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Going above (and below) expectations: 3 surprising and disappointing MLB teams

By Emily Townley

Apr 16, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) hits a double during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) hits a double during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the grand scheme of things, the first two dozen or so games in MLB’s 162-game season shouldn’t indicate how well a team will do during the entire season. However, as fan bases either make many a joyful noise or experience premature nuclear meltdowns, let’s look at teams that have been surprising, both in a good and a bad way.

Three disappointing MLB teams so far in 2023

Note: All records are through games of April 27

St. Louis Cardinals (10-16)

The magic that carried the St. Louis Cardinals to the playoffs last year left with Albert Pujols’ retirement. Now, it seems that the clock might have struck midnight. The usual suspects are performing well (Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt); however, it is the pitching that is failing them so far, with the average team ERA being 4.66 (21st in the league) and the OBA the third-highest in the league. The NL Central is surprisingly competitive this year (more on that later), and the Cards have to step up if they want to make an impact in their division.

Seattle Mariners (11-14)

My enthusiasm for the Mariners grew after they made the playoffs last year. Their exciting young core brought so much vivacity to a franchise that really needed it.

Again, as stated before, it’s only the beginning of the season, so there is time for the Mariners to get out of their postseason hangover. However, losing four straight games at the beginning of the year does not bode well for a team. With the Astros finally going hot after starting cold, and the Rangers finally growing into their potential, Seattle has to get out of its slump in order to keep up with the division. To me, the problem lies in the offense. The Mariners cannot only rely on Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic; their team average batting average (.226) ranks 26th in the league and 23rd in hits. Once the bats wake up, then we’ll be able to see the Mariners’ competitive side.

Los Angeles Dodgers (13-13)

At least Dave Roberts didn’t guarantee a World Series ring this year.

It’s not that the Dodgers are terrible, per se. Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, and James Outman are smashing baseballs as if it were second nature. Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw (who recently won his 200th game) continue to stand out in the starting rotation. Yet, they sit right a little over .500. It’s a combination of other poor pitching performances (coming from Noah Syndergaard and Michael Grove) as well as “everyone slumping” at the same time. Getting swept by the Diamondbacks and losing two out of three to the Mets doesn’t help either. The alarm bells shouldn’t be ringing yet, but after coming off a 111-win season, you would expect better baseball from them.

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