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5 MLB teams who could pull off a Cinderella run

By Matt Graves

ST PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 14: Mike Trout #27 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels get ready to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 14, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 14: Mike Trout #27 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels get ready to bat against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on June 14, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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MLB has never witnessed a 60-game season, not once. 

For the first time, all 30 MLB teams will have a shot at making the postseason. All they need to do is get off on a strong start, but anything can happen in a shortened season. The shorter the season, the more chances of random outcomes occurring.

Some teams feel like they’re building towards something extraordinary. A season like this will undoubtedly benefit organizations with good bullpens and teams who have young rising stars. It’s not the year that turned out the way fans wanted to, but there are good reasons to be optimistic about 2020 for these specific teams.

Here are five teams who could not only be a surprise but potentially pull off a Cinderella run.

West. Pick Analysis. NL. San Diego Padres. 5. player. 127. Scouting Report

The San Diego Padres could be a surprise wild-card team. While they may not win the NL West, there’s the reason for optimism for San Diego. It’s a year earlier than normal projections due to the shortened season. The Padres addressed its bullpen issues this offseason by bolstering it with the signing of Drew Pomeranz and re-signing Craig Stammen.

Their bullpen is anchored by Kirby Yates, who put up 41 saves and a 1.19 ERA in 2019. The starting rotation should be ready to leap forward with Chris Paddack and Dinelson Lamet. Neither have had their breakout seasons yet, but are primed and should have a guaranteed 10-12 starts. The Padres acquired Zach Davies from the Milwaukee Brewers in an offseason trade; he could be a valuable middle-of-the-rotation pitcher.

Their outfield has vastly improved with the additions of Tommy Pham and Trent Grisham. Their infield is fueled with talent from Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Eric Hosmer. Prospects such as outfielder Taylor Trammell and lefty MacKenzie Gore could appear with the Padres this season.

In an offseason full of improvements, it was one to lay the groundwork. 2020 is the year they need to start showing results and this 60-game season could benefit their young stars more than anyone can imagine.

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