Noah Spirek | @NoahSpirek | March 27, 2025
Opening Day 2025 is finally here, bringing a fresh start and renewed hope for all 30 MLB teams, including our beloved Colorado Rockies. To get ready for the long season ahead, I gathered predictions from the entire Blake Street Banter staff, covering both league-wide awards and Rockies-specific honors.
To get started, here’s a look at our official Colorado Rockies takes and predictions for 2025.
BSB Staff Picks & Predictions for the 2025 MLB Season
Rockies Team MVP
Cam: Brenton Doyle – There’s a 30/30 season coming for Doyle soon. As the Rockies try to get competitive again, him and Ezequiel Tovar are key.
Aaron: Hunter Goodman – This is Goodman’s breakout year with big power numbers and improvement behind the dish. Not the ‘MVP’ in a traditional sense, but his individual growth will elevate the Rockies rebuild and allow the club to feel confident at catcher heading into 2026. And don’t sleep on Thairo Estrada! He will find a new home in Coors and lean on his skillset to take him to the next level. He may not end the season as a Rockie, which means he gets traded for pieces that make the Rockies even better for the future — a true MVP.
Isaac: Brenton Doyle – Being the best defensive outfielder makes you a great MLB player already, but when you add on an offensive profile you begin to put that player in elite talks. I believe Brenton Doyle is currently just outside the elite conversation, but with a strong 2025 campaign, Doyle can cement himself as one of the best outfielders in all of baseball.
Tyler: Ezequiel Tovar – He and Doyle are neck and neck with both playing elite defense. Tovar has the edge in terms of total offensive production; he’ll accumulate so many extra base hits and I project he goes over 30 HRs.
Luke: Brenton Doyle – The most toolsy player on the Rox had a great 2024 in his first full MLB season. The sky is the limit for the Shepherd University alum.
Kenneth: Ezequiel Tovar – The skillset is too good for him to be less than average starter in this league, and there’s not enough of that on the roster. Tovar should be a front runner for the Gold Glove again and 2024 showed the pop in his bat is for real. I expect he’ll continue to make small steps in plate discipline entering his peak years, and 2025 will be a stepping-stone season before his All-Star peak.
Mac: Brenton Doyle – I don’t think his game will slow down at all. Fielding alone should win him this award.
James: Ezequiel Tovar – Plays excellently on both sides of the ball at the most important position. If Tovar ups his plate discipline, 30 HRs and a .300 average isn’t out of the question. Plus, his defensive highlights are special.
Eli: Ezequiel Tovar – It feels like this has to be either Doyle or Tovar, and I lean towards Ezequiel. There have been signs of improved plate discipline from him this spring, and if he can cut down on the Ks, the sky is the limit.
Noah: Ezequiel Tovar – The kid just continues to improve. After winning his first Gold Glove, the 23-year-old will continue his upward trajectory and eclipse 25 homers and 40 doubles again, one season after leading the National League in doubles.
Louis: Brenton Doyle – Simply put, 2025 will suck. Doyle will at least bring home an award and be one of the few Rockies players in mainstream conversations.
Riley: Brenton Doyle – I see him improving on an already stellar sophomore campaign. If he makes the season to season jump like he did from 23-24, he may even enter NL MVP talks.
Team Cy Young Award
Cam: Antonio Senzatela – Having a dominant spring and coming off Tommy John surgery, ‘Senza’ has a real chance to be the Rockies best starter this year.
Aaron: Ryan Feltner – Last year was just a sip in the drink that is Feltner. His stuff is insane and he has the experience of pitching at altitude like a stud.
Isaac: Ryan Feltner – Each pre-season there is never a definitive answer to who will be the Rockies best pitcher. Going off of quality pitches and game performance, my selection is Feltner. Since it will be his 5th season in the MLB, I believe he can expand on the promise he has shown and become a constant deep-inning threat.
Tyler: Germán Márquez – He looks back to late 2010s/early 2020s form. He’ll probably never quite be the same pitcher, but I expect a sub 4.00 ERA over 160 IP. This is a tough call though; Feltner is a dude, Freeland is consistent, and Dollander has all the upside in the world.
Luke: Germán Márquez – Márquez has been one of the best pitchers for the Rox since he made his debut in 2016. He hasn’t been fully healthy in two years, but he could make a major contribution to the squad this season.
