With MLB spring training rapidly nearing, it’s time to look ahead to the 2016 season. There are a number of teams that appear to be solid, but only a few stand out among the rest. Here’s a look at five clubs that are guaranteed to make the playoffs this coming fall.
5. New York Mets
Tommy Gilligan-USATODAY SportsThe Mets played like a completely different team after the arrival of Yoenis Cespedes last season. With Cespedes back and arguably the best pitching staff in baseball ready to go, the Mets are a sure thing to make the postseason.
4. Chicago Cubs
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The Cubs spent big on Jason Heyward over the offseason, and also added a veteran to both the lineup and pitching staff by acquiring Ben Zobrist and John Lackey. The sky is the limit for the Cubbies.
3. Kansas City Royals
Getty ImagesThe defending World Series champion Kansas City Royals will return mainly the same team in 2016 aside from Johnny Cueto and Ben Zobrist -- both of whom joined the team during the campaign. Expect another postseason run out of Ned Yost's bunch.
2. Houston Astros
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY SportsHouston is incredibly dangerous as its young core now has had a taste of success, and is yearning for more. The Astros made a phenomenal move by acquiring closer Ken Giles, and now are primed for a World Series run.
1. Arizona Diamondbacks
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsThe Diamondbacks scored the second-most runs in the National League in 2015 (behind only Colorado), but their pitching staff held them back. Well, they added Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller to fix their starting woes, and are now ready to make noise.
