5 MLB teams who could still reach the postseason despite their disappointing year

After the MLB trade deadline, teams are set to bolster their performances to improve their standings as they seek to reach the postseason. Several teams have made acquisitions that could prove to be game-changers for the rest of the season.

Baseball is an unpredictable game where fortunes of teams can change with the right talent and performance — especially at this time of the season. Division leaders are trying their best to maintain their spots, while other teams are hustling to get their chance at the Wild Card spots.

Although a strong start in the first half of the MLB season can give teams a good boost, the second half is when struggling teams fill their holes and make a comeback.

Here's our list of MLB teams that could still make the postseason despite their struggles.

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Five MLB teams with good postseason chances despite disappointing season

#1 Tampa Bay Rays

Although their chances are slim, the Tampa Bay Rays could make a comeback to make the 2024 MLB postseason. The Rays are five games behind the Wild Card spot with 56 wins and 54 losses, maintaining a .509 winning percentage.

They acquired third baseman Christopher Morel and right-handed pitchers Hunter Bigge and Ty Johnson in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Isaac Paredes.

#2 Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates made several moves before July 30, including adding outfielder Bryan De La Cruz and utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Despite losing some of their good prospects in trades, their acquisitions give them a chance to make the playoffs.

#3 San Francisco Giants

Trailing just behind the Pirates in the NL Wild Card rankings, the San Francisco Giants are struggling with 55 wins and 57 losses. They are still under .500, and their lack of trade moves doesn't augur well for their postseason hopes.

One good thing for the Giants could be the bounce-back performance of Blake Snell, who has a 0.75 ERA across 24 innings in four games after his tough start to the season.

#4 Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox are still in the AL Wild Card race with 58 wins and 51 losses, just 2.5 games behind a spot. It will be interesting to see whether their moves before the MLB trade deadline help them strengthen their postseason chances.

They acquired righty Lucas Sims in exchange for minor league pitcher Ovis Portes, followed by another move for right-handed pitcher Luis García by giving up four of their prospects.

#5 Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are arguably the most disappointing performers in 2024 following their success last season. The 2023 World Series champions are struggling with a .477 winning percentage.

They are 8.5 games behind the Wild Card spot with a 53-58 record. Their lack of good moves before the trade deadline doesn’t help much to improve their slim playoff chances.