There are 18 groups that didn’t make the MLB postseason, so whereas all of us take pleasure in October baseball, I believed I’d power-rank the non-playoff groups based mostly on who’s best-positioned to contend in 2025.
I did the identical factor a 12 months in the past, itemizing the Padres, Mets and Yankees as three of the highest 5 non-playoff groups probably to make the postseason this 12 months — they usually all did. I additionally had the Mariners and Reds in that high 5, however each underachieved this season, resulting in the dismissals of their respective managers.
With trades, free company, accidents and different developments, quite a bit will change between now and subsequent spring. However right here’s the place these golf equipment stand and the way shortly I feel they will flip issues round and put themselves in place to make the playoffs subsequent 12 months.
1. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners had one of the best rotation in baseball this 12 months based mostly on scouts’ evaluations, analytics and ERA (3.38). Their total pitching employees completed first within the American League in ERA and but they nonetheless someway missed the playoffs. How did that occur? Their offense didn’t produce sufficient runs and struck out approach an excessive amount of. They completed twenty first in runs scored and thirtieth in strikeouts. The Mariners fired supervisor Scott Servais and changed him with Dan Wilson, modified hitting coaches 3 times earlier than convincing Edgar Martinez to take the job and made key midseason trades to amass Randy Arozarena and Justin Turner. However by the point they made these strikes, it was too late to salvage the season. With arguably the sport’s greatest rotation heading into 2025, they only should put collectively a mean offense — however scale back the strikeouts considerably — they usually’ll be a critical playoff menace for the AL West title and/or a wild-card berth.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
After struggling to start out the 12 months, Corbin Carroll had a .919 OPS within the second half. (Owen Ziliak / The Arizona Republic / USA Right now)
The Diamondbacks weren’t in a position to defend their 2023 Nationwide League championship as they collapsed down the stretch in September, dropping 5 of their ultimate seven video games. Nevertheless, Arizona might be well-positioned to rebound in 2025 because of a robust rotation led by Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez, who all handled accidents and underperformance this season. Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson took vital steps ahead, setting themselves up properly for subsequent 12 months. Jordan Montgomery, their last-minute free agent signing, completed with a 6.23 ERA and was demoted to the bullpen. He has a participant choice for 2025 however Diamondbacks proprietor Ken Kendrick has mentioned publicly he hopes Montgomery turns it down. Corbin Carroll, the 2023 NL Rookie of the 12 months, had an inconsistent sophomore season however was a lot better within the second half than the primary. Ketel Marte will end within the high 5, at the least, within the NL MVP voting, after a profession 12 months. The Diamondbacks even have some key impending free brokers, highlighted by first baseman Christian Walker.
3. Texas Rangers
The Rangers’ offense didn’t reside as much as expectations as Corey Seager was restricted to 123 video games because of accidents (but nonetheless managed to hit 30 homers) and Adolis García slashed .224/.284/.400 with a 94 OPS+. The most important disappointments offensively have been rookie outfielders Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford who didn’t reside as much as lofty expectations. Carter was restricted to 45 video games due to accidents and hit .188 in 144 at-bats. Langford didn’t get going till the second half however confirmed flashes of his future as he hit 16 homers, drove in 74 runs and stole 19 bases. Nathan Eovaldi was their greatest starter and the one one with double-digit wins, going 12-8 with a 3.80 ERA. He’s eligible at no cost company however want to return and the sensation is mutual. Jacob deGrom made three begins on the finish of the season and appeared like he’ll be a comeback participant of the 12 months candidate in 2025 if he can keep wholesome. Rookie Kumar Rocker made a robust impression in his three September begins and might be the AL’s high rookie pitcher subsequent season if the celebs align. The Rangers have some work to do within the offseason to enhance their pitching employees and lineup, however the core is there to make a playoff push in 2025.
4. Boston Crimson Sox
The Crimson Sox completed the season 81-81 underneath the management of supervisor Alex Cora, who did what he at all times does — overachieve. Nevertheless, his biggest accomplishment this 12 months was the event of Boston’s youthful gamers together with outfielders Jarren Duran and Wilyer Abreu, center infielder/heart fielder Ceddanne Rafaela and first baseman Triston Casas. The Crimson Sox have a plethora of high prospects who might be able to make their major-league debuts in 2025 together with second baseman Kristian Campbell, shortstop Marcelo Mayer, proper fielder Roman Anthony and catcher Kyle Teel, all of whom profile as future All-Stars. Nevertheless, the important thing to subsequent season would be the pitching employees. To make the playoffs, Boston must land two top-of-the-rotation-type starters this winter. This free-agent class will seemingly embody Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell and Max Fried, and if the Crimson Sox can land at the least certainly one of them after which commerce for one more front-line starter, they’ll be primed for the playoffs a 12 months from now.
5. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds underachieved probably the most of any staff final season, ending with a 77-85 file regardless of an anticipated win-loss file of 82-80. Supervisor David Bell was axed close to the top of the season and changed by future Corridor of Famer Terry Francona, who has gained three pennants, two World Collection and 1,950 video games in his profession. It jogged my memory of the Cubs hiring Joe Maddon and the Rangers hiring Bruce Bochy, two strikes that led to World Collection titles. The Reds have a robust younger rotation led by Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder. They’ve younger place gamers with unbelievable upside, together with some who ought to return from injury-plagued (Matt McLain, Christian Encarnacion-Strand) or suspension-marred (Noelvi Marte) seasons. The Reds might be led by All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who hit 25 house runs and stole 67 bases, and Spencer Steer, who hit 20 house runs with a team-high 92 RBIs. They should add one other outfield slugger, nevertheless it’s clear they’ve the expertise to be subsequent 12 months’s model of the Royals or Tigers.
6. Minnesota Twins
Joe Ryan had a 3.60 ERA in 23 begins earlier than a season-ending damage in August. (Jesse Johnson / USA Right now)
I usually say this, nevertheless it’s true. The Twins simply must discover a option to preserve their stars wholesome, and in the event that they do, they’ll be again within the playoffs subsequent 12 months. Nevertheless, it’s disheartening to look at their three greatest place gamers — shortstop Carlos Correa, heart fielder Byron Buxton and third baseman Royce Lewis — frequent journeys to the injured record. (Buxton, at the least, topped 100 video games for the primary time since 2017 and the second time ever in his profession.) If Joe Ryan can bounce again from his shoulder damage and Pablo López returns to his 2023 type, the Twins’ rotation needs to be a lot better subsequent 12 months. Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson have been two different vibrant spots within the rotation and the Twins have younger starters with potential, however the staff wants to amass one other middle-of-the-rotation starter this winter; in the event that they do this and keep wholesome, they may make it again to the playoffs.
7. Chicago Cubs
Final offseason, the Cubs entrance workplace thought in the event that they employed Craig Counsell away from the Brewers and principally stored the identical staff collectively, they may win the NL Central this 12 months. They have been improper. The Cubs did end the 12 months effectively, tied for second place with the Cardinals (83-79) and 10 video games behind the Brewers. (They have been six video games out of the final wild-card spot.) Counsell acknowledged on the finish of the season that his staff “has a protracted option to go” to match the Brewers. Regardless of the 10-game margin, I’m undecided I agree that they’re “a great distance” behind Milwaukee, however I do imagine they’ll have to be lively this winter to catch them and fend off the bettering Reds, Cardinals and Pirates. The Cubs have a robust rotation that features Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad. They should bolster their bullpen and have work to do in the course of their lineup to catch as much as the Brewers, however a sensible offseason might get them a lot nearer than Counsell’s remarks counsel.
8. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays had their first dropping file since 2017, when additionally they completed 80-82. Nevertheless, they rebounded to win 90 video games in 2018, and I gained’t be stunned if historical past repeats itself in 2025. The important thing might be getting the rotation wholesome and people starters dwelling as much as their potential. It’s anticipated to be led by Shane McClanahan adopted by Taj Bradley, Shane Baz, Ryan Pepiot, Jeffrey Springs and Zack Littell. It’s a rotation with large upside. Offensively, they’ll want a bunch of their younger hitters to have breakout seasons together with third baseman Junior Caminero, shortstop Carson Williams and outfielder Josh Lowe. The Rays have the most effective entrance workplaces within the sport, led by president of baseball operations Erik Neander, and may by no means be taken flippantly.
