The most exciting time for baseball fans has finally arrived: the start of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season. With this time comes promise for fans and revitalized hope that their team could be the last one standing come the end of October. However, at the start of any season there are always favorites, so here are the top 10 teams in all of the MLB at the start of the year.

10. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers were one of the MLB’s surprise teams last season. They received contributions from unexpected places and batted for a playoff spot right until the end. They also added to their lineup this winter with Christian Yelich and Lorenzo Cain. Look for the Brewers to be a playoff threat once again.

9. Colorado Rockies
Many would probably have the Arizona Diamondbacks in this position, but I believe the Rockies are the second best team in the National League West. With Nolan Arrenado and Charlie Blackmon leading the offense, and Jon Gray hoping to build on his solid performance last season, the Rockies have tremendous upside and a real chance at a wild card spot again.

8. New York Mets
The Mets had expectations like this last year, but failed to deliver. This season, however, the pitching staff looks ready to dominate. Jacob de Grom and Noah Syndergaard looked absolutely dominant in the spring, and hopefully the Mets offense can bounce back and get them to the postseason.

7. Washington Nationals
You could argue that there isn’t a more talented team in all of the majors than the Nats. With Bryce Harper leading the offense, and a scary one-two punch in the rotation with Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, the Nats should be potent. However, this is all on paper, and the Nationals have failed to do anything in the postseason. Could this be the year that changes?

6. Cleveland Indians
Cleveland lead the entire American League in wins last year with 102. They were one of only three teams to finish with at least 100 wins. The Indians set an MLB record for consecutive wins, and really looked unbeatable until they were dispatched by the Yankees in five games. However, roster wise, the team looks almost as good. Cleveland’s only real loss was Carlos Santana, which won’t be felt too much considering the team’s depth and the weakness of the AL Central.

5. Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox won the American League East for the second straight year last season, but their job will be a little tougher this time around. That being said, they are all but a lock for a postseason spot. This is a 90-win team that added the best power hitter on the market. The only issue for the Red Sox is playing in the same division as the Yankees, but that’s never stopped them before.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers were the best regular season team in the entire MLB last season. They lead the MLB with 104 wins and basically marched all the way to the World Series. With their young talent such as Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, and Corey Seager, they will be an exciting team to watch again, and should be right back atop the National League West standings.

3. New York Yankees
There isn’t a more “must see” team this year than the New York Yankees. After shocking everyone last year by getting to the playoffs, the Yankees went on to come within one game of heading to the World Series. That was enough for Brian Cashman to decide to build around the core. The Yankees potent lineup of Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez now welcomes Giancarlo Stanton, and that figures to be a legendary combination on offense.

2. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs had a little bit of a World Series hangover last season. I mean, it was the team’s first championship in 108 years, so they can have a pass. This year, however, expect this team to be back and looking like the dominant club they were in 2016. After adding Yu Darvish in the offseason, the Cubs have a revamped pitching staff to protect any lead that the Cubs talented young core of hitters can build, and I expect the Cubs to be leading in a lot of games this year.

1. Houston Astros
There isn’t a better team in baseball than the defending World Series Champions. Their lineup, 1-5, is stacked with incredible hitters, while the team’s rotation isn’t exactly a joke either. Last year Houston had a great combination of Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel, but added Gerrit Cole to that in the offseason. There’s nothing to suggest the Astros will struggle this year, so if I were a betting man I’d expect them to be representing the AL in October.