and Ke’Bryan Hayes develop further, the Pirates aren’t far out from a wild card contender. Though this season, they’ll float about .500.

Take #5: Cody Bellinger returns to MVP form

As much as I want to buy this take and say yes no doubt, after two straight years of a wRC+ significantly under the league average 100 mark, along with many other horrendous stats, I can’t help but think that Bellinger will never rebound. The change to Chicago from LA might help Cody, but overall I just don’t see a window or possibility where Bellinger returns. Over the last two seasons, Bellinger has an fWAR of just 0.7, which is just horrendous for someone who won the MVP award just 4 years ago. Unfortunately, I think the time passed on Bellinger’s all star abilities and he won’t be rebounding.

Take #6: Baltimore Orioles win the AL East in less than 3 seasons

I definitely think it’s a possibility for Baltimore to take the ALE in under 3 seasons, but I think it’s more realistic for them to just be a playoff contender in that window. With all the young talent blossoming in Baltimore, I have no doubt they’ll be a threat soon. With young sluggers Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, to pitchers D.L. Hall and Grayson Rodriguez, the Orioles are filled out head to toe with talent. Not to mention established hitters Ryan Mountcastle, Cedric Mullins, and Anthony Santander, the Orioles are certain to be a legit threat in the already strong ALE. I look for Baltimore to be a wild card contender this season, and for the years to come as the Blue Jays and Yankees are still ahead of them in most areas.

Some may agree and some may disagree with the takes discussed above, but we’ll have to see them play out for real before we can be sure about what was right and wrong. Without a doubt, all these takes will be interesting to go over in the coming season or two. Baseball is a beautiful game with no certain outcomes, and that is what makes it special.