Spring Training has begun, meaning Opening Day will be here before anyone knows it.
The new MLB postseason format allowed for more teams to make the playoffs, expanding the field from 10 teams to 12 while replacing the single-elimination Wild-Card Games.
The expansion of the field makes it a little easier for teams to make the playoffs, and some teams are closer after missing out last season. Ahead are five teams who are a move away from making the playoffs.
Let’s check the latest MLB news, stats, injury reports, and MLB lines. We’ve got plenty of MLB picks for you to consider
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Los Angeles Angels
The Angels have megastars on their roster in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, but they lack depth. Injury problems spelled disaster last season, but they added resources in the offseason. Remaining healthy and getting a solid supporting cast should help Los Angeles make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
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Baltimore Orioles
The AL East had three teams make the playoffs last season, but the Orioles weren’t one of them. The Orioles have gone through a rebuild in the past few seasons since making the playoffs in 2016 and it has nearly come to fruition, as they were three games out of the playoffs last season. If Baltimore could find some strong starting pitching help, it could make the postseason jump in 2023.
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Chicago White Sox
Chicago won the AL Central in 2021 and was projected to do so in 2022, as well. However, due to injuries and defensive deficiencies, the Sox finished at .500 and missed out on a wild-card spot. Though aiming for a healthier season will help, acquiring another starting pitcher or catcher could also benefit the White Sox’ playoff hopes.
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Milwaukee Brewers
Pitching has been the Brewers’ strength, helping them get to the playoffs every year since 2017. However, that wasn’t the case last season, as Milwaukee missed out on a Wild-Card spot by one game after the team traded reliever Josh Hader and its bullpen regressed due to injury. Christian Yelich is still strong on offense, but outside of him, Milwaukee doesn’t have much offensive firepower. Adding a strong hitter and staying healthy could help the Brewers get back to the postseason.
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Texas Rangers
The Rangers haven’t been to the playoffs since 2016, and they finished last season fourth in the AL West. Texas has spent money the past two offseasons acquiring stars like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Jacob deGrom, and Andrew Heaney, as well as Jake Odorizzi. The Texas Rangers now need to find depth and some talent in the outfield to complete their rebuild, although in a solid AL West, making the postseason will remain tough.
