Urgent Analysis: Which MLB Underdogs Have the Potential to Rise in 2026? Ranking 12 Teams Fighting to Compete Next Season – A Must-Read for Baseball Fans!
In a whirlwind of anticipation, the 2025 Major League Baseball regular season is drawing to a close, setting the stage for a pivotal shift in focus among non-contending teams. As fans brace for what lies ahead, the burning question remains: Was 2025 a mere blip on the radar, or a beacon of what’s to come in 2026?
With the postseason picture becoming clearer by the day, it’s time to analyze and rank the 12 struggling MLB teams based on their potential to bounce back and compete for playoff contention in the upcoming season.
Which non-contenders hold the key to a dramatic resurgence in 2026?
Considering any team within a five-game reach as a potential playoff contender, we narrow down the field to a select group of challengers. While perennial powerhouses like the Giants and Reds continue their playoff push, the spotlight shifts to the underdog tales of teams like the Royals and Rays, determined to rise from the ashes of disappointment.
Let’s dissect and rank these 12 teams based on their readiness for a comeback in the next season:
**12. Colorado Rockies**
The Rockies find themselves mired in a cycle of disappointment, struggling to break free from their status as baseball’s underachievers. While a marginal improvement in wins is anticipated for the upcoming season, the road to a significant turnaround appears bleak. With key injuries hampering their roster, the burden falls on emerging talents like Hunter Goodman and Jordan Beck to inject hope into a floundering franchise. However, the pitching woes continue to plague their prospects, casting doubts on the team’s ability to make a substantial leap forward.
**11. Washington Nationals**
Amidst a sea of uncertainty, the Nationals face an uphill battle in their quest for redemption. Despite flashes of brilliance from players like James Wood and C.J. Abrams, inconsistencies have marred their performances, leaving a cloud of doubt hanging over the team’s future. The return of Josiah Gray from injury offers a glimmer of hope, but the team’s success hinges on the development of young prospects like Jacob Young and Dylan Crews. As speculation looms regarding potential offseason moves, the Nationals stand at a crossroads, teetering between mediocrity and a potential resurgence.
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, these non-contending teams stand at a pivotal juncture, poised to rewrite their narratives and emerge as formidable contenders in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as the offseason unfolds, shaping the landscape of Major League Baseball’s future contenders.
