Each new MLB season brings its share ‌of unexpected‌ twists,⁤ and this year is⁢ no different. A few teams that flew under the ‍radar last season are now ⁣positioned to make a splash.The Baltimore Orioles, as an example, are coming off an⁣ offseason where their young core only grew⁢ stronger. With Adley Rutschman emerging as a commanding ⁤force and Gunnar Henderson showing elite potential, Baltimore is no longer just rebuilding—they’re ready to‌ challenge in the AL East. Similarly, the Arizona Diamondbacks ⁣ have a vibrant mix of speed, power,‌ and youth, making ‍them one of the more ⁢exciting dark horses. Don’t be surprised if Corbin Carroll is ⁢making headlines by midseason as he ⁤stakes his claim for league-wide recognition.

Meanwhile, there’s buzz building around the ‍Chicago⁣ Cubs, a team undergoing a quiet renaissance. Their free agency​ moves, coupled with a rejuvenated farm system, set them up as a serious challenger​ in a contested NL Central. Add in the Texas Rangers, who bolstered their rotation with Jacob ‌deGrom and revamped their lineup to make a push⁣ for ⁤relevance in the AL West. Keep an eye on these teams ‍as they could sneak ⁣into wildcard conversations—or even more. Below is a quick snapshot of why these teams are worth ​watching:

Team Key ⁢Player Why they’re a ​Surprise
Baltimore Orioles Adley Rutschman Young core blooming into contenders.
Arizona ​Diamondbacks Corbin⁤ Carroll A blend of speed and‌ rising stars.
Chicago Cubs Dansby Swanson Significant upgrades and retooled strategy.
Texas⁣ Rangers Jacob deGrom Pitching ace and lineup improvements.