Inside the Article:
As the MLB season unfolds, surprises abound, challenging preseason predictions and reshaping the power dynamics within the league. A recent article by Chad Jennings of The Athletic delves into the teams that have defied expectations, both positively and negatively, in the early stages of the season.
MLB Overachievers and Underdogs
Jennings highlights the teams that have exceeded expectations, labeling them as overachievers in the current MLB landscape. Topping this list are the Cleveland Guardians and the Milwaukee Brewers, both making significant double-digit jumps in The Athletic’s Power Rankings. Despite minimal offseason roster changes, these teams have surged to the top of their divisions, showcasing strong offensive and defensive performances.
Additionally, middle-tier teams such as the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox have emerged as significant overperformers. Despite preseason rankings placing them in the 10-to-20 range, these teams have climbed into the top half of the rankings, with stellar pitching performances driving their success.
MLB Power Shifts: Key Points
- Guardians and Brewers defy pre-season rankings by surging ahead in the standings, hinting at still untapped potential.
- The Cubs, Royals, Yankees, and Red Sox have slid into surprising positions due to pitching dominance and key player performances.
- Reds, Detroit Tigers, and Athletics exceed expectations modestly through strong player developments and external factors.
- A number of teams have maintained their predicted standings with minor fluctuations, confirming pre-season projections.
- The Mets and Cardinals are slightly lower than anticipated, grappling with line-up challenges and playoff pressures.
- A significant underperformance marks the Astros‘ early season, primarily due to an unexpectedly struggling pitching staff.
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- The MLB season has started with unexpected twists, with teams like the Guardians and Brewers outplaying their predictions.
- Middle-pack teams such as the Yankees and Cubs make notable advances while the Astros face a significant drop in rankings.
- Key injuries and the ever-present element of unpredictability in baseball render pre-season predictions a tricky business.
