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So many things can get in the way — randomness, regression, injuries, the Washington Nationals, etc. But the Dodgers and Cubs enter 2018 with the distinct possibility of doing something unprecedented in the National League — meeting three straight seasons on the NL Championship Series stage.

Once teammates in Miami, Mets reliever AJ Ramos and Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton are now both New Yorkers. Why not take advantage? The friends began searching for apartments together shortly after the Marlins traded Stanton to the Yankees in December. And while they haven’t found a suitable space quite yet, they’re continuing to look.

If you have never been to Spring Training before, it likely seems to you like Fantasyland. The mythology of Spring Training is so powerful that one can conjure up its world without ever having been there. Close your eyes, and the sensations float right up to you.

For the time being, Eric Hosmer is among the high-profile free agents still seeking a contract for 2018 and beyond. The 28-year-old first baseman is testing free agency for the first time in his career, and while a reunion in Kansas City is still in play, he’s entertaining offers from other clubs.

Perhaps the best option remaining on the free-agent pitching market is Jake Arrieta, the 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner.

Are we excited for the start of Spring Training? No question, we are. Do we have questions about Spring Training? No question, we have questions. Here is a rundown of the biggest question facing each club at the start of camp.

The Blue Jays spent the final two months of the 2017 season buried in the depths of the American League Wild Card race. Following back-to-back AL Championship Series appearances, Toronto finished 76-86, nine games out of the second Wild Card berth.

The standstill market among the most high-profile free agents continues, and it’s unclear if the dust will settle by the time pitchers and catchers report. Among the notable arms that may not be in camp on Day 1 is Jake Arrieta, the 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner who is arguably the best starter on the market.

Richard Justice explores some of the most pressing baseball mysteries heading into Spring Training.

The Cubs have reached agreement on a six-year deal with right-hander Yu Darvish worth approximately $126 million, sources told MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal on Saturday. The deal could reach up to about $150 million with incentives, Rosenthal reported. The club hasn’t confirmed the report.