This season, baseball fans will see a legend say goodbye. There will be a star swinging for a third straight MVP. There’s new instant replay rules, a former NBA star trying to crack into the big leagues and a marquee shortstop who has yet to sign.
Yup, there’ s plenty to look forward to throughout this 2014 baseball season. With Opening Day here, The Post offers 20 events, angles and storylines to track on subjects that range from phenoms to legends to comebacks.
Here’s a look:
Derek Jeter’s farewell
This is the final season for the retiring Yankees captain. That means tributes. Does it also mean a sixth title? If there’s no playoffs for the Yanks, Jeter’s final game in The Bronx is Sept. 25 vs. the Orioles and his final game is Sept. 28 at Fenway.
Yasiel Puig’s encore
The Cuban sensation was a revelation when he joined the Dodgers last June, hitting .443 in his first 27 games and emerging as the sport’s most dynamic player. And in year two?
Robinson Cano as a leading man
Cano was the Yankees’ best player over the last few seasons — but the $240 million second baseman never had to be the true face of a franchise like he will be in Seattle.
Miguel Cabrera goes for third straight MVP
Only one player has captured MVP honors in three consecutive seasons — Barry Bonds earning four in a row from 2001-04.
A-Rod’s next move
Everyone gets a respite from the suspended Alex Rodriguez this season. But on 2015 Opening Day…
The impact of new instant replay
How will managers use their challenges? What kind of strategy is involved? How long are the resulting delays? Which growing pains emerge?
Ryan Braun’s aftermath
The Brewers superstar was outspoken about his innocence before being suspended for final 65 games of the season thanks to Biogenesis. Now that he’s back, Braun figures to be jeered in stadiums league-wide.
Masahiro Tanaka & the big-spending Yanks
The Japanese ace — who cost the Yankees $175 million — is the headliner of the Yanks’ $500 million check-writing winter jaunt, joining Jacoby Ellsbury ($153 million), Brian McCann ($85 million) and Carlos Beltran ($45 million).
A Red Sox repeat?
Nobody has captured back-to-back title since the Yankees won three straight from 1998-2000. If Boston ends up on top again, that would be a borderline dynastic four titles in 11 years.
Billy Hamilton’s SB tracker
The Reds center fielder, who will be a rookie this season, swiped 13 bags in 13 games last September after stealing 75 bases in 123 games at Triple-A earlier in the season. In his 2012 minor league campaign, Hamilton racked up a ridiculous 155 thefts in just 132 games.
How low can Clayton Kershaw go?
Last season the Dodgers ace delivered a sparkling 1.83 ERA. How low can the two-time Cy Young winner possibly drop that number in 2014?
Return of Grady Sizemore
After a two-year absence from MLB, Sizemore will be the Red Sox center fielder on Monday. The 31-year-old former Indian, who once ranked as one of baseball’s best players, has had seven surgeries since 2009.
Noah en route
In 2012, Matt Harvey joined the Mets. In 2013, Zack Wheeler did. In 2014, it should be fellow phenom Noah Syndergaard. The question is when — and what the nickname should be for the Harvey-Wheeler-Syndergaard triumvirate.
Can Chris Davis turn 50-50 into a definite?
The Orioles slugger blasted 53 homers last season, and he’ll bid to become the first player to slam 50 in back-to-back years since A-Rod in 2001-02.
The next Commissioner
Like Jeter, Bud Selig is hanging it up after 2014. MLB COO Rob Manfred is perceived as Selig’s preferred replacement, but who ultimately gets tabbed for the high-profile post is TBD.
Tracy McGrady’s second career
The 34-year-old former NBA All-Star is attempting a pro career as a pitcher, working with the independent Sugar Land Skeeters. T-Mac wants to pitch in the majors.
Royals’ quest for playoffs
Kansas City is a trendy pick to contend this season, as Eric Hosmer, Billy Butler, James Shields and Co. try to snap baseball’s longest postseason drought. The Royals haven’t been in the playoffs since 1985.
The midseason market
The big question is if Tampa Bay moves ace David Price, who is a free agent after 2015. Others who could be dealt in-season are the Cubs’ Jeff Samardzija, the Padres’ Chase Headley and if Toronto is lagging, the Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.
The resolution of Stephen Drew
The Scott Boras-represented free-agent shortstop is not a Met or Yankee — despite being an ideal fit for both. He remains on the market, probably unprecedented for a player of his caliber (ditto DH Kendrys Morales). Teams remain reluctant to part with the requisite draft-pick compensation.
No blocking plate
MLB is attempting to curb unnecessary home-plate collisions, legislating that catchers can’t block the runner’s path without the ball and runners can’t go out of their direct path to the plate to hit the catcher. How will this change plays at home? And will the rule be enforced?