In 2024, many teams were surprised in their ability to win games. The Kansas City Royals suddenly became a great team with a great rotation and secured their first postseason appearance since 2015. Despite their elimination in the ALDS, the Royals, and other teams can very well become contenders for the World Series in 2025. The World Series in 2024 hasn’t even been decided yet, however, it is not too late for these teams who now look forward to 2025.
Possible Contending Teams Next Season
3. Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds remain to be one of the youngest teams in baseball. However, the Reds have no shortage of stars and prospects. Elly Del La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson, Rece Hinds, and Hunter Greene remain to be just some of the young talent that the Reds possess. Not one of these players had more than 25 Home runs or a high number of strikeouts, but this season is just a step of what many players like Del La Cruz and Hinds can do.
With Terry Francona, the new manager of the Reds, winner of two World Series, and longtime manager of the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, the Reds are set up for a good season. Free agency is not something that the Reds may be able to affect too much. However, the Red’s young talent may be enough for a good run for Cincy.
2. Kansas City Royals
The Royals already were contenders this season. Except they weren’t. The Royals entered the playoffs, barely hanging on to a playoff spot, and although they defeated the Baltimore Orioles-handedly, they were were clearly overmatched by the New York Yankees. The Royals were led by Bobby Witt Jr., Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Salvador Perez, and Vinnie Pasquantino. However, regardless of the playoff appearance, the Royals lineup immensely struggled.
Perez, Witt, and Pasquantino performed well for the Royals offensively, but MJ Melendez and Hunter Renfroe were a couple of examples of underperformers. With better offensive play next season, the Royals can become AL Central contenders. The Royals also did not use certain offensive weapons as much, as Paul DeJong only played 37 games after being traded from the Chicago White Sox. Kansas City was excellent in the pitching department in 2024. Thus, the focus for the Royals should shift to improving their offense. The offseason presents the Royals with an opportunity to improve. One thing is for sure: watch out for the Royals in 2025.
1. California (??) Athletics
The Athletics weren’t significant in the second half of 2024 but were 31-32. This is not bad for a team that was on pace for easily 100 losses. Regardless of being one of the first teams in the MLB again, the A’s still looked good in the second half. The A’s possess young and veteran talent. Including Brent Rooker (39 home runs!), Zack Gelof, and Shea Langeliers. Rooker, who is 30, didn’t even come up to the major leagues until 2020. He was DFA’d in 2022 by the Royals and in 2024, hit 39 homers in 145 games. Add in the fact that he hit .293 and drove in 112, he has been excellent.
The Athletics did not rank very high offensively, as their offense was ranked 25th in the nation. However, the Athletics showed power and energy in the second half. In the outfield, Lawrence Butler, JJ Bleday, and Brent Rooker all had 20 homers or more. They also provided excellent defense. Although the infield showed a lot of, well, not poise, the Athletics still had plenty of good players. The A’s also saw some trades pulled off, as Shea Langeliers, one of the Atlanta Braves players traded for Matt Olson, hit just as many homers as Olson in 25 games less. Of course, pitching for Oakland is an issue, but a flex of some financial might could lead to Oakland contending in 2025.
In conclusion, some teams may be able to contend in 2025. At times, young teams may be the most dangerous teams.
Main Image: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
