5 MLB Teams Who Missed the Playoffs in 2015 and Could Play in October in 2016

4. Washington Nationals

After an extremely disappointing 2015 campaign, the Nationals are going to be motivated to right the ship in 2016. That still may not be enough, but it sure is going to provide a boost to an already talented roster.

The addition of Dusty Baker as manager is big for Washington. There are varying opinions on his value as a manager, but he has been historically good at taking teams a step away from contention and pushing them that extra step. He will have to be more trusting of young players in Washington than he has been at other stops, though.

Of course, it helps him that he has the best hitter on the planet right now: Bryce Harper. As scary as it is, Harper could build on his monster 2015 NL MVP campaign. If Washington avoids getting hit by the injury bug as much as they did last year, they could give the Mets a run for their money in the division, because they’re a much better offensive team than New York.

Next: 3. Seattle Mariners