Tier six: On the right track, but still in for a rough season
25. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays differ from the previously mentioned teams in one big way. They can pitch. At least the starters can. The bullpen is a different issue. Additionally, Tampa’s offense has Evan Longoria, Kevin Kiermaier and a lot of guys who would be No. 6 or 7 hitters in a contending lineup. Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi and Alex Cobb figure to make the Rays a popular source of rumors around the trade deadline. With guys like Jose De Leon, Blake Snell and Brent Honeywell, the future is bright in Tampa. But 2017 will feature more losses than wins.
Prediction: 73-89, fifth place, American League East
24. Philadelphia Phillies
It’s not that the Phillies don’t have good pieces in place to be a good team. Odubel Herrera, Tommy Joseph, Maikel Franco and Cameron Rupp could all be in a contender’s lineup. Likewise, Jeremy Hellickson, Clay Buchholz, Jerad Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez and Aaron Nola could all fit somewhere in a contender’s pitching staff. But none of these guys are right for the roles they’re in. Philadelphia doesn’t have the true middle of the order star or top of the rotation arm necessary to be any better — at least not in 2017.
Prediction: 75-87, fourth place, National League East
23. Oakland Athletics
Even with Sonny Gray’s injury (which you can read about here), the A’s are a tier ahead of the Angels. Khris Davis displayed awesome power in 2016. Ryon Healy was a real shot in the arm. Sean Manaea and Jharel Cotton give the rotation real hope for the future. Matt Chapman — who should see significant MLB time in 2017 — could do the same for the offense.
Chapman bringing the boom. #OAKvsLAD pic.twitter.com/IoqVwu13AE
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) March 25, 2017
The problem is that three of the American League’s best five teams share a division with Oakland. It’s going to be hard for the A’s to keep up with them. Still, the A’s are heading in the right direction. If Manaea and Cotton develop well in 2017, a winning season (or better) in 2018 will be realistic.
Prediction: 74-88, fourth place, American League West