These five teams have surprised many by performing well to start the season, but we shouldn’t write them off. Each of these teams has a legitimate chance of reaching the postseason in 2016.
5. Cleveland Indians (9-8)
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA Today SportsCleveland has one of the deepest rotations in baseball, but they were forced to put Carlos Carrasco on the DL this week. However, they activated Michael Brantley, who will help anchor the offense and legitimize the Indians as a contender.
4. Seattle Mariners (10-9)
Jake Roth-USA Today SportsSeattle shuffled around the roster a lot this offseason and it seems to be working. The team is deeper in nearly every phase, and Robinson Cano is playing like a potential MVP. All of that adds up to them sticking around all season.
3. Baltimore Orioles (11-7)
Tommy Gilligan-USA Today SportsBaltimore had serious question marks in the rotation heading into the season, and they still do, but it seems like the offense will be able to pick up the slack. If they can survive with Yovani Gallardo on the DL, they're in really good shape.
2. Chicago White Sox (14-6)
Getty ImagesIn the past, the White Sox have tended to underachieve, but that hasn't been the case this year. The lineup is improved and the rotation looks good with Chris Sale and Jose Quintana at the top. One more arm would make them serious contenders.
1. Washington Nationals (14-4)
Tommy Gilligan-USA Today SportsMany anticipated the Nationals being better this season, but they didn't expect this type of dominance. They're a more complete team than the Mets, so look for the Nats to give New York a serious run for their money in the division.
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