It’s here.

America’s favorite baseball is underway today for the 2025 season with the Dodgers and Cubs beginning the season with a two-game set today in Tokyo. The Dodgers’ influx of Japanese players couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin the season in their homeland.

Along with the Tokyo series, baseball will mark its earliest-ever beginning with the remainder of the teams starting their seasons on March 27.

Will the apparent stacked Dodgers defend their title?

Well, our prestigious sports staff has decided to predict each division, the playoffs, and the 2025 champion.

As you have seen the phrase in the past “for amusement only,” don’t take their insights to the bank. Literally.

However, there are some very insightful picks and some perceived current longshots that may evolve into contenders in September. Mark some down and see what happens.

Here we go...

Sports editor Patrick Matsinko:

American League East: Orioles

Comment: Gerrit Cole’s injury will be a big blow, and the Orioles will take another step forward.

AL Central: Tigers

AL West: Rangers

Comment: Solid pitching depth puts Rangers over Astros.

National League East: Phillies

Comment: Philly still has a strong core that should still be strong and hungry after last year’s playoff exit.

NL Central: Cubs

Comment: Can Kyle Tucker’s addition put them over the top?

NL West: Dodgers

Comment: Who else?

AL Wild Card: Blue Jays over Red Sox, Tigers over Mariners.

NL Wild Card: Mets over Braves, Diamondbacks over Cubs

AL Divisional Series: Rangers over Blue Jays; Tigers over Orioles.

NL Divisional Series: Phillies over Mets; Dodgers over Diamondbacks.

AL Championship Series: Rangers over Tigers.

NL Championship Series: Dodgers over Phillies.

World Series: Dodgers over Rangers

Sports writer Rod Heckman:

American League East: Yankees

AL Central: Tigers

AL West: Mariners

National League East: Phillies

NL Central: Cubs

NL West: Dodgers

AL Wild Cards: Orioles, Red Sox, and Royals

NL Wild Cards: Braves, Mets, Padres

AL Wild Card Series: Orioles defeat Red Sox; Royals defeat Tigers

NL Wild Card Series: Cubs defeat Mets; Padres defeat Braves

AL Divisional Series: Orioles down Mariners; Yankees down Royals

NL Divisional Series: Dodgers down Padres; Phillies down Cubs

AL Championship Series: Orioles beat Yankees.

NL Championship Series: Dodgers beat Phillies

World Series: Dodgers win over Orioles.

Sports writer Brad Hurley:

American League East: Yankees

AL Central: Twins

AL West: Astros

National League East: Phillies

NL Central: Cubs

NL West: Dodgers

AL Wild Cards: Orioles, Mariners, Rangers

NL Wild Cards: Braves, Mets, Padres

NL Wild Card Series: Orioles over Mariners: Rangers over Astros

NL Wild Card Series: Cubs over Padres; Mets over Braves

AL Divisional Series: Yankees over Orioles; Twins over Rangers

NL Divisional Series: Dodgers over Mets; Phillies over Padres

AL Championship Series: Yankees over Twins

NL Championship Series: Dodgers over Phillies

World Series: Dodgers over Yankees

Sports writer T.J. Engle:

American League East: Orioles

AL Central: Guardians

AL West: Mariners

National League East: Phillies

NL Central: Brewers

NL West: Dodgers

AL Wild Cards: Red Sox, Royals, Astros

NL Wild Card: Padres, Braves, Mets

AL Wild Card Series: Red Sox defeat Guardians; Astros defeat Royals.

NL Wild Card Series: Braves defeat Mets; Padres defeat Brewers.

AL Divisional Series: Mariners defeat Red Sox; Orioles defeat Astros.

NL Divisional Series: Phillies defeat Padres; Dodgers defeat Braves.

AL Championship Series: Mariners defeat Orioles

NL Championship Series: Phillies defeat Dodgers

World Series: Phillies defeat Mariners

Some Final Thoughts ... It appears that these scribes, as well as many other across the country, like the Dodgers to win it all with offseason additions in starters Blake Snell and Roki Sosaki, relievers Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, and outfielder Michael Conforto — along with resigning free agents outfielders Teoscar Hernandez Tommy Edman, and pitchers Blake Treinen and Clayton Kershaw.

