With the MLB season past its mid-way point, the contenders and pretenders have established themselves. There a few early favorites to make it to the 2016 World Series, but also a few teams that could surprise.
The obvious contenders (like the Cubs, Giants, Nationals, Rangers, Indians and half of the AL East) aren't eligible for this list. Instead, this focuses on the teams that truly aren't among the notable contenders for the World Series. These are the teams that aren't expected to make a deep run, if they even manage to get into the postseason. With that in mind, here are four MLB teams that could make a surprise run at World Series berth.
4. Kansas City Royals
The Royals were almost excluded from the list because they are the defending World Series champions. But, take away that title and we're left with a team decimated by injuries, nine games back of the AL Central lead and six back of the AL Wild Card. Depending on what they do at the deadline (some more starting pitching would be great), the Royals could make a run at a playoff spot if the Indians regress back to the mean a bit. It's a longshot for sure, but if any team can do it, it's likely the Royals.
3. Miami Marlins
Miami hasn't had a winning record since 2009, when they were still the Florida Marlins. And yet, if the season ended today, Miami would be the last Wild Card team in the NL. The team could only get better after the deadline, as Giancarlo Stanton starts hitting for a better average and the Marlins get Dee Gordon back. If the Marlins can get some more pitching help at the deadline (ideally at least a starter), they could make the postseason. However, a poor farm system will hurt any trade options. The only two times the Marlins have made the postseason, they've won the World Series.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals aren't exactly beloved outside of St. Louis, but they have made the postseason each year since 2011. They some how are always a threat, and although the Cubs are the heavy NL Central favorites, the Cardinals are dangerous. A few deadline moves could help and St. Louis is only one game back of a wild card spot. Injuries haven't helped, but the Cardinals could once again fight for a World Series title this year.
1. Houston Astros
Much like the Royals, the Astros were one of the pre-season favorites to make a World Series run. A bad start to the season (they didn't hit the .500 mark until June 21st) nearly ruined the Astros' season, but they've been hot ever since. Houston was 11 games under .500 at one point this season but are now seven games over .500. If the Astros continue to play like they have been (and maybe even pick up a player at the deadline), they'll be in position to make it back to the postseason. They're currently 2.5 games back in the tight AL Wild Card race.