Nothing quite compares to witnessing an underdog triumph in a sporting contest, but what are the chances of this happening?
The postseason is a time when anything can happen. Let’s take a look back at some of Major League Baseball’s greatest upsets.
Florida Marlins
The Florida Marlins have made up for their lack of success during their initial seasons by consistently winning and making the playoffs. Furthermore, they were able to acquire top talent through trades and free agency signings.
The Marlins have a solid roster, but their lineup lacks depth and some major league talent. To strengthen their lineup, they need to bring in some reinforcements from the minors.
They boast a strong starting rotation and an impressive middle infield, but the bullpen could use some help. The closer situation remains uncertain with Bender, Bass, and Head competing for the top spot MLB baseball Wunderdog.
The team has been aggressive in acquiring players from the top of their farm system, but some of their deals have angered fans. While they remain not the fan favorite they once were, they do not possess enough talent to field a team that can contend for championship honors.
New York Mets
The New York Mets have a remarkable history, full of memorable games, trades and free agent acquisitions. Their roster boasts young power hitters and gifted starting pitching but they have also proven to be one of MLB’s most resilient underdogs in recent times.
In 2015, The Mets made an incredible run, reaching the World Series despite having a losing record all season long. This marked their first winning record since 1996 and second trip to the postseason in six years.
The Mets have a great team, and they should be a contender again this season. However, it will be difficult to accurately forecast whether they can return to the World Series without any new additions to their roster.
Boston Red Sox
With all their offseason changes, the Boston Red Sox appear to have made progress. Rafael Devers is their star player at center field, but there are still questions surrounding their rotation.
Masataka Yoshida, their newest addition, has plenty of potential and will provide them with some left field power. While he must adjust quickly to life in the MLB, his bat-to-ball skills and understanding of the strike zone should allow him to make an immediate impact in the Boston lineup.
This team won’t win the division, but they can certainly compete in the AL East. Forecasts predict they will finish fifth and have a shot at earning a Wild Card spot.
Rich Strike
On the first Saturday in May, Rich Strike stunned the world when he earned an unexpected final starting spot in the Kentucky Derby due to a rival’s late withdrawal. His trainer, Corey Reed, and jockey Sonny Leon never imagined this outcome. All they wanted was to win the biggest race of their lives.
Rich Strike’s remarkable comeback to win the Kentucky Derby isn’t the first time a long shot has triumphed; in fact, it ranks as the second-biggest upset in race history after Donerail won in 1913 at an unbelievable 91-1 score. Yet it serves as proof that with passion, talent and leadership even an unlikely comeback like Rich Strike’s can occur.
