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5 Sleeper Teams That Could Win 2016 World Series

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Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Teams everyone picks to win the World Series rarely actually win by the time it’s all said and done. With that being said, here are five teams that could realistically win the World Series in 2016 that nobody is talking about.

5. Washington Nationals

Washington Nationals Brad Mills-USA Today Sports
It's strange to call the Nationals a sleeper since they were the favorites to win the World Series last season, but after underachieving, not many people are treating them like contenders. They should start, though. This team is going to be hungry and still has a solid rotation to go with a very good lineup when everyone's healthy. Bryce Harper will have this team playing like a contender late into the season.

It's strange to call the Nationals a sleeper since they were the favorites to win the World Series last season, but after underachieving, not many people are treating them like contenders. They should start, though. This team is going to be hungry and still has a solid rotation to go with a very good lineup when everyone's healthy. Bryce Harper will have this team playing like a contender late into the season.

4. Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles Tommy Gilligan-USA Today Sports
As long as the Orioles either bring back Chris Davis or sign someone to replace his bat in the order, they are going to be right in the thick of things in the American League East. They fell off at the end of last season, so they're going to want to make up for that. It shouldn't surprise anyone if they're playing deep into October in 2016.

As long as the Orioles either bring back Chris Davis or sign someone to replace his bat in the order, they are going to be right in the thick of things in the American League East. They fell off at the end of last season, so they're going to want to make up for that. It shouldn't surprise anyone if they're playing deep into October in 2016.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks Getty Images
After signing Zack Greinke and trading for Shelby Miller, the Diamondbacks are a very serious threat in the National League West in 2016. With A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt in the lineup, they also figure to be an above-average offensive team. All of that adds up to them being a very interesting team next season.

After signing Zack Greinke and trading for Shelby Miller, the Diamondbacks are a very serious threat in the National League West in 2016. With A.J. Pollock and Paul Goldschmidt in the lineup, they also figure to be an above-average offensive team. All of that adds up to them being a very interesting team next season.

2. Los Angeles Angels

Los Angeles Angels Gary A. Vasquez-USA Today Sports
Just two seasons ago, the Angels won the most games in baseball, but last year they were underwhelming. Despite all their star power, not many people are talking about them as legitimate contenders. If Garrett Richards can step up as the team's ace, the starting rotation starts to look a lot more solid and the Angels might just be able to make a run at the World Series in 2016.

Just two seasons ago, the Angels won the most games in baseball, but last year they were underwhelming. Despite all their star power, not many people are talking about them as legitimate contenders. If Garrett Richards can step up as the team's ace, the starting rotation starts to look a lot more solid and the Angels might just be able to make a run at the World Series in 2016.

1. Cleveland Indians

Cleveland Indians Ken Blaze-USA Today Sports
Cleveland is one piece away from being a serious contender in 2016. If they can add another outfielder, they're in really good shape going forward. They already have one of the most complete rotations in the American League, which makes them dangerous should they reach the postseason. Don't be surprised if the Indians become the Royals of last season and break Cleveland's half-century long sports championship drought.

Cleveland is one piece away from being a serious contender in 2016. If they can add another outfielder, they're in really good shape going forward. They already have one of the most complete rotations in the American League, which makes them dangerous should they reach the postseason. Don't be surprised if the Indians become the Royals of last season and break Cleveland's half-century long sports championship drought.

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