Sleeping Giants: Unearthing 5 MLB Teams Ready to Surprise in 2024
Sammy Jacobs
Host · Writer
5. Miami Marlins
Miami made the postseason last year as a wild card, and much of their success will hinge on Sandy Alcantara returning from injury. The Marlins added Tim Anderson to play shortstop, giving the lineup more length around Jazz Chisholm and Luis Arraez. The NL East is a beast, but the Marlins could find their way into the postseason again if the chips fall right.
NL East Odds: +2000
1. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are coming off an 82-80 regular season in 2023 and are primed to aim for an NL Central title. The young core is headlined by Elly De La Cruz, who became a must-watch when he was called up mid-season. As of writing, the Reds are 8-5 in spring training and have made offseason additions that could push them over the top. Frankie Montas is in line for an opening day start after signing as a free agent.
NL Central Odds: +350
2. Kansas City Royals
The AL Central could also be up for grabs, and a young Royals team could surprise. Kansas City finished with 106 losses in 2023, so the only way to go is up. Bobby Witt Jr. just signed a significant extension. They revamped their pitching staff with veterans as well. As of this writing, the Royals have the second-highest wins in the Cactus League behind the Dodgers.
AL Central Odds: +900
3. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are one of the trendiest picks to “surprise” in 2024 after they 83-79 in 2023. They missed the postseason by just one game. Chicago brought in former Brewers Manager Craig Counsell in the offseason, brought back Cody Bellinger, and added Shota Imanaga from Japan. The rotation could also be one of the top in the NL Central.
NL Central Odds: +200
4. Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are coming off a second-place finish in the AL Central in 2023 and are on an upward trend as they bring along a young roster. Kenta Maeda comes in to be a veteran presence on the pitching staff. The big questions surround a bounce back from Javier Baez and the continued development of Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene.
AL Central Odds: +360
5. Miami Marlins
Miami made the postseason last year as a wild card, and much of their success will hinge on Sandy Alcantara returning from injury. The Marlins added Tim Anderson to play shortstop, giving the lineup more length around Jazz Chisholm and Luis Arraez. The NL East is a beast, but the Marlins could find their way into the postseason again if the chips fall right.
NL East Odds: +2000
1. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are coming off an 82-80 regular season in 2023 and are primed to aim for an NL Central title. The young core is headlined by Elly De La Cruz, who became a must-watch when he was called up mid-season. As of writing, the Reds are 8-5 in spring training and have made offseason additions that could push them over the top. Frankie Montas is in line for an opening day start after signing as a free agent.
NL Central Odds: +350
