The MLB season is right around the corner as we creep up to the date when pitchers and catchers report to spring training. With the excitement for the new season, projections and lists have started to run rampant.
The MLB Network compiled a list of each team's projected home run leaders for the 2023 season. The list is certainly interesting. The projections have Aaron Judge as the only baseball player to hit over 40 home runs.
Some of these numbers are low, like Javier Baez being projected to hit just 22 home runs. But the Detroit Tigers didn't have anyone hit over 20 last season. Baez finished out the year with just 17.
Fans don't necessarily agree with these numbers. A lot of fans think that these numbers seem way too low across the board for all players.
"All these totals seem low to me," one fan tweeted.
"One person over 40 doesn't seem likely. They'll be more than just Judge," another fan tweeted.
With these low home run projections, some fans are questioning if the dead ball is making a return this season. Hopefully, that's not the case. MLB fans want to see offense.
Other fans are wondering if Byron Buxton will be able to get to 32 home runs. Buxton has a long history of being put on the IL. They're questioning if he'll be healthy enough to reach that number.
MLB fans are hoping for more offense this season
Maybe fans were just spoiled last year watching Aaron Judge blast 62 home runs, but these projections aren't too exciting. We can't expect another season like that from him, but these numbers are low for nearly everybody. Projections are usually conservative, and that's exactly what these numbers are.
One of the names on this list that truly sticks out is Fernando Tatis Jr. He's been away from the game for about a year but is projected to be one of the top home run producers. It will be interesting to see how he fares after sitting out the entire 2022 season.
Another name to watch out for is Yordan Alvarez. He hit a career-high 37 home runs last season, and it wouldn't be surprising if he passes that number this year. He's grown into one of the most feared hitters in the MLB.
Do you agree with these projections from MLB Network? Do you think they got it right?