This MLB season has been one to remember. From no-hitters, to win streaks, to playoff runs, baseball this year has had plenty of exciting moments, as well as surprises. In the American League, the Yankees were led by designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton as they rallied late in the season to make the playoffs. They unfortunately fell to the Red Sox by a score of 6-2 in the American League Wild card game. Though they were eliminated from the playoffs, the Bronx Bombers should bounce back next year with a healthy team. All-stars Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and more should be back for next season. New York also has great potential in young stars Andrew Valequzez and Tyler Wade. This may not have been their year, but they will be back competing in the playoffs for years to come. The Red Sox would go on to beat Tampa Bay, as they moved on to the American League Championship Series, facing off against the Houston Astros. The AL saw historic performances from the Angel’s Shoei Ohtani and Vladimar Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays. Ohtani has a dynamic hitter and pitcher. He finished the season with 46 home runs (third in the MLB) while also finishing in the top 15 for ERA (Earned Run Average) and WHIP (Walks and Hits let up per inning). Guerrero Jr. led the MLB in a number of batting statistics, most notably home runs (48).

In the National League, the Mets had another average season. They finished third in the National League East, with a record of 77- 85. The Mets received strong performances from Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso, as well as shortstop Francisco Lindor. Their star player, Jacob DeGrom, remained sidelined for most of the season due to an elbow injury. While their bats consistently knocked in runs, their pitching needs to step up. Though the Mets may not have met expectations you cannot say the same about the rest of the League. The St. Louis Cardinals went on a historic 17-game winning streak. It was the third longest win streak since 2000 and set a franchise record. Like the Yankees, the Cardinals rallied late in the season to make the wild card. They lost to the star-powered Dodgers in the National League Wild Card Game. This was not a surprise as the Dodgers have two Cy Young contenders in Walker Bueler and Max Scherzer. They also have great hitters and fielders. Most notably former MVP Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and infielders Corey Seagor and Trea Turner. The Dodgers moved on to beat the San Francisco Giants and are now playing the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series. When Braves’ superstar Ronald Acuna Jr., suffered a season-ending injury, Atlanta surprised the entire league by overcoming the difficulty and winning the National League East. They surprised fans and players alike by beating the Milwaukee Brewers and then taking a 2 game lead over the Dodgers. 

Whether you are a Yankees fan, a Mets fan, or just a fan of baseball, there is no denying excitement of the 2021 MLB season.