The Major League Baseball season gets underway when the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Chicago Cubs on Monday morning to start what should be another unpredictable campaign.
Last year, the San Francisco Giants surprised with a playoff run as one of the National League’s wild card teams, culminating in their third championship in six seasons.
In the World Series, San Francisco defeated the Kansas City Royals, who made their first postseason since 1985 as one of the American League’s wild card squads.
This year could once again see unexpected teams emerge and favourites flop. Here’s what to watch out for in 2015:
The favourites
Washington Nationals 
They had the best record in the NL last year and they’ve only gotten better. Washington already had one of the very best starting pitching rotations around with Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister, but they went out and made it better with the signing of 2014 Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.
At the plate, the Nationals won’t be the most feared line-up, but they won’t need to be. The pitching, as strong as it is, should carry them.
Los Angeles Dodgers 
Their bloated payroll isn’t for nothing as they boast one of the most balanced teams, anchored by stars Clayton Kershaw on the mound and Yasiel Puig at the plate.
Beyond Kershaw, the rotation relies on Zack Greinke, while the lineup will hope rookie Joc Pederson can fill the hole left by Matt Kemp. The Dodgers are technically chasing the Giants in the NL West, but San Francisco have yet to prove they can overcome a World Series hangover.
Seattle Mariners 
What the Dodgers are to the NL, Seattle are to the American League.
Although pitching is the Mariners’ biggest strength, they’re balanced well from top-to-bottom. Ace starting pitcher Felix Hernandez should get more run support with the addition of big bat Nelson Cruz, adding to the line-up already featuring Robinson Cano.
THE DARK HORSES
Cleveland Indians 
Detroit have had a hold of the AL Central the last four years, but Cleveland are closing the gap.
Corey Kluber broke out last year as the AL Cy Young winner and the Indians will hope young pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer can follow suit. Their offence should improve after a down season last year and 90 wins isn’t unthinkable.
Boston Red Sox 
Even after a dreadful 2014, they should never be counted out after winning it all out of nowhere the year before.
Boston added a whole lot of offence in the offseason by bringing in middle-of-the-order bats Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. Their pitching is an issue, but it doesn’t have to be great, just adequate for them to have some success again.
St. Louis Cardinals 
They’re going to have a hard time just beating out the Pittsburgh Pirates for the NL Central, but they’re somehow always playing when October hits.
Their starting rotation is a major asset with ace Adam Wainwright being joined by the likes of Michael Wacha and John Lackey.
St. Louis are never glamorous but they’re steady. That alone will give them a say.
THE ROOKIES TO WATCH
Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
Named Minor League Player of the Year last season, he has the power to unleash on pitchers once he’s called up.
Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox
A strong bet to break out at the top of the Red Sox line-up with his short and sweet swing.
Daniel Norris, Toronto Blue Jays
With a repertoire featuring three plus pitches, the 21-year-old will make batters miss.
