2016 MLB Season: 5 teams that can win the World Series

Oct 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong (left) watches as teammate Madison Bumgarner (middle) hoists the Commissioners Trophy after game seven of the 2014 World Series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Jarrod Dyson shows off the Commissioners Trophy to fans after defeating the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. The Royals win the World Series four games to one. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 – Kansas City Royals

For the last two seasons, the Royals have been the American League’s representative in the World Series, winning the title for the first time since 1985 with a five game series victory over the New York Mets last season. In 2016, the Royals are in a new position: favorites.

The nucleus of the Royals’ roster from the 2015 World Series champs is still there, even with the loss of Ben Zobrist in free agency to the Chicago Cubs. A lineup including Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Alex Gordon definitely has enough to get Kansas City not just back into the postseason, but back to the Fall Classic.

On the mound, right handers Yordano Ventura and Edinson Volquez will anchor the rotation with Wade Davis coming in to close games (maybe as one of the most underrated closers in baseball in spite of the Royals’ accomplishments in recent years). The Royals have the advantage of playing in a relatively weak division in the AL Central. A less taxing regular season could be crucial as they attempt to make it to their third World Series in a row.

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