Spring Training overreactions

As fans, we are just about three weeks away from the start of the MLB season. That being said, spring training has been in full swing for the past two weeks, and though it's not the most accurate representation of teams throughout the regular season, there are some takeaways.

The Marlins are going to take a step back

The Marlins overachieved last year, going 79-83 and not being eliminated from the playoffs until the final week of the season.

So, going into this spring training, even after losing Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers, it was expected for the Fish to take another step.

Early on, that has not been the case, as almost every single expected starting pitcher gave up multiple runs in their first couple of innings of work. Culminating in their top two pitchers, Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez, both getting blown up in their combined three innings of work, with eight earned runs given up.

The Marlins' top prospects and key players have underperformed, raising doubts about the team's success this season, despite a promising young roster.

The Pirates are a playoff team

The Pirates, after another disappointing season finishing last in the NL Central, finally made some moves in free agency, bringing in Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn and Marcell Ozuna to headline an overall great offseason for Pittsburgh.

The Pirates have the second-best farm system according to Baseball America, along with a stout pitching staff led by last year's CY Young winner, Paul Skenes.

With free agency fixing the lack of power in the lineup and the already strong pitching, the Pirates have started 9-2 in spring training behind three home runs from the top prospect in the MLB, Konnor Griffin.

This play is the start of a dangerous Pirates team.

The Yankees are the AL World Series favorites

The Yankees have been by far the best team in spring training. Winning their last eight games, having a +51 run differential, which is the best in baseball by over 10 runs.

This is without Arron Judge, who is with Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.

They have been getting production from their prospects, George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones, which is big for a team that didn't make any additions in the offseason other than Weathers from the Marlins.

Both Jones and Lombard JR have a batting average above .300, batting average with Jones having three home runs along with that. Which is why if the Yankees can get production from young talent, the lack of free agents won't sting as much for a team that has historically been a big buyer.

Michael Fechter is a first-year journalism major. To contact him, please email maf6740@psu.edu