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

3 surprising MLB teams

Texas Rangers (14-11)

The Rangers, after a mediocre 2022, made a lot of noise last offseason, most notably signing pitchers like Nathan Eovaldi and Will Smith. Oh, and some guy named Jacob deGrom. Their offense, however, distinguishes them from the rest of their division. The Rangers have an impressive total of 156 runs scored this season (second in the league overall), with Marcus Semien, Josh Jung, and Nathaniel Howe leading the way. In any case, the Rangers have won eight of their last 10 games. Traditionally, the Rangers have been the little brother to their rivals in Houston, but the acquisitions made over the years (including Semien and Howe) are paying off. Let’s hope they stay hot.

By the way, I, for one, am glad the Rangers are making things a little spicy in the West.

Pittsburgh Pirates (18-8) 

If the Rangers are shaking up things in the AL West, then the Cubs and Pirates are doing so in the NL Central. In the last couple of years, it is the Brewers and Cardinals who have traditionally run the division. I must ask then, who would’ve thought that the Pittsburgh Pirates, who had not had a winning record in seven years, whose run differential last year was only slightly better than the Washington Nationals, would be in first place in the NL Central? I can finally see why MLB ranks their farm system so high (eighth in this year’s ranking). Their average RA/G is 3.74, sixth in the league, and seventh in OPS. The Pirates seem to have found the balance between great pitching and offense. With the Pirates finally extending Bryan Reynolds, things are looking up in Pittsburgh.

Chicago Cubs (14-10) 

The Cubs, with their offseason acquisitions, are also making a statement in the Central. Though in a slump now, Dansby Swanson (still weird seeing him play as a Cub) tore it up at the beginning of the year and has the team’s largest OBP (.425). The rest of their offensive core is no joke either, with the team batting average being only second to the red-hot Rays. One small concern is in the bullpen, however. Although names like Keegan Thompson are able to keep opposing teams at bay, the bullpen has had shaky moments. However, if the offense is able to remain a strong as it is right now, then the alarm bells shouldn’t be ringing too hard. The NL Central is more competitive than usual, so, like their rivals in Pittsburgh, it is important for the Cubs to keep their momentum going.

Conclusion

“But they have an easy schedule!”

“But XYZ player is injured!”

I know, I know. A lot of factors determine how well (or poorly) a team plays. These are just the teams I’ve observed that are either going above or below expectations. As the year continues, though, I am excited to see how well (or poorly) this list ages. Whether these teams become outliers or continue their progress (forward or backward), however, remains to be seen. Right now, these surprises make the game exciting.

Honorable Mentions: Houston Astros (Disappointing), Philadelphia Phillies (Disappointing), Arizona Diamondbacks (Surprising)

Note: Thank you to MLB.com, ESPN.com, and Baseball-Reference.com for the stats!