9. Toronto Blue Jays
As of now, the Blue Jays have yet one more season with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. What’s going to they do? (Cary Edmondson / USA Right now)
The Blue Jays have a formidable rotation led by Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, Chris Bassitt and the rising Bowden Francis. Additionally they have two stars of their primes in first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette. Nevertheless, they’ve extra questions than solutions. They should retool their bullpen with energy arms and depth and should add at the least two reliable bats round Bichette and Guerrero in the event that they need to contend in 2025. They don’t have a robust or deep farm system and must be lively in each trades and free company this offseason to be contenders subsequent 12 months. Additionally they want to increase or commerce Guerrero and Bichette as each are eligible at no cost company after 2025. That is a very powerful offseason within the profession of normal supervisor Ross Atkins and will probably be attention-grabbing to see what he does this offseason. Will he make short-term strikes to win now or punt with a complete rebuild? They’re on the clock.
10. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates are constructing a robust younger beginning rotation with soon-to-be NL Rookie of the 12 months Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller and Bubba Chandler. When it comes to place gamers, they’ve a stable group to construct round in heart fielder Oneil Cruz, left fielder Bryan Reynolds, shortstop Nick Gonzales and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. They’ll be getting again one other key high place participant prospect in Endy Rodríguez, who missed all of this 12 months after having elbow surgical procedure final offseason. A few of their younger place gamers might want to make vital enhancements subsequent 12 months for the Pirates to make a playoff push, however they’ve potential.
11. Washington Nationals
Rookie James Wooden had a 122 OPS+ and 14 steals in 79 video games this season. (Geoff Burke / Imagn Photographs)
The Nationals promoted outfielders James Wooden and Dylan Crews this 12 months and subsequent 12 months they may in all probability promote just a few extra key prospects, reminiscent of third baseman Brady Home, outfielder Robert Hassell III and right-hander Cade Cavalli after he finishes his rehab from Tommy John surgical procedure. The Nationals are anticipated to re-engage in free company this offseason and can goal middle-of-the-order bats. Some executives imagine they may make one other run at Juan Soto in free company or goal the Orioles’ Anthony Santander. Their rotation is beginning to come along with the current growth of MacKenzie Gore, Jake Irvin and Mitchell Parker. The Nationals are making progress and will make some noise sooner than most predict.
12. San Francisco Giants
The Giants shook up their entrance workplace on the finish of the season, firing Farhan Zaidi and hiring three-time World Collection champion Buster Posey as president of baseball operations; he plans to rent a GM who will report back to him. The Giants will attempt to retain soon-to-be free agent Blake Snell, which is not going to be straightforward contemplating he’ll be in search of a long-term deal after not getting one final offseason. They’ve a core of stable starters led by veterans Logan Webb and Robbie Ray to go together with lefty Kyle Harrison and righties Hayden Birdsong and Keaton Winn. They have been in a position to prolong third baseman Matt Chapman, which was an necessary transfer, however they’ve a whole lot of work to do to construct the center of their lineup round him in the event that they need to contend subsequent 12 months.
13. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals introduced president of baseball operations John Mozeliak will step down after the 2025 season and get replaced by Chaim Bloom, who will oversee their participant growth division within the meantime. They gained’t re-sign Paul Goldschmidt this offseason and are anticipated to take heed to provides on Nolan Arenado, Sonny Grey, Willson Contreras and different veterans on the roster. The Cardinals are able to construct round a core of younger gamers that features shortstop Masyn Winn, DH/outfielder Alec Burleson, second baseman Nolan Gorman, heart fielder Victor Scott II and nook infielder/outfielder Jordan Walker. They could should take a step backward in 2025 as they put together and construct for 2026 and past.
14. Miami Marlins
After making the playoffs in 2023, the Marlins endured a tough 12 months as virtually their complete rotation handled season-ending accidents together with 2022 Cy Younger Award winner Sandy Alcantara and future Cy Younger winner Eury Pérez (Tommy John surgical procedures), Jesús Luzardo (lumbar stress response) and Braxton Garrett (forearm flexor pressure), to not point out different accidents to their pitchers. The Marlins traded their greatest place gamers — Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Yankees) and Luis Arraez (Padres) in separate midseason offers to fortify their farm system. Finally, they have been among the many most lively groups on the commerce deadline and took benefit of a robust sellers’ market so as to add a great deal of younger expertise. Supervisor Skip Schumaker left the membership after the season and the Marlins have made sweeping modifications all through the group, together with shifting on from their complete teaching employees and firing most of their entrance workplace. President of baseball operations Peter Bendix is dedicated to revamping the group from high to backside according to the Tampa Bay Rays mannequin he’s accustomed to from working underneath Erik Neander. The Marlins have a protracted option to go however seem like headed in the appropriate route for the long run.
