Predicting the Entire 2016 American League Playoff Field

May 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) and Boston Red Sox left fielder Hanley Ramirez (13) during batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

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No. 2 Wild Card – Kansas City Royals

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman

Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports /

The defending World Series champs took a step back this offseason, although they were able to keep fan favorite Alex Gordon, which many thought was impossible. Still, there will be far more competition in the AL Central this year and KC might finally be out of magic.

Still, their lineup is deep and coming off a season they showed they could come up big in the clutch. That will go a long way down the stretch. For that reason, they will win a tough battle for the league’s final playoff spot.

People doubted the Royals going into last season and they proved them wrong, so they could very easily do that again in 2016. However, there are more obstacles to them reaching the playoffs this year, so they will have to overachieve even more than they did a year ago.

Next: No. 1 Wild Card - Texas Rangers

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