We're still several weeks away from MLB's stretch run to the playoffs, then we'll get a full month of amazing October baseball, but even so, there are more than a handful of teams already looking toward next season. Even some of the teams still in contention are objectively not good teams; there are so many mediocre teams, in fact, that several of them are in playoff position (looking at you, AL West and final American League wild-card berth). As of today, Aug. 19, there are 16 teams under .500.
Let's examine how each shapes up for next season and if we can expect them to contend in 2027. We'll give each team a number from 1 (incredibly low chance at contention) to 10 (will 100% be a contender). To reiterate: Sure, these teams are contending, but let's face it: they aren't good teams.
I don't have much confidence in this front office's ability to develop players or meaningfully add to the big-league roster, both of which are needed to shape this group into a legitimate contender. Looking for a leap forward would require developing multiple Triple-A pitchers and internal improvements at several positions. They're only in the race now because the league is bad.
I'm not expecting much different next season. The offensive backbone in place with Riley Greene and the inconsistent power of Spencer Torkelson now includes one of the best offensive catchers in Dillon Dingler, along with rookie sensations Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark. Maybe Brett Callahan sticks, too, while there's more room for improvement from Colt Keith.
Zyhir Hope, acquired at the deadline in the Tarik Skubal trade, could join the fray. The rotation will bring back Troy Melton, Framber Valdez, Keider Montero and Jackson Jobe, who will be in his first full season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Perhaps River Ryan fills the fifth spot.
We'll see if they're allowed to spend any money, but this team will very, very likely look strong heading into next season. Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi are each signed for one more year, but they'll be 39 and 37, respectively. Maybe the front office will be successful in convincing them to accept trades this offseason.
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