Five MLB teams that can spring a surprise in 2023 season

The 2023 MLB season is upon us and the preseason projections and expectations are running wild.

Teams that usually perform well, like Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Atlanta Braves are expected to make a deep playoff run. However, as always, there will be some surprise appearances after all.

With the addition of the second wild card in 2012, more teams have had a chance to make the playoffs, and we have seen some unexpected teams make it to the postseason in recent years.

This has made the race for the playoffs more exciting and unpredictable.

Based on the projections of FanGraphs and Baseball Prospectus, we have listed a few teams who can potentially surprise playoff teams.

Five MLB Teams to Look Out for 2023 Season

Minnesota Twins

5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ K on Pablo Day! pic.twitter.com/AUijgjE1ma
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) April 5, 2023

First up, let’s discuss Minnesota Twins. Despite a disappointing last season, the Twins are off to a flying start this year, with playoff odds of 67.6 percent. The addition of new ace Pablo Lopez and reclamation project Joey Gallo has put Twins in an ideal position to make some noise in the AL Central.

First pitch, first MLB HR!#ThisIsMyCrew | @JWiems17 pic.twitter.com/ushghxj8iU
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 5, 2023

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are also a team to watch, with playoff odds at 65.6%. Their strong starting rotation could be the key to making a deep playoff run, but they will need their young hitters to step up and contribute if they want to overtake the defending NL Central champions, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Los Angeles Angels

It’s Sho Time ⏰#GoHalos pic.twitter.com/RaddHMQtnG
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) April 5, 2023

Another team that could surprise us this year is the Los Angeles Angels. With superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout leading the charge, the Angels have the talent to make a run, but they will need to stay healthy and consistent throughout the season.

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are a long shot, with playoff odds at 34.5%, but they have the potential to make a big leap forward this year. If they can get better luck in one-run games and consistent pitching from Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Andrew Heaney, they could be a surprise playoff team.

For the first time since 2011, the San Francisco Giants hit four home runs in one inning.

Here are all four of Jon Miller's incredible calls 📻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/23AWx33nLk
— KNBR (@KNBR) April 3, 2023

San Francisco Giants

Finally, the San Francisco Giants are a team to watch. Despite not having a lot of star power, the Giants have a talented group of players that could produce if placed in the right positions.

Their playoff odds are currently at 33.9%, and if they can continue to play well, they could make a run at a playoff spot.