Now that the MLB offseason is in its latter parts, most teams’ rosters are set for the upcoming season.
We usually see a few MLB teams that blow their preseason expectations out of the water.
For instance, the Baltimore Orioles being a borderline playoff team last year was surprising.
Alas, there once again seem to be a few teams that are underrated heading into 2023.
Here are the two teams that are poised to surprise people.
1. Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are one team that has flown under the radar this offseason.
After a disappointing 2022 season that saw them finish 74-88, the Cubs are not expected to do much in 2023.
But, this team has the potential to make some noise.
Some of the impact players they bring back are Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Christopher Morel.
All of which showed they can be solid contributors.
But, where they got much better was by signing outside free agents.
Chicago spent plenty of money to bring in Dansby Swanson, Eric Hosmer, Trey Mancini, Cody Bellinger, and Jameson Taillon.
Most Good Fielding Plays by Shortstop
Last 4 SeasonsDansby Swanson 92
Carlos Correa 88
Miguel Rojas 78
Trevor Story 78Good Fielding Plays are tracked by our Video Scouts.
We have ~30 different types, such as ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/W74lpZ1IDa
— SIS_Baseball (@sis_baseball) January 10, 2023
Swanson was the crown jewel of the bunch, signing a lucrative multi-year contract.
If the Cubs can get solid pitching from both their starters and bullpen, they could be a sneaky Wild Card team in 2023.
2. Texas Rangers
When talking about the AL West, most people speak about the defending champion Houston Astros.
Or people are enamored with the star power of the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels.
But, it appears like the Texas Rangers are being overlooked headed into 2023.
No team has been more aggressive in free agency over the past two offseasons than Texas.
Chris Young was named the Texas Rangers general manager in Dec. 2020.
Notable signings since then:
• Corey Seager (10-yr/$325M)
• Jacob deGrom (5-yr/$185M)
• Marcus Semien (7-yr/$175M)
• Jon Gray (4-yr/$56M)
• Nathan Eovaldi (2-yr/$34M)
• Andrew Heaney (2-yr/$25M) pic.twitter.com/L9qlzIZuOV— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) December 28, 2022
The additions of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien last season were good starts.
But, they upped that ante this offseason with a plethora of moves.
The most lucrative being right-handed pitcher Jacob deGrom, and his five-year, $185 million contract.
Texas also added Nathan Eovaldi and Andrew Heaney to their starting rotation.
Despite the injury concerns for deGrom he is arguably the best pitcher in baseball when healthy.
There is plenty of money invested in this roster, so now is the time to see them produce.
NEXT: The Brewers Are Picking A Shocking Battle With Corbin Burnes