Kenneth: Chase Dollander – I think Dollander will shine bright enough despite some ups-and-downs to clearly stand out — both through his stats and the eye-test — as the best pitcher in the organization.
Mac: Ryan Feltner – What we saw at the end of last season won’t be a flash in the pan. This season, he’s going to elevate his game to that level on a consistent basis.
James: Kyle Freeland – Love’s the way he competes. He is the emotional leader of this staff.
Eli: Bradley Blalock – I don’t imagine this will be a popular answer, as we don’t really know how much time he’ll spend as a starter. That said, his stuff looks much improved since the conclusion of last year. If he can get consistent looks as a starter this year, I think he’ll really suprise people.
Noah: Ryan Feltner – I am running back my pick from a season ago. After struggling in the first half of the season, Feltner stepped up and delivered more times than not during the last couple months of the season. I like him to continue that momentum and put together a strong 2025 campaign.
Louis: Kyle Freeland – Last year was another unlucky year for the proven Cy Young candidate. 2025 Freeland will return back to his award winning form.
Riley: Ryan Feltner – I’d like to see him bring down his long ball and BB numbers, but he’s got the most swing and miss stuff of the starting rotation, which could play nicely this year in the loaded NL West.
Team Rookie of the Year
Cam: Zac Veen – Veen is making a real push to get an opening day roster spot. He’s got myself and Rockies fans excited.
Aaron: Zac Veen – I love this guy and the fire he plays with. He hits the ball hard, causes chaos on the basepaths, and is an above-average defender. He will earn a spot and keep the spot.
Isaac: Chase Dollander – There is no timetable for when Dollander will get the call-up to the majors, but when it happens, he’ll instantly become the best pitcher on the Rockies. His high strikeout potential and quality of command projects him to succeed in Colorado.
Tyler: Chase Dollander – Easy pick. That fastball is gonna play at Coors Field and his diverse arsenal will make him hard to figure out. Not quite a Skenes-type breakout in the second half of 2024, but I expect Dollander to get up to 80 MLB innings with an ERA around 4.20, which is great for a Rockies pitcher, especially a rookie.
Luke: Chase Dollander – One of the best right-handed prospects in game, Dollander does a bit of everything well. He should start the year in Triple-A, and the majors shouldn’t be too far off if he starts the year strong. Chase would be a great addition to the squad’s rotation.
Kenneth: Dollander – Zac Veen should (eventually) get everyday time and put up a strong performance, but Dollander’s impact will be felt far greater for the organization.
Mac: Zac Veen – Attempting to predict the plans of the Rockies front office is futile, but surely they’ll use Veen to spark their season at some point. And when they do, I believe Veen will dominate.
James: Zac Veen – Super disappointed he didn’t make the club out of Spring Training but he will light a fire under this club with his style of play once he gets the call.
Eli: Seth Halvorsen – Halvorsen is electric. We saw it at the end of last year, and I think he’ll prove to be the one of the best pitchers in the entire organization with consistent appearances this year. If the Rockies can manage to win some games, Halvorsen has the kind of stuff to be an elite closer in this league.
Noah: Zac Veen – Why NOT Zac Veen?
Louis: Seth Halvorsen – Unlike most Rockies prospects, I expect Halvorsen to be effective in his first full MLB season.
Riley: Zac Veen – I love the swagger he brings, which adds some much needed flavor to a pretty boring Rockies dugout. He just missed the cut this March, but I don’t think it’ll be long before that beautiful lefty swing is hitting taters over the Coors out-of-town scoreboard.
Win-Loss Record Prediction
Cam: 78-82
Louis: 75-87
Riley: 74-88
Eli: 74-88
Aaron: 72-90
Isaac: 70-92
Tyler: 71-91
James: 70-92
Luke: 67-95
Noah: 64-98
Mac: 63-99
Kenneth: 58-104
That covers our portion of the Rockies predictions, now let’s shift to a league-wide scope.
National League MVP
Cam: Shohei Ohtani – Hate to be basic, but no one is touching this guy right now.
Aaron: Kyle Tucker – Mainly cause he was my pick last year for the AL and I was wrong. Nah. Dude is a legit star and can change a franchise in a heartbeat.
Isaac: Shohei Ohtani – I mean how could you not vote for him? Top 3 hitter in baseball while also returning to the mound this season? It’ll never NOT be crazy the things that Shohei is doing right now.
