Major League Baseball’s spring training took full effect today as camps are now full with pitchers, catchers, and all position players. In one week, spring training games will begin which means we’re just a few, short weeks ahead of the 2021 campaign. With the regular season looming, it’s a great time to check out some MLB rankings for the teams that improved most heading into the season.
The offseason got off to a rather slow start, but teams kicked things into full gear as the calendar turned the last page of 2020. The league has seen some blockbuster signings and offseason trades while most of the league’s top free-agents have found places to call home.
MLB Rankings: Check out the five most improved teams heading into 2021
While this list of most improved teams possesses one of the usual players, there are quite a few surprises. Four of these teams, specifically, are usually not thought of as major offseason buyers. Perhaps, the tides of the MLB are changing.
New York Mets
Under the guidance of new principal owner Steve Cohen, the New York Mets completely changed their narrative this offseason. From lovable losers to a team that others should fear in free agency. Cohen and his staff made this clear with the offseason’s biggest blockbuster trade, acquiring superstar Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians.
New York now has one of the deepest starting rotations in baseball on top of a young core of superstar talent. Lindor sits as the face of the franchise now while the Mets added some serious depth to the roster. The Mets may have missed out on Trevor Bauer and JT Realmuto, but this roster is drastically improved after bringing in names such as Trevor May, James McCann, Jonathan Villar, Albert Almora Jr., and Aaron Loup.
From a team that finished eight games under .500 and fourth in the NL East to a potential World Series candidate, the Mets are the most improved team heading into 2021.