The Dodgers have some injuries, but they have a plethora of pitching.

On the other side of the country, the Phillies appear to have enough pitching as most of my peers assessed. Former Marlin hurler Jesus Luzardo can be the difference maker.

Atlanta should be in the hunt, especially if Ronald Acuna Jr returns to his old form and Spencer Strider is effective. The Mets could make it interesting if Juan Soto has an MVP-type year, and if they can find the pitching magic they had last year.

The Cubs are predicted by many — in this group, too — to be the National League’s biggest surprise.

Outfielder Kyle Tucker is expected to produce some big numbers and be in the MVP hunt, and closer Ryan Pressly should have a big year. Third baseman Matt Shaw already has been touted as this year’s Rookie-of-the-Year.

In the once-referred “junior circuit” – remember when the American League was called that? – the Yankees’ high hopes have been deflated by injuries. Everyone likes the Orioles, but watch out for the Red Sox. However, look for the Yankees to pull off a July trade for a frontline pitcher if they are close.

The Mariners and Rangers have the staffs to compete for the top spots in the division and the league. The Astros could also make a run here, and don’t forget about the Tigers. Detroit will need to recapture some of their magic from last season.

Instead of breaking everything down, I’ll go with the Rangers meeting the Phillies in the Fall Classic, and the Fightins’ having just enough to win their third World Series title.

On the Home Front ... Each week, I’ll recall a former player or team with local connections.

Hall of Fame infielder Hughie Jennings has an 18-year major league career that included a two-tear stop with the Phillies from 1901-02. Aside from the Phillies, Jennings played with four other clubs from 1892-1903 and hit .321 for his career.

Yet, Jennings has Lehighton roots. He grew up in Pittston, and played on a semi-pro team in Lehighton in 1889, when he agreed to play for $5 a game reportedly instead of pursuing a career as a coal miner.

Jennings played well, and the semi-pro team agreed to pay him $50 a month the following season. In June, Jennings signed with Allentown of the Interstate League, but the club folded a month later.

From there, Jennings returned to Lehighton where he began the 1891 season. Jennings quickly established himself and was signed by the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, which became a National League team in 1892.

At the start of the 1893 season, Jennings was dealt to the Orioles. A year later, Jennings hit. 335 and helped lead the team to three straight National League pennants and his career would flourish.

Jennings also managed Detroit from 1907-20, and the New York Giants from 1924-25.

Phillies 5K ... If you are entered in this Sunday’s Phillies 5K, please let me know.

I plan on writing a story on the race and would like to include your insights and feelings.

On This Date ... In 1990, players and owners reached a new collective bargaining agreement to end a 32-day lockout of spring training camps.

Time Passages ... Every week, I’ll recall a former player, game, or situation from our favorite pastime.

In 2000, the Phillies opened the season in Arizona on April 4, and they suffered a 6-4 defeat to the Diamondbacks.

Andy Ashby, who only spent that one season in Philly, started the game and went six innings, allowing all six runs on eight hits with one strikeout. Ashby was relieved by Steve Schrenk and Trevor Miller, both of whom are likely tough to immediately recount.

The Phils rolled out a starting lineup of Rico Brogna at first base, Kevin Jordan at second, Desi Relaford at short, Scott Rolen at third, Ron Gant in left, Doug Glanville in center, Kevin Sefcik in right, and Mike Lieberthal behind the plate. Relaford had three hits and two RBIs.

Ashby, who was acquired from the Padres in November for pitchers Adam Eaton, Carlton Loewer and Steve Montgomery, was later traded to the Braves on July 12 for pitchers Bruce Chen and Jimmy Osting. Ashby was 4-7, 5.68 ERA in 16 games with the Phillies in 2000.

The year also marked the final one for manager Terry Francona, whose club finished 65-97 in 2000. Francona compiled a 285-362 record in four years in Philly.

Your thoughts are always welcomed; email them to tnsports@tnonline.com.