30 reasons to be psyched for Opening Day

With a historic 2016 MLB season in the books, it's not too early to look ahead and see what's in store for next year. Here's a team-by-team breakdown of what to expect come Opening Day 2017.
AL EAST
Blue Jays: Toronto might not know exactly which players will be on the roster next season -- but with nine free agents, this also marks the perfect opportunity to remake the ballclub with a lot of flexibility. More>
Orioles:Kevin Gausman is coming off a solid year, and the O's may depend upon him more in 2017. More>
Red Sox:Mookie Betts is coming off an MVP-caliber season. At 24, he might be able to take his game to an even higher level in 2017. More>
Rays:Alex Cobb will be healthy to start the season, joining Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, Drew Smyly and Blake Snell in a strong staff. More>
Yankees:Gary Sánchez will be looking to follow up on the historic start to his career, and the Yanks can't wait to see what he can do with a full slate. More>
AL CENTRAL
Indians: The return of Michael Brantley, who should finally be fully healthy after a shoulder injury cost him most of 2016, will be a boon to the reigning American League champions. More>
Royals: Getting Mike Moustakas back at third base and a healthy Lorenzo Cain back in the outfield should be worth at least five wins as Kansas City tries to return to the postseason. More>
Tigers: Detroit is embarking on a youth movement that has been discussed for years, but has never been executed. If the Tigers swing some deals, they could end up with players that could become new fixtures. More>
Twins: Minnesota has a young team led by players such as Miguel Sanó, Byron Buxton, Jorge Polanco and Max Kepler. They form the young core of the lineup and should get better with more experience. More>
White Sox: There may be a front three as good as what the White Sox have in Chris Sale, José Quintana and Carlos Rodón, but none who are absolutely better. More>
AL WEST
Angels: Center fielder Mike Trout is arguably the best position player in the Majors, and he'll be back in the middle of the Halos' order. More>
Astros:Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are arguably the best middle-infield combo in the game, and their careers are still young. More>
Athletics: The youth movement that carried the A's through the second half of the season will transition into the new calendar year, both the infield as well as the pitching staff. More>
Mariners: GM Jerry Dipoto and manager Scott Servais will have had a full season to evaluate their roster, and they now can really move forward with the kind of team they want to build for Safeco Field. More>
Rangers:Yu Darvish and Martín Pérez will be fully recovered from their Tommy John surgeries, and they are poised for breakout seasons. More>
NL EAST
Braves: The addition of two starting pitchers will lessen the burden placed on Mike Foltynewicz, who at times looked like a legitimate top-flight starter this past season. More>
Marlins:Christian Yelich and J.T. Realmuto are on the brink of being All-Stars in a lineup that includes former All-Stars in Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Dee Strange-Gordon and Martín Prado. More>
Mets:Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler have yet to actually spend any time together in the rotation. But they will theoretically be healthy heading into camp, giving the Mets a chance -- finally -- at something truly special. More>
Nationals: Look for Bryce Harper, who hit .235 with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs after May 1, to be a candidate for the National Leauge Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2017. More>
Phillies: Remember last season when the Phils' bullpen contributed to the opening series sweep to the Reds? It should be better next year. More>
NL CENTRAL
Brewers: Getting a full season of dynamic shortstop Orlando Arcia should provide a spark as Milwaukee tries to return to the postseason for the first time since 2011. More>
Cardinals: Top prospect Alex Reyes proved in September that he is deserving of a spot in St. Louis' rotation, and he'll likely win one in spring. More>
Cubs: Cubs fans can be excited about a full season of Kyle Schwarber, who showed in the World Series he has the potential to be an elite hitter. More>
Pirates: This could be a fresh start for Andrew McCutchen, who admitted as the offseason drew near that he needed a mental break more than a physical one. More>
Reds: Expected to be healthy, Billy Hamilton turned a corner offensively in the second half and could become the dynamic leadoff hitter Cincinnati needs. More>
NL WEST
D-backs: Arizona's starting rotation should show improvement with Zack Greinke expected to rebound and Shelby Miller improving. More>
Dodgers:Clayton Kershaw has had an offseason to heal and manage his herniated disk and resume his status as the best pitcher in baseball. More>
Giants: Manager Bruce Bochy's ballclub will have a fresh resolve after vanishing from this year's postseason in the NL Division Series. More>
Padres: No. 3 prospect Hunter Renfroe will finally get his opportunity to shine for San Diego after a terrific 11-game audition in September and October. More>
Rockies:Nolan Arenado has finished tied for the NL lead in home runs each of the past two seasons. He is becoming a better overall hitter and a true star in Colorado's lineup. More>