The MLB season is just over a month in, and it is time to check in with fans at Wooster to see what they think of the league so far.
Two of the biggest teams in MLB folklore are the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Wooster sits between the two. The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry originated in 1903, due to their close proximity, with a 3-hour-40-minute drive between the two teams.
The 1919 trade of Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees that defined history. The Red Sox, established in 1901, and the Yankees, founded in 1903 as the Highlanders.
At the start of the season, the Red Sox were predicted to go to the playoffs. Now, they are 17-23, last in their division. Mr. Fischer, a Red Sox fan, is pretty disappointed in their start.
“They've surprised me in a pretty horrific way this year,” he said. “I let myself get my hopes up that they were going to be a good team led by pitching and defense.”
Mr. Fischer is disappointed by the Red Sox.
“They straight up cannot score runs, which is quite frustrating,” he said. “I was super high on a couple of guys in the line of breaking out this year, and it just hasn't really happened.”
Fans were calling for changes to be made, but were not sure that firing Alex Cora, their manager, was the solution.
“The biggest change I really want is for ownership to sell the team,” he said. “I'm not a John Henry fan, and I am not a Fenway Sports Group fan, and they can go own Liverpool and let the Red Sox be run by people who actually like the Red Sox.”
On the other hand, the Yankees are off to a hot start. They are second in the division, on the heels of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Sam ’28 is a life-long New York fan and is feeling overall positive about his team. However, he knows it is still early in the season.
“They're built to be dominant or disappointing,” he said. “Boom or bust. If the pitching stays consistent and the bottom of the order keeps putting up runs, we are a World Series team.”
Sam feels that the team looks balanced.
“Guys outside the top stars have been stepping up, and that's something we've been missing for sure,” he said. “Also, the pitching is definitely a step up from last year. Our rotation is solid, and Cam Schlittler is looking like an ace.”
However, the American League does not have a clear leader.
“The AL is a bit of a mess right now,” Mr. Fischer said. “The Yankees are looking good and obviously have great pitching reinforcements in waiting.”
The Yankees are looking like a playoff team and could make a run to the World Series. While it is still early, MLB fans are already making predictions for the 2026 champions.
Even though it is early, one of the teams that Mr. Fischer thinks could go all the way is the Padres.
“They’ve been strong for a few seasons, with a well‑rounded roster and a solid organization,” he said. Mr. Fischer thinks the key is the pitching. “Mason Miller looks absolutely unhittable. He’s probably been the best pitcher in baseball this year.”
Austin ’29, a Mets fan, predicts the Dodgers could win the World Series. The Dodgers have won back-to-back years and are looking good right now, as they are first in the National League West with two games on the Padres, who have yet to play. In the last 10 games, the Dodgers are 5-5, so looking at the year, the Dodgers' division could be tight towards the end.
Sam agrees with Austin.
“The LA Dodgers look scary good as usual. 2nd in the AL West currently,” he said. “Their lineup is stacked top to bottom, and it feels like they can outscore pretty much anyone.”
Austin does not think his own team has what it takes. The Mets have had one of the worst starts to a season, historically, with a 9-19 record. Their worst through 28 games since 1983.
“[The] biggest surprise for my team’s season so far is that we have been really bad,” he said. “[We] lost 12 games in a row and have one of the worst records in baseball. I think if Bo Bichette turns his season around, I think the Mets could possibly have a slight chance of making the playoffs.”
We are about a month in, and the postseason is still four months away. There is plenty of time for things to change.
Ian '28
Journalism Student