Tyler: Juan Soto – Ohtani will be the popular pick but Soto is arguably the better offensive player and plays defense while Ohtani’s pitching load will be limited in return from Tommy John. Statcast expected home runs projected he would’ve hit 46 homers in Citi Field so leaving Yankee Stadium shouldn’t hurt his power production. I’ll project a .310/.430/.560 triple slash with 40 homers again to secure his first MVP.
Luke: Shohei Ohtani – One of the best players of all time had an amazing 2024, hitting .310 with 54 home runs while leading the Dodgers to a World Series win. Now he returns on the mound as well this season.
Kenneth: Bryce Harper – Going against the grain because Ohtani is the logical pick once again. Philly is desperate for their championship and Harper is their engine…
Mac: Shohei Ohtani – His return to the mound is going to help his chances, even if he doesn’t reach 50 home runs again.
James: Shohei Ohtani – I tried to talk myself out of it, but rationally can’t assuming he stays healthy.
Eli: Elly De La Cruz – Strictly a vibes-based pick. The kid is electric and good for the game. So much fun to watch.
Noah: Juan Soto – Flipping sides in New York will have all the pressure on him and I am excited to see him show out in front of angry Yankees fans all season long. Also, just totally not feeling the traditional Shohei pick.
Louis: Shohei Ohtani – No explanation needed.
Riley: Shohei Ohtani
American League MVP
Cam: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Coming off an MVP-like second half last year and a pending free agent, I can see Vladdy having a monster year in a bounce-back season for the Jays.
Aaron: Vlad Guerrero Jr. – He finished last year on a tear. Finished with 30+ HR and 100+ RBI after a terrible start. He’s in a contract year and is wanting to prove haters wrong.
Isaac: Bobby Witt Jr. – By the end of the 2025 season, he will still only be 25 years old. With his constant progression each season, I expect Witt to capitalize more and be crowned the AL MVP.
Tyler: Bobby Witt Jr. – He figured it all out last year and is the most talented player in the sport besides Shohei. Witt’s floor for an award like this is so high because he plays an excellent shortstop. If Witt can find a tick more discipline at the plate, he could crack the .400 OBP mark which would make him a ridiculous player. 30+ homers, 30+ steals, .400 OBP, and peak SS defense is prime A-Rod territory with literally nobody else in history having a season like that.
Luke: Gunnar Henderson – Henderson quietly had almost as good of a season as Ohtani, hitting .281, 37 home runs, and having a 9.1 WAR
Kenneth: Bobby Witt Jr. – The talent is too good and Witt shows he’s capable of another level from last season. Very quickly his young career will ascend to a HoF fast-track.
Mac: Aaron Judge – Judge will continue to dominate, especially after Soto’s departure.
James: Bobby Witt Jr. – I like Riley Greene as a dark horse, but Witt Jr. Is the most exiting player for me in the AL.
Eli: Bobby Witt Jr – Witt Jr. had an MVP caliber season last year. Unfortunetly for him, Aaron Judge decided to hit 58(!) bombs and sweep the vote. If Witt Jr. can put together a season that resembles 2024, he’ll be tough to beat.
Noah: Bobby Witt Jr – I will be basic here. The dude hit .332 last year en route to finishing 2nd in AL MVP. Redemption year for him and the Kansas City Royals.
Louis: Mike Trout – I doubt he has the best season, but if he’s close, it would be a fun story and I think award voters would agree.
Riley: Gunnar Henderson
NL Cy Young Award
Cam: Paul Skenes – I can see this guy posting a 1.50 ERA if he keeps progressing. Insane talent.
Aaron: Zach Wheeler – He deserves one and this is the year that voters recgonize the body of work in a stellar campaign!
Isaac: Paul Skenes
Tyler: Paul Skenes
Luke: Blake Snell – Snell has already won two Cy Young Awards, and now is on an organization that routinely maximizes their players’ potential.
Kenneth: Paul Skenes – Speaking of being on the ground floor of a HoF career… Skenes proves he’s the best pitcher in the world and it’s not even close.
Mac: Paul Skenes – I don’t see any potential for a sophomore slump. If anything, he’ll take his game to the next level.
James: Paul Skenes – He is the best pitcher on the planet.
