MLB Offseason Gives Sub-Par Teams Playoff Hopes for Next Season

After the 2014 World Series, MLB general managers quickly began to wheel and deal players and sign big name free agents. Many of these players went to teams that played quite poorly in 2014. Here are a few teams you shouldn’t sleep on for a playoff spot next season:

The Boston Red SoxIn the American League East, this is a team to definitely watch out for. After coming off a 91-loss season, the Red Sox have completely revamped their lineup and bolstered their pitching staff. With the additions of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, the remainder of the 2014 squad (e.g. Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino) and with a pitching staff lead by Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson, Rick Porcello, Wade Miley and Joe Kelly, the Red Sox have a legitimate chance to go from worst to first—just like they did in 2013.

Toronto Blue JayThis next team is also from the American League East, while north of the border: the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays finished 2014 with an adequate 83-79 record, which was a little short to make the playoffs. However, they may have a legitimate chance at a wild card spot in 2015. Adding veteran catcher who seems to have had an offensive resurgence, Russell Martin, and all-star third baseman Josh Donaldson, the Toronto lineup is awfully intimidating. However, their pitching staff seems to be their achilles heel, which is why they will probably be found in the wild card hunt and not the division.

The Chicago White Sox is another team that could be competing for a wild card spot alongside the Blue Jays. With Chris Sale and the newly acquired Jeff Samardzija, the White Sox rotation is not something to joke around with. Neither is their lineup. With new additions Adam LaRoche and Melky Cabrera slotted in between the reigning AL rookie of the year, Jose Abreu, the middle of their order will be tough to pitch to.

Off to the National League—let’s begin in Miami. Yes, the Miami Marlins may be a postseason contender again. The Marlins finished 2014 just a tad under the .500 mark. They’re expected to finish over .500 this season with the talent that they’ve brought to the organization. The Marlins have a surplus of starting pitchers, but should be set with Jose Fernandez rebounding from Tommy John surgery and newly acquired Mat Latos, Dan Haren and David Phelps alongside returning members of the team such as Henderson Alvarez and Jarred Cosart. Offensively, the Marlins show a lot of potential with new second baseman Dee Gordon, who led Major League Baseball in stolen bases with 64. The Marlins also signed power-hitting first baseman Mike Morse and acquired utility man Martin Prado, who will most likely play third base this season. With returning players such as upcoming star Christian Yelich, and arguably one of the best players in baseball today, Giancarlo Stanton, the future looks bright in South Beach.

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If I told you that the Mets came in 2nd place in the NL East, would you believe me? Well, in 2014 they actually did just that, but surprisingly finished 7983, just a tad below the .500 mark. Their season was plagued with injuries, and yet the team still posted an adequate record. Expect big things from the Mets in 2015 as they add outfielder Michael Cuddyer to bolster the outfield with Granderson in left and Lagares in center. The infield is led by captain David Wright, who has been injured multiple times over the last few seasons, all-star second baseman Daniel Murphy, power-hitting first baseman Lucas Duda and the talented catching prospect in Travis d’Arnaud. And with Matt Harvey set to be ready for 2015 followed by reigning NL Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom and rookie sensation Zack Wheeler, a wild card spot is highly probable for the Mets in 2015.

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This next team seems to have the biggest splash this offseason after they completely revamped their starting lineup. Their general manager, in fact, is a Whitman alum: A.J. Preller. The San Diego Padres have the playoffs in their sight. Their biggest moves have involved the outfield, bringing a new set of players to the team. They traded for 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, Wil Myers, 2nd place finisher in the 2011 NL MVP race, Matt Kemp, and power-hitting outfielder Justin Upton. The Padres also upgraded their catcher position by acquiring Derek Norris from the Athletics. And with young and upcoming stars such as Jedd Gyorko and Yangervis Solarte, the Padres’ lineup can be said to be one of the best in the National League. As for the pitching staff, the Padres have four solid starters, such as Andrew Cashner, all-star Tyson Ross, Ian Kennedy and newly acquired Brandon Morrow. They also have a solid bullpen with Joaquin Benoit in the closer role, and Kevin Quakenbush and Alex Torres in the setup roles. Being that the Padres are in the same division as the powerhouse Dodgers, a division crown is very unlikely, but a wild card spot very possible.

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The 2014 offseason has been one of the busiest in recent memory. It has given a majority of the teams in their respective leagues a chance at the playoffs. On paper, these teams seem awfully intimidating, but we’ll have to watch it all play out to see who really wants it all.