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The 2023 MLB playoffs featured 12 teams (six from each league). The Baltimore Orioles finished with the number one seed in the American League, while the Atlanta Braves controlled the National League as the top seed.
However, neither team made it past the Divisional Series. The Braves lost to the Phillies in four games, and the Orioles were swept by the Texas Rangers. The Rangers went on to win the World Series and beat the NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.
Like every year, though, several playoff teams won't make it back to the postseason. So, let's look at which three MLB teams could miss the playoffs in 2024.
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Tampa Bay Rays
You should never rule out the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite not having the talent of other teams, they always find a way to win games and somehow make the playoffs. Tampa Bay has made the playoffs in five straight seasons dating back to 2019. However, this could be the year we finally see them miss the playoffs.
The Rays not only didn't really sign anyone this offseason, but they will also be missing some key players. Outside of second baseman Amed Rosario and reliever Phil Maton, the team didn't make any other notable moves in free agency. On top of that, Shane McClanahan (Tommy John surgery) will miss the entire 2024 season, and Drew Rasmussen (right-flexor strain) will be out for at least the first two months.
#Rays make room for Rosario on 40-man roster by moving RHP Drew Rasmussen to 60-day IL
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 20, 2024
Add in the fact that Wander Franco will not be on the team in 2024, and the Rays could struggle to win above 80 games. They also play in a tough AL East division with the Orioles, Yankees, and Blue Jays, so making the playoffs could be tough for Tampa Bay this season.
Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins put together a surprising 2023 campaign where they won 84 games and made the NL Wild Card. However, there's a strong chance they miss out on the playoffs in 2024, even with reigning Manager of the Year Skip Schumaker.
Miami was on the verge of missing the postseason last year, but they went 18-11 in the final 29 games to capture a playoff berth. The biggest reason, though, that the Marlins could miss the playoffs in 2024 is because of their limited offseason moves and the injury to Sandy Alcantara (Tommy John surgery).
The team lost Jorge Soler -- who hit 36 home runs last year -- and replaced him with Tim Anderson. Outside of that, they have the same team from the 2023 season. Nevertheless, losing an ace like Alcantara is big, and the Marlins might not recover from it in 2024.
Marlins, SS Tim Anderson reportedly agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including https://t.co/Z3s2EphcSH's @CDeNicola13. pic.twitter.com/U5SSKtt7WZ
— MLB (@MLB) February 22, 2024
Milwaukee Brewers
Of the 12 playoff teams from 2023, the Milwaukee Brewers are the likeliest to miss the postseason this year. Manager Craig Counsell left to join the Cubs, and the team traded away ace Corbin Burnes. Brandon Woodruff, who the Brewers re-signed in February, is also expected to be out for the 2024 season with a shoulder injury.
Milwaukee has always had elite pitching, but not having Burnes or Woodruff this season will hurt them. A rotation of Freddy Peralta, Wade Miley, Joe Ross, and Colin Rea won't be enough to carry this Brewers team into the playoffs.
Christian Yelich, Garrett Mitchell and Jackson Chourio all being coached up together…sure looks like this is being treated as the starting outfield for the Brewers in camp today pic.twitter.com/tZsWFv8BDC
— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) February 23, 2024
It was a nice sign early this offseason to see the team spend money on first baseman Rhys Hoskins. However, that won't be enough in 2024.
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