Eli: Sandy Alcantara
Noah: Paul Skenes – Until anyone shows us that they can touch him, why bet against him?
Louis: Paul Skenes
Riley: Paul Skenes
AL Cy Young Award
Cam: Tarik Skubal – Simple answer. After a dominant postseason, I expect the same in 2025.
Aaron: Tarik Skubal – Let’s have some fun and root for back to back Cy Youngs!
Isaac: Tarik Skubal
Tyler: Logan Gilbert
Luke: Cole Ragans – One of the best lefties in the game who tossed a 3.14 ERA and struck out 223 batters last season.
Kenneth: Jackson Jobe – Injuries continue to mount in the AL field and rookie Jobe emerges as the most impressive candidate as an immediate co-ace in Detroit.
Mac: Tarik Skubal – Intensity. Skubal on the mound is must-watch TV.
James: Cole Ragans – Only thing can get in his way is his walk rate, but his vertical fastball and lethal changeup are two of the best.
Eli: Garrett Crochet
Noah: Garrett Crochet – Finally on a new team, I expect the Red Sox to surprise a lot of people this year, and Crochet will help lead the way.
Louis: Bryan Woo
Riley: Tarik Skubal
Division Winners
Cam: Yankees, Royals, Rangers, Braves, Brewers, Dodgers
Aaron: Red Sox, Tigers, Athletics, Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers
Isaac: Red Sox, Guardians, Rangers, Mets, Cubs, Dodgers
Tyler: Rays, Royals, Mariners, Braves, Brewers, Dodgers
Luke: Yankees, Royals, Rangers, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers
Kenneth: Orioles, Twins, Rangers, Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers
Mac: Orioles, Tigers, Mariners, Mets, Reds, Dodgers
James: Yankees, Tigers, Rangers, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers
Eli: Red Sox, Tigers, Astros, Mets, Brewers, Dodgers
Noah: Red Sox, Royals, Rangers, Mets, Pirates, Dodgers
Louis: Yankees, Tigers, Rangers, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers
Riley: Orioles, Royals, Mariners, Phillies, Cubs, Dodgers
2025 World Series Matchup
Cam: Braves over Orioles in six games
Noah: Red Sox over Braves in seven games
Aaron: Phillies over Orioles in six games
Kenneth: Phillies over Rangers in five games
Riley: Orioles over Dodgers in seven games
Isaac: Dodgers over Red Sox in five games
Tyler: Dodgers over Rays in six games
Luke: Dodgers over Orioles in six games
Mac: Dodgers over Tigers in five games
James: Dodgers over Yankees in six games
Louis: Dodgers over Yankees in four games
Eli: Dodgers over Red Sox in six games
Hot Takes & Predictions for 2025
Cam: Judge has a really average year for his standards.
Aaron: Zac Veen plays 100 games in the big leagues.
Isaac: There will be 6 Rockies players who hit at least 20 home runs in 2025.
Tyler: Doyle/Toglia-esque jump for Hunter Goodman. I predict he wins the primary catching role eventually and finishes with 25 homers and a .240/.305/.460 (.765 OPS) line. Much improved from his .642 career OPS in 93 career games. For a much more reliable take, I think he drops his strikeout rate to 25%, down 4.2% from his career rate so far; a 4% improvement in K% is massive.
Luke: Drew Romo will be the starting backstop by July.
Kenneth: Bud Black will announce his resignation as manager in the final weeks of the season and will be replaced by interim manager Warren Schaeffer. Schaeffer will be named the full-time manager in the off“12-season.
Mac: Rockies will trade Ryan McMahon to the Phillies.
James: Hunter Goodman hits 20 bombs.
Eli: Michael Toglia hits 35 bombs.
Noah: Let’s talk catchers. Fresh off a strong Spring Training, Hunter Goodman delivers, hitting .240 with 25 homers and cementing his spot as the Opening Day catcher in 2026.
Louis: Rockies will sweep a series in LA against the Dodgers.
Riley: Tovar is the best SS in the NL and proves it with an improved approach at the plate(.290/30HR/<150K kinda season), while winning consecutive Gold Glove awards.
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If you have the time, take a look at our 2024 Staff Picks article. No doubt there were some swings and misses, but there were some fun hits, including Aaron’s prediction of Brenton Doyle blossoming into a 20/20 player!
Story by Noah Spirek
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