The biggest X-factors on every MLB team for the 2022 season

Arizona’s pitching staff finished with the second-worst ERA in MLB last season, but they hope to have found an answer with the hiring of former Astros pitching coach Brent Strom. He worked wonders during his time in Houston, and the team has capable arms for him to mold like Madison Bumgarner, Zac Gallen, and Luke Weaver.

Acuna tore his ACL last season and missed the team’s playoff run. However, he’s made a great recovery and could be ready to play by late April. If Atlanta is able to get the superstar to return at full strength, they could be set for another World Series run.

Mullins is one of the few players on the roster who has immediate superstar ability. Still, there remain skeptics after his breakout 2021 season, showing power that he’d never shown previously.

Houck fans hitters left and right as a swingman last season, and could be set for a similar role on a team rich with pitching depth. His ability to miss bats and rack up innings could be a difference-maker for the highly competitive Red Sox squad.

The Cubs roster has undergone a rebuild over the last year. It’s clear they are now focusing on groundball pitchers and defense after adding Marcus Stroman and Wade Miley to the starting staff. They’ve also added highly capable defenders, including former Gold Glove shortstop Andrelton Simmons, making for one of the most interesting rosters in the game.

Returning from Tommy John surgery, Kopech mostly pitched out of the bullpen last year. The team is expected to unleash him in the starting rotation this year after losing Carlos Rodon in free agency. Kopech’s development could determine how far the young squad goes in 2022.

After major cost-cutting in the offseason, the Reds lineup could be forced to manufacture runs. Few hitters on the team have more upside than their dynamic shortstop, Barrero, though the start of his season will be delayed by a fractured hamate bone.

McKenzie has had up and down results over the last two seasons. After struggling early last season, he rebounded upon returning from the minors. Cleveland’s roster continues to be built on pitching, and McKenzie’s success could determine if the team is able to compete in the AL Central.

The Rox made noise by signing Kris Bryant to a lucrative contract, but it will be the supporting cast that determines their prospects. Hilliard has shown outstanding power and speed during his minor league career, though he’s struggled to make contact in the majors. The outfielder has 20/20 potential if he can finally put it all together.

Baddoo was a pleasant surprise as a Rule 5 draft choice last season, emerging as the team’s starting centerfielder. The team has spent significant money in the offseason, so there’s more pressure on Baddoo to continue what he showed in 2022.

Javier served as a swingman for the Astros last season, posting a 3.55 ERA over 101.1 innings. He could get more opportunities to start this season with an injury-prone rotation ahead of him.

Witt is arguably the best prospect in baseball and could break camp at either third base or shortstop for the Royals. The dynamic Witt had 33 home runs and 29 stolen bases in the minors last season and could be set to be the face of the organization next season.

Ohtani is the reigning AL MVP after a brilliant year as a two-way player for the Angels. Now entering his age 27 season, Ohtani is trying to make it back-to-back MVP seasons as he quickly becomes the face of baseball.

Kershaw managed to start only 22 games during the regular season in 2021 due to an elbow injury, but he enters Spring Training healthy. The lefty is out to prove he can be a durable starter again and could be a difference-maker after the team lost Max Scherzer in free agency.

Chisholm has arguably the most talent of any player on the young Marlins roster, but he had an inconsistent 2021 season. He did come just two home runs shy of a 20/20 season, and the Marlins need him to continue his development.

Pitching is the strength of the Brewers roster, and Ashby could be their next breakout star. He features an extreme groundball rate and ability to miss bats, which was on full display during his MLB debut late last season. He could make the Brewers starting rotation even scarier.

Minnesota was able to lock up Buxton long-term in the offseason. He’s shown flashes of brilliance but simply can’t stay healthy, with only one 100-game season in seven games as an MLB player. The Twins have a chance to be an elite team if Buxton can finally stay on the field.

DeGrom has shown out-of-this-world ability over the last four seasons, but his health was a huge issue last year. He made only 15 starts due to multiple arm injuries, though the Mets will have the most imposing starting rotation in baseball next year if he can pitch every fifth day alongside new teammate Max Scherzer.

Torres hit 38 home runs in 2019, but he’s struggled to regain that ability over the last two seasons. The team is set to move him to second base this year and hopes that his uptick in offense over the second half of last season can continue into 2022.

The A’s are already in sell mode for the 2022 season, which likely means minor league veterans like Brown will get big opportunities. Brown has shown big power in the minors and launched 20 home runs in only 307 plate appearances last year. He could be in for a breakout year for more playing time.

The bullpen has been a problem that the Phils can’t seem to get right, but they hope to turn the corner with some new names like Knebel the veteran right-hander is expected to open the year as the closer and could make a big difference if he can stay healthy.

Cruz is arguably Pittsburgh’s top prospect but has already been sent down to AAA. He’s a natural shortstop, but at 6-foot-7, the Pirates will also use Cruz in the outfield. His development will be key to fans’ optimism for the team’s rebuild.

San Diego is loaded with talent, but their pitching underachieved in 2021. The return of Clevinger from elbow surgery could play a big role in a rebound. The right-hander showed ace ability earlier in his career with Cleveland and should slot in nicely behind Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Blake Snell.

Rodon posted a terrific 2.37 ERA in 24 starts for the White Sox last year but had to settle for a two-year contract in San Francisco due to his arm injury history. The Giants are hoping the ace ability he showed last season will shine through as they try to repeat their recent success.

Ray got a massive payday after winning the AL Cy Young last season, seemingly coming out of nowhere to lead the Blue Jays. He enters an even more favorable situation in a pitcher-friendly Seattle ballpark, but there are skeptics about whether he can repeat.

Carlson is the most hyped position prospect the Cardinals have produced in years, and he had a strong 2021 season at age 22. The team is hoping he can build on that campaign as they try to return atop a wide-open NL Central division.

Franco was the top prospect in baseball prior to his promotion last year and played the part after he arrived. Tampa Bay has already signed Franco to an 11-year deal, and he could emerge as one of the elite hitters in the game at age 21.

The signings of middle infielders Marcus Semien and Corey Seager received most of the headlines in the offseason, but Gray’s ability to help could be just as important for the Rangers prospects in 2022. He’s shown signs of an ace while with Colorado, but the unfriendly confines of Coors Field have prevented Gray from reaching his potential.

While legacy players Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette had a tremendous 2021 season, Biggio crashed and burned. The son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, Cavan will likely be used as a utility man after the Blue Jays acquired Matt Chapman, but he could still be a key part of the roster.

What a difference a couple of years can make. The Nats won the 2019 World Series with an imposing big three of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Corbin, but now their pitching is a huge issue. Corbin has declined in consecutive seasons, but the Nationals desperately need him to rebound to have any chance of being competitive this season.