3 MLB Teams That Aren’t Getting the Credit They Deserve
Within Major League Baseball there are a select handful of consistently dominant teams such as the Yankees, Dodgers, Indians, and Red Sox. Each of these teams seem to always be given the highest praise and recognition, but within MLB one major aspect of success is the ability to develop a strong and long-lasting farm system. Besides the Dodgers, the three other powerhouse teams mentioned have average to sub-par farm systems that will not be resulting in the highest long-term success for each team. A strong farm system does not always equal 100 win seasons, but it does result in advanced player depth throughout the 26 and 40 man roster. In my mind there are 3 current teams that are extremely overlooked and can prove to be long-term contenders for years to come; thanks to a strong farm system filled with young talent.
1.) The Detroit Tigers
They probably would not have made my list if you asked me one month ago! Over the past 3 seasons the Tigers have accumulated an elite array of young talent ranging across the field, with big names such as: Casey Mize, Matt Manning, Riley Greene, Alex Faedo, and Tarik Skubal. Although, in terms of depth, the Tiger’s farm system has room for improvement, this year’s MLB Draft proved to be a leading aid. The Tigers finished the 2019 season with an abysmal record of 47-114 landing the 1st overall pick in the draft. With that pick they selected the power bat the team so desperately needed, Spencer Torkelson.
Spencer was drafted as a 3rd basemen but has played 1st base his whole collegiate career. On top of the 1stoverall pick, the Tigers picked an array of strong position players such as Dillon Dingler, Daniel Cabrera, Trei Cruz, and Gage Workman. Along with the Tiger’s solid farm system, they have several young players such as Daz Cameron, Jake Rogers, and Christin Stewart who could be impact players through more playing time and development. With the constant additions to their farm system, in a few years players like Torkelson, Mize, and Greene will be leading the Tigers to a winning record and potential postseason play!
2.) The Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a very underappreciated team considering they were world champions 5 years ago. Although over the past 2 seasons they have won 58 and 59 games, the Royals have been busy and successful through their blazing rebuild. The current 40-man roster does not account for much, especially on the pitching side. The likes of Whit Merrifield and Jorge Soler have provided a spark in a sub-par offense. Although the current roster looks slim, players such as Ryan O’Hearn, Hunter Dozier, and Adalberto Mondesi all have the potential of becoming long-term contributors.
The Royals current roster isn’t why they are underappreciated it is because of their farm system. Looking back the past few seasons the array of additions to the farm system is extremely impressive and currently the Royals have one of the strongest overall farm systems throughout MLB. With names such as Bobby Witt Jr., Brady Singer, Daniel Lynch, and Jackson Kowar leading the way, it is clear the Royals will be receiving valuable help within the areas most needed.
Pitching has been a major struggle for Kansas City so with the additions of Asa Lacy, Ben Hernandez, and Christian Chamberlain in the 2020 draft, it will only boost their already pitcher friendly farm system.
The Royals will need to add a few more young bats before they start to see consistent success, but with the likes of Bobby Witt, Nick Pratto, Kyle Isbel, and MJ Melendez making their way through the system, they will prove too valuable within the Major League Roster. The Royals fall under a similar situation to the Tigers in which they will not be winning divisions in the next few seasons, but once their young talent is fully developed and MLB ready, the Royals are going to be a dominating force for years to come.
3.) The Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners have been considered a laughingstock of MLB for nearly 20 years, but what they lack in postseason play they make up for it within their farm system. In terms of a team rebuild the Mariners have developed arguably the best minor league system with an endless array of MLB talent. There are very little holes within the Mariners farm system, and they have a wide variety of options across several positions. What has turned out to be the heist of a century (the Edwin Diaz-Jarred Kelenic trade) has become a foundation of the M’s young talent. Other players such as Julio Rodriguez, Logan Gilbert, Evan White, and George Kirby will all be key pieces to the Major League roster in the next few seasons.
Considering the M’s drafted the likes of Emerson Hancock, Zach DeLoach, Connor Phillips, and Kaden Polcovich all of which can be major talent within a few years of development. Emerson Hancock was arguably the best pitcher available within the 2020 MLB draft and will quite possibly become a top of the rotation starter in the next 2-3 seasons. Although the Mariners haven’t made the playoffs in nearly 20 years, the combination of their current roster and young talent make them an intriguing team to watch.
With such names as Justin Dunn, Justus Sheffield, Shed Long Jr., and Kyle Lewis fresh on the MLB roster, it may not be very long before the Mariners are seeing postseason play. I would expect within the next 2-3 season the likes of Kelenic, Rodriguez, White, Hancock, and Gilbert will be anchors for the Mariners roster. It is also important to consider the frequency of trades the Mariners complete, so seeing young new talent through trades will likely occur throughout those developmental years. Once the Mariners start consistently winning do not be shocked to see them running the American League West for a long time.
