With the 2021 MLB season upon us, it is time for storylines to play out over the course of the year.
Following the COVID-shortened 2020 season, there are even more questions heading into this year.
Most people are unsure of what exactly to expect, especially after a year where nothing turned out how it was anticipated.
With these coming from every corner of the league, it will be interesting to see how it will all play out.
Here are the three most pressing questions that should be followed in 2021.
1. Can The Yankees Stay Healthy?
The New York Yankees undoubtedly have some of the most talent in the entire sport.
Their lineup is among the best, especially when they are firing on all cylinders.
Because of this, the team has remained a constant competitor in the American League, making it to the ALCS in 2017 and 2019.
However, their biggest challenge over the last five years has been their health.
The team seems to be repeatedly plagued by injuries that have kept their best stars out.
Aaron Judge, for example, has become the face of the organization’s injury troubles.
The monstrous slugger has been limited to just 242 games over the last three seasons, causing a large absence in the Yankees’ lineup.
Last year’s home run leader, Luke Voit, is already hurt to start the year.
Luke Voit making his entrance on crutches is the first big moment of the 2021 season pic.twitter.com/OxFLCPFa8R
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 1, 2021
Along with that, the Yankees boast a pitching rotation that has an injury history.
Free agent signee Corey Kluber and former Pirates’ pitcher Jameson Taillon both have struggled with injuries in the past.
However, they can both be dominant options in their starting rotation when there are healthy.
For the Yankees, it isn’t a question of their talent: it is only whether they can hold up over 162 games.
2. Is The White Sox Youth Ready?
The Chicago White Sox are heading into the season with some lofty expectations.
Many projections have them sitting atop the AL Central and earning a spot in the playoffs.
However, the team will have to rely on a strong core of young players.
oh how we've missed tweeting Michael Kopech strikeouts pic.twitter.com/4u9p2xjg8N
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) April 3, 2021
Many of them have limited playing time and experience at the big-league level, especially over the course of a 162-game season.
This could end up backfiring for the White Sox, as the potential adjustments from big league competition is still unknown.
It will take some time for this question to be answered, but it will be interesting to see how the White Sox youth movement holds up.
3. Can The Dodgers Live Up To Expectations?
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming into the year with a major target on their back.
After dominating much of the league last season and winning the World Series, the team comes into 2021 with an even stronger roster.
PECOTA projections for the #Dodgers/NL West are out. pic.twitter.com/Xjvr3c2xUo
— Matthew Moreno (@MMoreno1015) February 9, 2021
This is headlined by the addition of Trevor Bauer, the 2020 Cy Young Award winner.
They were also able to bring back All-Star third baseman Justin Turner, while keeping superstars Mookie Betts and Corey Seager.
Now, people are expecting them to put up historic numbers and have a clear path to another World Series.
Of course, anything can happen, especially when every team will paint a target on the Dodgers’ back.
It will be interesting to now see how they respond to this, and if they are able to walk away with another World Series championship.
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