Three teams that did not make postseason in 2025 that have better shot in 2026

Three teams that did not make postseason in 2025 that have better shot in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . With Opening Night complete, it is time to make some final predictions and thoughts on the long summer ahead.

These next 162 games for every Major League Baseball team are all going to be important, with one main prize at the end of the season. The Commissioners' Trophy. Looking at who just missed the cut to compete in the postseason in 2025, there are three teams that might get over the hump at the end of this upcoming season.

Let's talk about it. Pittsburgh Pirates With key offseason acquisitions to the offense, and much of their highly anticipated pipeline making their way into the majors, the Pittsburgh Pirates are going to return to prominence in 2026. Headed by pitching phenom Paul Skenes, the addition of designated hitter Macell Ozuna will bring some much needed power to the plate.

Plus there is the impending emergence of shortstop Konnor Griffin , who will start the year in AAA. New York Mets After gaining outfielder Juan Soto, all eyes were on the New York Mets making it back to the postseason. That did not happen as this team took a step backward in 2025.