MLB: 2017 Underdogs Who Have a Chance to Win Their Divisions
By Tim Boyle
Which MLB underdogs will shock us in 2017 and win their divisions?
Baseball is a sport where each year at least one underdog seems to make it into the postseason. Thanks to a pair of Wild Card spots, it’s a lot more possible to see the playoffs even without winning the division.
However, settling for less than a division title is not the way to go. Even the MLB underdogs many are counting out before the season opens should shoot for a spot at the top. Which of them have the best chance to accomplish this goal?
The last two seasons have included several underdog playoff teams. Not many seemed to believe the Cleveland Indians were poised to reach the World Series. When the season began, the Detroit Tigers and defending champion Kansas City Royals were the squads most favored. The Indians surpassed those expectations and found themselves not only atop the American League Central, but also one game from winning it all in the World Series.
Other recent underdog teams have been the postseason as well. The 2015 Houston Astros, for example, managed to overcome years at the bottom of the baseball barrel only to earn a playoff spot. Although they settled for a Wild Card berth, the 2015 Astros were a fine example of how a team can suddenly go from a losing team to a serious contender.
This year, more of baseball’s underdogs enter the year hopeful to overcome the odds. The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox may enter the season as near-unanimous favorites. Until the games are actually played, they have won nothing. These six underdogs will look to beat the odds and not only add October baseball to their schedule, but also capture a division title in the process.