5 teams that missed MLB playoffs in 2021 that could make it in 2022
The 2022 Major League Baseball season is finally approaching and it’s time to look ahead to some potential playoff contenders that missed the postseason last year.
We’re coming off the longest lockout in MLB history (99 days) after one of baseball’s most tempestuous seasons in quite some time. With some of the biggest names available in free agency signed after the lockout (including Freddie Freeman, Carlos Correa, and Kris Bryant), MLB was able to regain some momentum and fan excitement as spring training kicked into high gear.
Opening Day is April 7 and, after a winter filled with disagreements between the players and the owners, it’s almost time to play ball! Personally, something that I do before every new season begins is look back at last season. Which team/players significantly improved? Who failed to reach their expectations? Also, some people get jollification from looking back at which teams improved in the offseason via trades or free agent signings. I’m some people.
MLB playoffs: Let’s look at five teams that missed the postseason last season, but have the best shot at making it back in 2022.
Seattle Mariners
Arguably, the American League West was the busiest division in all of baseball this offseason. With a quantity of new faces in new places, this division will be intriguing to watch this year. According to Carlos Collazo from Baseball America, the Seattle Mariners will be the biggest surprise of 2022.
The Mariners finished last season with a 90-72 record, but still missed the postseason. This year with a revamped and reloaded roster, their expectations have been raised. In fact, MLB on FOX fans picked Seattle to win the AL West this year.
The results are in!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 30, 2022
MLB on FOX fans picked the @Mariners to win the AL West this year! pic.twitter.com/bT83l0Sp6N
With the additions of Jesse Winker, Adam Frazier, and perhaps top prospect Julio Rodriguez, Seattle not only adds quality bats to the lineup, but some versatility around the diamond as well. In addition to that, the Mariners made a much-needed acquisition of Robbie Ray to boost the pitching rotation. It may not be the best rotation, but the lineup should be strong enough to make up for it.
With the Houston Astros losing Carlos Correa, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Mariners to capture the AL West pennant for the first time since 2001.
New York Mets
The National League East is always a division to keep an eye on, especially this season since the Atlanta Braves are coming off their first World Series title since 1995. The Braves will more than likely make a return to the postseason with the return of Robert Acuña Jr. from injury. When it comes to the New York Mets, however, they’re hoping all of the money they’ve been spending ($992 million since 2016) will finally pay off this season.
It was another industrious offseason for owner Steve Cohen. The Mets were able to sign starter Max Scherzer (three years, $130 million), outfielders Starling Marte (four years, $78 million) and Mark Canha (two years, $26.5 million), and infielder Eduardo Escobar (two years, $20 million). Once again, the health of Jacob deGrom will be a key factor in the Mets’ success. It’s almost make or break for them when it comes to his durability. If he’s healthy, this team will lock up a Wild Card spot (at least), and make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Minnesota Twins
Last season was an absolute disaster for the Minnesota Twins, finishing with a 73-89 record and in last place in the American League Central. It was a huge disappointment to say the least, especially after winning back-to-back AL Central titles. Despite last year’s troubles, the Twins enter the 2022 season with high aspirations.
In fact, Minnesota managed the sign the top-ranked free agent on the market (per MLBTradeRumors) with the addition of shortstop Carlos Correa. He’ll immediately add some star power and a reliable bat in the lineup to go along with Byron Buxton, Luis Arraez, Jorge Polanco, and Miguel Sano.
In a deal with the Texas Rangers, Minnesota acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ronny Henriquez in exchange for Mitch Garver in a trade. Following that, they dealt Kiner-Falefa, Josh Donaldson, and Ben Rortvedt to the New York Yankees for catcher Gary Sánchez and third-baseman Gio Urshela. It was because of this deal that the Twins were able to free up some cap space for Correa.
Also, don’t forget about their trade for right-handed starting pitcher Sonny Gray, It will all come down to the pitching and if they can have a better season on the mound and support their improving lineup at the plate. It may not be pretty, but this team is positioned just right to possibly win a postseason spot within an improved AL Central.
Philadelphia Phillies
Failing to reach expectations for the 2021 season, the Philadelphia Phillies finished just above .500 with a 82-80 record. Other than Bryce Harper’s NL MVP campaign, Philadelphia’s 2021 season as a whole was quite forgettable. Their defense is below average but, in 2022, their offense has the potential to be so exemplary, that it may not matter how their defense is most games.
With the additions of outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, it gives the Phillies one of the most fearsome lineups in the league right now. We’re talking about an offense that already included Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Rhys Hoskins.
This will be a team (like many teams in the NL) that will benefit from the addition of the DH this season. At the very least, this team will finish within the top 10 in likely every team hitting category. Essentially, it will come down to whether or not Joe Girardi is putting the right bodies on the mound. It will be paramount how much standout pitcher Zack Wheeler brings to the team and if guys like Ryan Sheriff, Jeurys Familia, and Brad Hand can bolster a bullpen that ranked 25th in team ERA last season.
With that being said, with a great 1-2 punch on the mound with Aaron Nola and Wheeler, and a lineup that is basically guaranteed to score a lot of runs, there is no reason the Phillies can’t secure at the very least a Wild Card spot. It will likely come down to them or the Mets for a final Wild Card spot. If they make the playoffs, it’ll be their first time back since 2011.
Los Angeles Angels
Before we know it, Mike Trout’s prime years will be in the rear view. Therefore, it is important the Los Angeles Angels put together a winner team as quickly as possible. Becoming one of the most active teams this past offseason, the Angels did whatever they could to build around Trout and new face of baseball, Shohei Ohtani.
Honestly, finishing with a 77-85 record, when two of their top three hitters missed a significant amount of the season was shocking. Anthony Rendon played just 58 games last year, while Trout played in just 36 games. Manager Joe Maddon’s first full season was plagued by injuries to some of the most important players on the team. Behind the reigning AL MVP (Ohtani), the Angels entered the offseason knowing their biggest need … pitching. They addressed that need, and did so aggressively, adding pitchers Noah Syndergaard, Michael Lorenzen, Aaron Loup, and Ryan Tepera. They did lose Dylan Bundy and Alex Cobb, but improved with the signings of Syndergaard and Lorenzen.
This team is young and hungry for some October baseball. As always, it will come down to Trout’s health, and if the lineup stays healthy most of the season. They’ll need every bit of it to compete. The AL West is one of the toughest divisions in baseball, but the Oakland Athletics have almost a completely new roster, and Houston will no doubt miss Correa, but how much?
Next. Ranking the Opening Day matchups from best to worst. dark
It will be a close race for a final Wild Card spot in the AL between the Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, and perhaps the Twins/or White Sox from the AL Central. However, if it comes down to that, the Angels will reign supreme and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2014.