15. The Athletics
It’s unattainable to consider the Athletics’ current and future with out the context of their transfer to Sacramento. It will likely be bizarre to not see “Oakland” of their identify, because the staff will simply be often called “The Athletics” for the following a number of years till its deliberate first season in Las Vegas in 2028 or 2029. On the sphere, the A’s made progress of their rebuild this 12 months, with stable seasons from proper fielder Lawrence Butler (22 house runs, 18 steals), catcher Shea Langeliers (29 homers and above-average protection) and heart fielder JJ Bleday (20 homers, 120 OPS+). Brent Rooker set career-highs with 39 homers and a 165 OPS+ regardless of coping with a proper forearm damage that required surgical procedure after the season, and the slugger stays underneath staff management for 3 extra years. Rookie Mason Miller developed into one of many recreation’s greatest closers and beginning pitchers JP Sears (4.38 ERA, 180 2/3 innings) and Osvaldo Bido (3.41 ERA) each logged stable seasons. The A’s even have extra future stars of their pipeline together with shortstop Jacob Wilson, first baseman Nick Kurtz and right-handed pitcher Luis Morales.
16. Colorado Rockies
Ezequiel Tovar led the Nationwide League with 45 doubles. (John Leyba / USA Right now)
The Rockies may need completed final within the NL West once more, however a number of of their younger gamers established themselves this season together with shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, who hit 26 homers and performed nice protection, and heart fielder Brenton Doyle, who hit 23 homers and stole 30 bases. They’re hoping outfielder Nolan Jones, who had a disappointing, injury-plagued 12 months, will bounce again and be the participant he was in 2023 (.931 OPS, 20 homers, 20 steals). Charlie Blackmon’s retirement will create a possibility for a number of of the Rockies’ outfield prospects together with Yanquiel Fernandez, Zac Veen and Jordan Beck. Additionally they are enthusiastic about second-base prospect Adael Amador and their future proper fielder Charlie Condon, the No. 3 choose on this 12 months’s draft, who’s a few years away. The Rockies’ future seems promising, however to be extra aggressive subsequent 12 months, the important thing would be the growth of right-handed pitchers Chase Dollander and Gabriel Hughes.
17. Los Angeles Angels
The Angels are optimistic about their younger core of place gamers — which is led by shortstop Zach Neto, catcher Logan O’Hoppe and first baseman Nolan Schanuel — and hope to get a wholesome season subsequent 12 months out of Mike Trout, who was restricted to 29 video games in 2024. They’re excessive on second baseman Christian Moore, whom they took with the eighth total choose on this 12 months’s draft; there’s a robust risk he makes it to the large leagues someday subsequent 12 months. On the pitching aspect, they received a stable season from lefty Tyler Anderson (3.81 ERA, 179 1/3 innings), however he was the one constant starter on their employees because of underperformance and accidents. They’re additionally excessive on rookie starter Caden Dana, who might be key for them subsequent season.
18. Chicago White Sox
The 2024 White Sox have been probably the most embarrassing major-league staff I’ve ever seen. They misplaced a file 121 video games. They completed final within the majors in runs scored, with 97 fewer than the Twenty ninth-ranked staff (Tampa Bay). Their pitching employees completed final within the AL with a 4.67 ERA. Talking throughout a recreation broadcast on NBC Sports activities Chicago in September, GM Chris Getz indicated the White Sox gained’t be closely concerned in free company. “We’ve received guys out on the sphere proper now who want to enhance their recreation — a whole lot of these guys are younger gamers and must make the changes to be extra productive,” Getz mentioned. If that’s actually their recreation plan, then one other 100- to 120-loss season awaits. They don’t have a deep farm system to commerce from and can choose tenth within the first spherical regardless of their traditionally dangerous file due to the brand new MLB Draft guidelines within the newest Collective Bargaining Settlement. In the event that they’re not going to be lively in free company and don’t commerce their greatest participant property, outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and left-hander Garrett Crochet, I don’t see a lot of a path to enhance in 2025.
(High picture: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic. Photographs: Elly De La Cruz: Michael Reaves / Getty Photographs; Logan Gilbert: Alika Jenner / Getty Photographs; Jarren Duran: Cole Burston / Getty Photographs)