Three non-playoff MLB teams that could contend in 2026

Four MLB teams made the postseason in 2025 that were non-playoff teams in 2024: the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and the American League champion Toronto Blue Jays. 

Among the most surprising were the Reds and Red Sox, both of which were quickly dispatched in the wild-card round. That said, each team showed they have the potential to contend in the near future.

In 2026, which teams will surprise the baseball world the most? Let's take a look at three clubs that look poised to take a leap next season.

1. Miami Marlins (79-83, third place in NL East)

After losing 100 games in 2024, the Marlins exceeded expectations in 2025, winning 79 games and finishing third in the National League East. Yes, the Fish had 83 losses, but outfielder Kyle Stowers, acquired in the trade for pitcher Trevor Rogers at the 2024 trade deadline, broke out for 25 home runs, 73 RBI and a .912 OPS in 117 games. 

The 27-year-old was named an All-Star for the first time in his career, but his season was cut short due to a left oblique strain he suffered in August. Still, he proved in a limited showing that he could be a building block for Miami. Along with 2B Xavier Edwards, SS Otto Lopez and a strong pitching staff consisting of Edward Cabrera, Eury Perez, Max Meyer and former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins might be a few pieces away from being a threat in the NL East.

Plus, it's been reported that the Marlins "plan to spend" this offseason. Per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami is looking to "add a high-leverage reliever and an established hitter."

2. Chicago White Sox (60-102, fifth place in AL Central)

The White Sox might be more of a hard sell over the Marlins after losing 102 games in 2025, just one year after they lost a record-breaking 121 games. However, many of Chicago's top prospects made their debuts this season and looked like the real deal. Notably, shortstop Colson Montgomery led the team in bWAR (3.3) after debuting on July 4. The 2021 first-round draft pick hit 21 homers with 55 RBI in 284 plate appearances, finishing fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting.