A couple of MLB teams have disappointed so far when considering their preseason expectations.
Competing at the highest level isn’t as easy as it sounds, and things like injuries, decline, and unexpected underperformance can derail a season.
For these specific MLB teams, the 2021 campaign has been rough.
But there are reasons to think they could be back competing next season.
These two teams have been awful in 2021, but should be better next year.
2. Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins aren’t exactly awful, but they are 36-47 so they have been very bad in 2021.
Other teams that qualify as awful, such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Colorado Rockies, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Baltimore Orioles, are probably not ready to compete in 2022.
Miami is currently nine games out of first place in the National League East division, and are even further in the Wild Card race.
For that reason, it’s unlikely that they compete in the second half.
They are, however, ready to give it a try in 2022 with a lot more weapons.
They have developed an impressive pitching staff, led by three proven performers in Trevor Rogers, Pablo Lopez, and Sandy Alcantara.
Sixto Sanchez should be ready to go for the start of the 2022 season, and Cody Poteet, Elieser Hernandez, and Zach Thompson have proven they can be excellent options to round out a MLB rotation.
Prospects such as Max Meyer and Edward Cabrera are waiting in the wings.
It’s a very impressive group, but Miami is lacking some offensive punch.
Jazz Chisholm and Jesus Sanchez are talented and already helping the big club, but more impact bats are needed.
The team is negotiating with Starling Marte to keep him around a little longer, and achieving that would go a long way in helping the offense.
Perhaps the team can use some of the pitching depth to bring an impact outfielder, but they have weapons to compete in 2022.
Likely Marlins rotation by the end of 2022.
1. Sandy Alcántara
2. Sixto Sánchez
3. Max Meyer
4. Trevor Rogers
5. Pablo LópezElieser Hernandez & Edward Cabrera in the mix too plus several more in the minors.
If they get some hitting, Miami is gonna be a problem.#JuntosMiami
— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) April 12, 2021
1. Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins’ 2021 season has gone south in a hurry.
Their best player, Byron Buxton, has missed most of the season with a couple of injuries, and Kenta Maeda, their most talented pitcher, has a 5.03 ERA.
Their starting catcher Mitch Garver is injured, too, and other complementary pieces have struggled.
The result of all that is a 35-48 record and the fourth place in the American League Central division so far.
Minnesota is just too far from the first-place Chicago White Sox, at 13.5 games back.
It’s probably time to think about 2022, and while they have been awful in 2021, they could easily contend next year if they make the right moves.
They have some money coming off the books and some of their core performers, such as Buxton, Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, Maeda, and Jose Berrios, are affordable next season.
They need to decide if they are going to be sellers and what they would sell, if that’s the case.
If they choose to trade some assets and retool for next year, then Nelson Cruz, Berrios, and Josh Donaldson could generate some interest.
Twins should have a productive sale, especially if they seriously consider dealing ace José Berrios, under control thru 2022. Nelson Cruz, Taylor Rogers, Hansel Robles and Andrelton Simmons will all draw interest. Donaldson is producing but he’s 35 and has $60M to go thru ‘23.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 4, 2021
In any case, the Twins could be back as contenders next year if they play their cards right.
Even if they sell some or most of their veterans, there are enough youngsters who will help the team contribute in 2022: Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, Bailey Ober, a healthy Royce Lewis, minor leaguers Jhoan Duran and Josh Winder, and more.
NEXT: Are Cubs Officially Sellers After Long Losing Streak?
