MLB's top 2024 storylines include Shohei Ohtani's interpreter scandal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto's rookie year and MLBPA drama

Baltimore filled a huge need atop its rotation by trading for former Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes, while MLB’s top prospect, 20-year-old infielder Jackson Holliday, appears close to making his MLB debut for the O’s.

If the Orioles take another step in 2024, the AL may be theirs to lose.

Franco and Bauer

Rays star Wander Franco, accused of a relationship with a 14-year-old minor, remains under investigation in the Dominican Republic and, according to the Tampa Bay Times, is expected to begin the season on MLB’s restricted list or under administrative leave.

Franco, who turned 23 this month, missed time under both designations last season after the allegation emerged in August.

A first-time All-Star last season, Franco signed an 11-year, $182 million extension in 2021. He could face between two and five years in prison if found guilty of sexual and psychological abuse.

Bauer, meanwhile, wants to make an MLB return after serving a league-record 194-game suspension under the league’s domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. The suspension stemmed from a woman’s allegation that Bauer sexually abused and beat her. Bauer denied the claim.

Bauer, who won the 2020 NL Cy Young Award with the Reds, was originally suspended 324 games before the ban was reduced by an independent arbitrator in 2022.

The 33-year-old spent last season with Japan’s Yokohama DeNA BayStars and has since signed with Mexico’s Diablos Rojos, with whom he pitched three scoreless innings Sunday in an exhibition against the Yankees.

Kershaw’s club candidacy

There isn’t much Clayton Kershaw hasn’t accomplished in his future Hall of Fame career, but the three-time Cy Young Award winner appears poised to join another exclusive club this year.

The Dodgers left-hander enters the season 56 strikeouts away from 3,000, which would make him only the 20th pitcher to achieve the milestone. Kershaw, 36, hopes to return from offseason shoulder surgery during the summer.

Other players with round numbers within reach include the Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen, who is one home run away from 300; the Yankees’ Anthony Rizzo, who is five away; and Aaron Judge, who is 43 away.