5 biggest surprise teams of the 2015 MLB season

Aug 16, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (right) is tackled by teammate Carlos Correa (left) as they celebrate his walk off single against the Detroit Tigers at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Tigers 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Aug 18, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Miguel Sano (22) high fives through the dugout after scoring a two run home run during the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Minnesota Twins

When you look at the Minnesota Twins on paper, they do not have the appearance of a team that is just two-and-a-half games out of a playoff spot.

Their pitching staff ranks in the bottom third of the league, they are 25th in team batting average and they have posted a sub-.500 record since the All-Star break.

Yet somehow, the Twins find themselves in the thick of the American League Wild Card race.

The emergence of rookie sensation Miguel Sano is a large reason why. Despite only appearing in 56 games, the 22-year old slugger ranks fourth on the team in wins above replacement (WAR), and has accumulated 15 home runs. Adjusted for a 162-game season, he would be on pace for 43 home runs on the year.

They also acquired reliever Kevin Jepsen from the Tampa Bay Rays in one of the most underrated deals of the MLB trade deadline. The 31-year old reliever has posted a 1.53 ERA since arriving in Minnesota, a much needed addition to a bullpen that gives up the ninth most earned runs in baseball.

Despite struggling with inconsistency throughout the season, particularly since the All-Star break, the Twins have won 11 of their past 16 games. If they can keep up this level of play throughout the final stretch of the season, they just might overthrow the Texas Rangers for the final playoff spot in the American League.

Next: 3. New York Yankees

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