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.
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!