Setting The Stage
For nearly every Major League Baseball team, a typical MLB regular season is all about context. A prime example is where the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals find themselves after approximately 110 games.
Both teams have around 60 victories this year. For Atlanta, that’s “only” good enough for second place in the NL East, trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by eight games. The Braves were expected to be the runaway favorites.
In contrast, St. Louis finished last in the NL Central last season, with little hope for a 2024 comeback. Yet, here they are, sitting in second place in their division and firmly in the hunt for a Wild Card spot.
The Cardinals couldn’t be happier with this unexpected outcome, while the Braves find themselves in an uncomfortable position.
Expectations play a major role in how teams are perceived, and they are usually set before the first pitch of the season. The Cardinals may have had internal belief, but industry expectations were low, predicting the end of their reign. On the other hand, the Braves were widely seen as the obvious favorites to dominate their division once again.
Winning baseball games has never been tougher, and the stakes have never been higher. Some teams crumble under the pressure, while others excel. Regardless, the immense pressure on certain clubs to win is undeniable.
Today, we’ll take a look at three MLB teams with the highest stakes this season. Whether it’s due to pending free agency, a closing contention window, or simply self-imposed expectations, these teams have a lot on the line.
