Baseball. The age-old indicator that winter is through and spring is here. America’s pastime has finally returned.
Opening Day is upon us, meaning it’s a time of optimism and cheer for MLB fans across the United States and Canada. However, that hopefulness will likely be dashed at some point throughout the season. For all but one team, the season will end in defeat. Only one team can win the World Series, just like how only one team can win each division. Only one pitcher can win the Cy Young in each league, and only one player can win MVP.
Attempting to predict who will win each award is a fool’s errand, befit for those begging to have their hubris checked. That’s why we’re leaving it up to a computer. USA Today asked Microsoft Copilot AI for its predictions for the 2025 season. Here’s what it had to say:
AI division predictions for 2025 MLB season
AL East standings
- New York Yankees: 97-65
- Boston Red Sox: 92-70
- Baltimore Orioles: 88-74
- Tampa Bay Rays: 84-78
- Toronto Blue Jays: 80-82
Copilot believes the AL East will be a very strong division in 2025, but doesn’t particularly love the Orioles this year pointing to their lack of a true ace with the departure of Corbin Burnes to Arizona as their biggest issue.
AL Central standings
- Cleveland Guardians: 88-74
- Detroit Tigers: 87-75
- Kansas City Royals: 85-77
- Minnesota Twins: 82-80
- Chicago White Sox: 70-92
Although most fans agree that the Guardians are solid, a lot of people believe the Twins and Tigers are the teams to beat in the AL Central. AI believes the Guardians will come out on top again, expecting Jose Ramirez to be an AL MVP candidate and Tanner Bibee to blossom into a true ace.
AL West standings
- Houston Astros: 87-75
- Seattle Mariners: 84-78
- Texas Rangers: 83-79
- Los Angeles Angels: 78-84
- Athletics: 65-97
Although many people expect the A’s to overperform this year, AI believes they will be a letdown yet again. It writes, ‘The team is in a rebuilding phase and facing challenges with their move to Las Vegas.’
NL East standings
- New York Mets: 94-68
- Philadelphia Phillies: 92-70
- Atlanta Braves: 90-72
- Washington Nationals: 75-87
- Miami Marlins: 65-97
Although the Phillies and Braves have run this division for a few years now, Copilot calls the Mets’ addition of Juan Soto a ‘game-changer.’ It also notes that the Mets’ rotation is solid enough to keep them out in front in this division.
NL Central standings
- Chicago Cubs: 90-72
- Cincinnati Reds: 85-77
- Milwaukee Brewers: 83-79
- Pittsburgh Pirates: 75-87
- St. Louis Cardinals: 70-92
The Milwaukee Brewers are perennially disrespected. AI believes that Milwaukee has the defense and pitching to keep them competitive, but the lack of a proven closer after losing Devin Williams could destroy their chances at another NL Central title.
NL West standings
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 109-53
- Arizona Diamondbacks: 90-72
- San Diego Padres: 85-77
- San Francisco Giants: 80-82
- Colorado Rockies: 65-97
The Dodgers are going to challenge for 110 wins? That hasn’t been done since…well, the Dodgers in 2022. With the additions of Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, it’s hard to argue against such an outstanding season in Chavez Ravine.
AI predicts American League playoffs
AL wild card round
- Boston Red Sox defeat Detroit Tigers
- Houston Astros defeat Seattle Mariners
AL Division Series
- New York Yankees defeat Houston Astros
- Cleveland Guardians defeat Boston Red Sox
AL Championship Series
- New York Yankees defeat Cleveland Guardians
AI predicts National League playoffs
NL wild card round
- Philadelphia Phillies defeat Atlanta Braves
- Chicago Cubs defeat Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Division Series
- Los Angeles Dodgers defeat Chicago Cubs
- New York Mets defeat Philadelphia Phillies
NL Championship Series
- Los Angeles Dodgers defeat New York Mets
AI predicts 2025 World Series
- Los Angeles Dodgers defeat New York Yankees
AI predicts 2025 MLB award winners
American League MVP
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
- Copilot writes, ‘His combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess makes him a standout MVP candidate.’
National League MVP
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Copilot claims, ‘Ohtani’s unique ability to excel both as a hitter and a pitcher makes him an invaluable asset to the Dodgers. His return to the mound, combined with his offensive prowess, makes him a strong candidate.’
American League Cy Young
Garrett Crochet, Boston Red Sox
- Copilot believes 2025 will be the year for Crochet, claiming that his dominant fastball and strikeout rate will carry him to the award.
National League Cy Young
Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies
- Finally, Wheeler gets his due. Copilot believes Wheeler’s durability is the key here, pointing out that it’s only a matter of time given his ability to maintain low ERAs and high strikeout rates.
American League Rookie of the Year
Jasson Dominguez, New York Yankees
- Copilot writes, ‘Dominguez has been a highly touted prospect for years, and he’s expected to make a significant impact in his rookie season. His combination of power, speed, and defensive skills will likely earn him the Rookie of the Year honors.’
National League Rookie of the Year
Dylan Crews, Washington Nationals
- Copilot writes, ‘Crews is expected to have a breakout season with the Nationals. His impressive performance in the minors and his potential to contribute significantly at the major league level make him a strong contender.’