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MLB’s Opening Day is creeping up on us and before we know it, that day will be here. Before that happens, let’s take a look at some of the biggest storylines heading into the season. Here are 5 MLB storylines To watch for in the 2016 season .
- Chris Davis’ Production: After a standoff with the Orioles, Chris Davis signed one of the biggest contracts this offseason. The Orioles signed Davis to a seven-year contract worth $161 million, which is bound to be full of disappointments, but will this year be a disappointment? Davis had a monster year last year, hitting 47 home runs, but the Orioles still failed to make into the playoffs. It will be hard for the outfielder to reproduce those numbers in 2016. Watching to see if Davis will fail or succeed to help the Orioles make it back to the playoffs is one storyline that many fans are holding their breath.
- Big Papi’s Last Year: After 19 years in the league, David Ortiz has decided to hang up his cleats. Boston fans have been dreading this day, but Big Papi is about to start his last season. While his production has dropped off since his years of hitting over 40 home runs a season, he is still a fan favorite and looks to go out with a bang. ESPN is looking to share another side with the fans via a documentary entitled ‘David Ortiz: The Last Walk Off’ chronicling Papi’s last season in the MLB. A sure-fire Hall Of Fame inductee, the journey to the end for Ortiz is one that fans will want to follow until the very end.
- Bryce Harper’s Quest For Excitement: Harper’s comments to ESPN have garnered the baseball world’s attention and have split MLB of believers in “old-school” ways and those who agree with Harper about bringing fun back to the game. The real question going into this season is if Harper or anyone will do anything to enhance the excitement of the game. Will Harper try out some new celebrations after a monster home run or a huge diving catch to win a game? No matter what Harper has in mind, the idea of more excitement in baseball is definitely something to watch for.
- Jose Bautista’s Bat Flip: It was the bat flip heard ’round the world and one that no one seems to be forgetting. Even the slight mention of Bautista will likely include his bat flip against the Texas Rangers in the ALCS. How will Bautista react when he hits that first home run? Will this become a tradition in Toronto after every home run? After an offseason in which Bautista had ridiculous contract demands in which the Blue Jays refused to give in, it will be worth watching how all of this plays out as Canada’s only team tries to make it back to the playoffs.
- Chicago Cubs-2016 World Series Champs?: After getting swept in the NLCS, the Chicago Cubs have a chip on their shoulder. Arguably the strongest team in the MLB right now with heavy hitters like Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta, the Cubs have all the pieces to make it to the World Series. The team also added OF Jason Heyward, formerly with division rival St. Louis, to beef up their lineup and increase their odds of bringing the trophy back to Chicago. The Cubs are all in this season and it will be interesting to see if it all pays off.
