It hasn’t even been a month and Major League Baseball has already seen plenty of storylines that sent shock waves throughout the league. Trevor Story set the world on fire after blasting homer after homer to start his career, Aroldis Chapman received a groundbreaking suspension for domestic violence, Kyle Schwarber got injured and will miss the season, and… Bryce Harper is still Bryce Harper.
Many of the expected contenders have started rounding into form as the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals own two of the best records in baseball. But, rather surprisingly, the other Chicago team own the best record in the American League and own a 1.5 game lead over the defending World Series champs. Some of baseball’s bottomfeeders like the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies got off to solid starts, but have quickly plummeted back to Earth.
Arguably the most notable story line to start the season, however, has been the Houston Astros ineptitude. After saying hell to a rebuild and clinching a playoff berth last season, the ‘Stros were expected to come out of the gates firing and easily win the AL West. Instead, they’re sitting at a putrid 6-14. Similarly, the Minnesota Twins were expected to build off a solid season last year, but are owners of the same record.
With that in mind, here’s five teams that are likely to heat up come May.
Next: Deep in the heart of Texas