2. Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins have followed a pattern over the past four years. 2015 and 2017 were successful seasons, seeing the team reach the Wild Card Game and hover around the postseason. However, 2016 and 2018 were disasters, as the Twins failed to take that expected step forward.
Now, we come to the 2019 MLB season. If recent history teaches us anything, it is that this will be an unexpectedly solid year for Minnesota. The Twins have certainly done their part to make that happen, adding Nelson Cruz, Marwin Gonzalez, and Jonathan Schoop to upgrade the offense.
However, if the Twins lineup is to take that step forward, it will come from a pair of youngsters. Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano regressed in a major way last season, although both players seem more relaxed in Spring Training. It is hoped that the firing of Paul Molitor will help both players return to the level they had once displayed, where they appeared to be future superstars for the franchise.
Likewise, the rotation needs pitchers to take a step forward. Jose Berrios looked like an ace for the beginning part of 2018 before taking a step back. Jake Odorizzi has been inconsistent, and Michael Pineda is coming off Tommy John surgery. If the Twins are going to contend, they need those pitchers to step up. Or, another addition, such as Dallas Keuchel, would make a tremendous difference.
If the Minnesota Twins can get enough of their younger players to take that step forward, it might be enough to contend in 2019. That odd year magic could happen once again.