Major League Baseball’s regular season is nearing its final month, which means we’re getting closer to the postseason. This will be the third year that MLB’s playoffs have featured a 12-team field, and the larger field has caused chaos in the first two years. Seven teams have made the playoffs in the last two years after posting losing records the season before.
As we approach the end of the season, teams like the Guardians, Royals, Mets, and Giants could make a playoff push. With this in mind, CBS Sports ranked nine teams that are likely to finish below .500 in 2024 based on their chances of making the 2025 postseason.
Tier 1: Not likely
9. Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are on pace to record the most losses in a single season in modern MLB history, making it unlikely for them to improve enough to make the postseason next year. However, they have some promising young talent that could help elevate the team.
8. Miami Marlins
The Marlins still have veteran players they could trade before next season, which could be part of their long-term rebuilding effort.
7. Oakland Athletics
The Athletics lack the talent needed for a postseason run in 2025, and ownership may not be willing to invest in the team’s success.
Tier 2: Not likely but they’ll probably try
6. Los Angeles Angels
The Angels may attempt to compete by adding veteran pieces and promoting young talent, but their farm system and roster holes make a playoff run unlikely.
5. Colorado Rockies
The Rockies have potential to surprise with a competent year despite being one of the worst teams in the league, thanks to promising players on their roster and in their farm system.
4. Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have a high potential for volatility due to key players heading into free agency and uninspiring draft picks in recent years.
The competitive aspirations of the Pittsburgh Pirates are likely to depend on how they handle Guerrero and Bichette, as well as their ability to creatively add contributors alongside these key players. As for the actual contenders in Tier 3:
1. Texas Rangers
Despite a disappointing season, the Texas Rangers are expected to rebound next year due to their star-caliber talent and potential contributions from players like Jacob deGrom, Josh Jung, and Tyler Mahle. General manager Chris Young’s focus on winning games and ownership’s willingness to spend make the Rangers a strong contender for a comeback in 2025.
2. Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals may not have a dominant player like Skenes, but they have promising young talent like James Wood and a roster of solid MLB contributors. With the potential addition of players like Cade Cavalli, Dylan Crews, and Brady House, the Nationals have a chance to make a leap in 2025 and compete in the tough National League East division.
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
With a strong one-two punch in Paul Skenes and Jared Jones, the Pirates have exciting young pitching talent like Bubba Chandler and Mike Burrows. However, their success may hinge on fortifying their lineup during the winter, which could be a challenge depending on ownership’s willingness to invest in the team.
Overall, these Tier 3 teams have the potential to be contenders in the coming years, but their success will depend on key roster moves and strategic decisions in the offseason. text to make it more concise:
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