The playoffs already look promising to a few teams this season: some you expected and some you did not. Some teams with a rich postseason history are looking to continue their success from the years past, while some teams emerging with new talent are looking to change the direction of their ball clubs. This article is going to give you a briefing on five teams you can count on going far into the playoffs, by the way it looks as of now.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

This team should come with no surprise, as their success in the last few years is only looking to get better with new stars emerging and proven players keeping up the good work. The Dodgers won the most games in the MLB last season and were just one of three teams to break 100 wins (Indians and Astros accompany them). Losing to the Astros in the 2016-17 NLCS and the Astros in the 2017-18 World Series, Los Angeles could be looking to finally add a ring to their collection this season. They are currently tied for the best team in baseball with a 48-25 record behind Cody Bellinger, who is chasing an MVP award of his own. Injuries to key players is resulting in new guys stepping up to fill the roles. You can count on the Dodgers making a deep playoff run and look to be a world series contender once again.

2. Minnesota Twins

This one might actually be a surprise, as they were the worst team in baseball just two years ago. Last year brought them a wild card game they would lose to the Yankees, which was their first playoff appearance since 2010. This year they have not only emerged as one of the best teams in baseball, but they are averaging a league-best 5.96 runs per game. This comes from the help of seven different players with double digit home runs this season. Shortstop Jorge Pollanco is leading the league in hits at 91, and pitcher Jake Odorizzi is among the league’s top five best ERA’s. If the twins can keep up this production, they could be destined for a long and promising postseason this year.

3. Houston Astros

Another team that should not be shocking, the Astros have been top-tier the last few seasons. They won the World Series two years ago and have been carrying that momentum since. The last of three teams tied for the best record in baseball, they have recently lost four of their starters to injuries. While production could temporarily slow down, it should spike back up as these guys come back. Recalling prospect Yordan Alvarez has also seemed to help the team, as he’s producing good numbers from the DH spot. Losing to the Red Sox last year who went on to win the World Series, the Astros could be looking to take back their spot in late October this season.

4. New York Yankees

You can’t talk postseason baseball without the Yankees being mentioned, who seem to always find their spot in the playoffs. Great success this season comes with a catch: they’ve only had their top five home run hitters from last season for an average of 12 games. Getting those guys back into the lineup could make an already dangerous Yankees team turn deadly by the end of the season. Reemergent of catcher Gary Sanchez and improved play from players stepping into the lineup in absence of their stars have also boosted statistics. The Yankees also welcomed Edwin Encarnacion in a trade from the Mariners last week, so they look to increase their power hitting even more. Trust the process with this New York team getting back to their full swing.

5. Tampa Bay Rays

With a record creeping slightly behind the best teams in baseball, Tampa is on pace to make a splash in this year’s playoffs. 1.5 games behind the Yankees in their division, the Rays could use a wild card appearance to help fuel a postseason run. More than four batters who could be in talks for a hitting title and one of the league’s best fielding efficiencies have helped the Rays off to a great start. Tommy Pham also has one of the top ten highest on base percentages in the league, bringing much-needed reliability to the offense. This season will mark six years since their last playoff appearance, and they do not plan on making it seven. Keep a close eye on the Rays to take the AL East over the Yankees or break through a wild card game into the playoffs.

Being through roughly one third of the 2019 season, we’ve seen some fantastic starts from players around the league: Some players you expect it from, and some you do not. This article is going to keep you up to date on a few of the players you might not be too familiar with, but need to be, as we are about one month away from the all-star break. Whether it’s players new to the game, or finally had their breakout, you need to keep your eyes on these guys for all-star activities. You can now vote for these players, as well as your favorite players to make the 2019 all-star game on the MLB website.

1. Derek Dietrich

Derek Dietrich is a 29-year-old second basemen and designated hitter who currently plays for the Cincinnati Reds. Dietrich was drafted in 2010 by the Tampa Bay Rays and would later be traded to the Miami Marlins. In 2019 the reds signed him to a minor league contract, where he impressed everyone watching with his power hitting skills. Through the 2019 season so far, Dietrich has already hit 17 home runs, as he quickly passed his career high for home runs in a season (previous record was 16). Hitting three home runs in one game twice this season has also helped him break the top 10 for home runs in the NL. In a post-game interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, Dietrich stated that playing in the 2019 all-star game would be the “perfect script”, as the game is being held in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. He is making a strong case for himself to be included in the all-star festivities, and maybe the Home run Derby as well.

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Son of the Vladimir Guerrero who made the Hall of Fame after 16 fantastic seasons, the rookie is making a splash in his first full season in the major leagues. Playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, Guerrero is making a strong push for the upcoming all-star game with an impressive stat line very early in his career. An on-base percentage of .308 has helped him look like a promising star to not only Blue Jays fans, but everyone else around the league. He also had the honors of winning minor league player of the year in 2018, as well as an NL player of the week award in early May. Guerrero has also stated he would be open to participating in the home run derby, hoping to follow his father’s footsteps. Vladimir Guerrero won the derby in 2007 and notched 449 home runs in his career.

3. Josh Bell

Pirates first basemen and outfielder Josh Bell has been turning heads this season with his offensive efficiency. Leading the league in RBI and being 7^th on ESPN’s batting ranks, Bell is on pace to shatter his own career records. Before making his MLB debut in 2016, he spent a significant amount of time in the minor leagues dealing with injuries. Now that he’s spent some time in the majors, 2019 looks to be his breakout season. Bell’s .338 batting average has him top 10 in the league for that statistic, as well as leading the league in doubles and extra base hits. There’s a good chance we see Bell make an appearance in Cleveland for the all-star game this year, as he’s on pace for a very impressive stat line this season. His 18 home runs could also make him a candidate for the Home run Derby.