MLB: Top Five Biggest Postseason Threats
By Matt Meffe
Which five players could make the biggest impact on the 2016 MLB postseason? Here are the stars to look out for this year.
We are officially entering the 2016 MLB postseason. All teams are locked, loaded, and ready to compete. This year, the postseason looks to provide fans with moments and memories that will last a lifetime. This postseason may include the end of a curse, a rematch that is 30 years in the making, and some first-time history. As the old saying goes: you never know!
Arguments can be made for each of the ten teams in this year’s playoffs. The Cubs are coming off one of their best years in franchise history. With over 100 wins, youth, a dynamic pitching staff, and a powerful offense, this team looks unstoppable. It’s an even-numbered year, which means the Giants are also expected to make a run. With their veteran experience, San Francisco could win another championship.
The Dodgers and Mets are two incredibly beat-up teams, with injuries continuously piling on. However, they are both on white-hot runs, and their runs could lead both of them to the promised land. The Nationals may be the most put-together team in the playoffs, and this could be the year where Washington wins its first championship.
Meanwhile, in the American League, the Rangers hold home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The team has made it to two consecutive World Series, coming up short in both of them. Based on their record and performance this season, the Rangers should be viewed as the favorites for the AL. The Indians are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. They have not won a championship since 1948. With their level of talent, the Indians could be the ones to win it all.
The Orioles and Blue Jays provide serious power threats, with the Jays also adding a pitching threat this postseason. The Red Sox have had recent postseason success, but with the retirement of David Ortiz looming, you would have to imagine the Red Sox would go all-out in this postseason. The scenarios, like every year, are endless.
This year will also feature some standout players, who have already shown glimpses of greatness in playoff games. Some of these players made it to the postseason last season, while others are making their first appearances in several years. One thing all of these players have in common: they are all players to look out for in the playoffs. Here are five of the biggest postseason threats for the 2016 MLB playoffs.