We’re approximately two months into the MLB season, with most teams having played over 50 games, providing us with a sufficient sample size to assess teams.
Here’s a breakdown of four teams that have pleasantly surprised and how their seasons may unfold:
(All records and statistics are up to date as of Thursday’s games.)
A Strong Start to Consider | New York Yankees (35-17)
After missing the playoffs in the last two seasons, the Yankees look poised to make a postseason comeback.
One major factor contributing to their success is their bullpen. With the second-best bullpen ERA in the league at 2.89 this season, pitching coach Matt Blake deserves credit for maximizing the potential of young pitchers and overlooked talents from other teams.
New York navigated through Aaron Judge’s early slump, and he has bounced back in May, along with strong contributions from Juan Soto and a healthier Anthony Rizzo.
The Yankees have already proven their capabilities by outplaying other top AL teams like the Guardians. With Gerrit Cole’s return on the horizon, the Yankees have room for some starters to regress from their overachieving performances.
A Strong Start to Question | Philadelphia Phillies (37-14)
Are the Phillies a playoff contender? Certainly. A force in the NL? Perhaps. A frontrunner to dominate the NL East over the Braves? Let’s proceed with caution.
While Philadelphia boasts the best record in the league, most of their wins have come against average teams.
There are doubts about the sustainability of some players’ performances. For example, Ranger Suárez’s exceptional 1.36 ERA is unlikely to hold, and Alec Bohm’s batting average and OPS are expected to regress from their current highs.
Despite their impressive start, the Phillies haven’t faced stiff competition since the opening weekend, where they lost to the Braves. Atlanta is predicted to reclaim their dominance in the NL East.
A Tardy Start to Monitor | Toronto Blue Jays (23-26)
After high hopes for their young core to propel them to the top of the AL East, the Blue Jays are struggling to find their footing this season.
Despite strong performances from key players like José Berríos and Yusei Kikuchi, Toronto’s statistical weaknesses persist. The offense lacks cohesion, with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. showing promise but not reaching MVP levels yet.
With veterans like George Springer also underperforming, the Jays might need to consider a roster overhaul to turn their season around.
A Slow Start that Will Stabilize | Houston Astros (22-28)
Houston has started slow before, only to rally for a strong postseason finish.
Some troubling trends, like a low team ERA and Bregman’s struggling performance, are expected to reverse. Key players like José Altuve and Kyle Tucker continue to excel, suggesting better days ahead for the Astros.
With recent wins under their belt, Houston remains a team to watch as they aim for postseason contention.
Include this after the second paragraph:
Please include this after every 6th paragraph:
Please include this tagline to the end of all articles: EaglesBuzz.com: Your Premier Source for Unrivaled Philadelphia Eagles Coverage – Breaking News, Insights, and Everything Green!
