The Cincinnati Bengals have become one of the more impressive Cinderella stories in sports. Just two years after having the worst record in the NFL, they find themselves in the Super Bowl, one game away from a championship. It is a remarkable turnaround, and one that teams in any league, including MLB franchises, can hope to emulate.
Unfortunately, it takes more than one player to turn a team into a contender. If one player could make that much of a difference, the Angels would be battling for championships every year due to Mike Trout‘s presence. But that does not mean that teams, with the right moves, can go from also-rans to battling for a title.
Three MLB teams that could match the Cincinnati Bengals
There are obvious choices. The Mets and Padres both finished below .500 and are expected to contend in 2022. That is the reason why they cannot be chosen – no one expected the Bengals to be in the Super Bowl this year. It is a matter of finding teams that no one is expecting to reach the postseason that could make a major leap forward.
Which MLB teams can match the Cincinnati Bengals and make an unexpected run through the postseason? Let’s look at three possible options.
Los Angeles Angels
MLB prognosticators have been expecting the Los Angeles Angels to contend for years. This may be the first time they are actually ready.
The Angels’ pitching staff has been their biggest issue during that time. They have attempted to patch the rotation and bullpen together with reclamation projects, the vast majority of which did not pan out. While they still have a reclamation project in Noah Syndergaard, he is the type of pitcher that, when he is healthy, the Angels simply have not had in years.
The Angels lineup also has a chance to be formidable if they can stay healthy. Shohei Ohtani is coming off an MVP season, and Mike Trout should be completely healthy. If Anthony Rendon can return to form, that is an imposing trio.
There is still plenty of work for the Angels to do. They could use another outfielder and more help in the pitching staff. However, they have taken the steps they need to contend for a playoff berth. It is not unreasonable that the Angels could end up in the postseason.
The Los Angeles Angels have been regarded as a possible contend for the postseason for years. This may be the year that actually happens.