Four Teams That Could Benefit From A Shortened MLB Season

Between Shohei Ohtani's Tommy John recovery, to the lack of depth on the White Sox, a shortened season could lead to some interesting contenders.

What if last season was only 81 games? Well, in that case, the Cubs, the Phillies and the Rangers would make the playoffs, and the Cardinals, the Nationals and the A's would not. Now I know, if teams knew the season was only 81 games instead of 162, maybe they play it differently. The point is, that the shorter the season, the more likely it is you'd get underdog teams in the postseason. So what happens if we get a shortened season this year? What teams could benefit? Here are four of them. 

Number one, the Los Angeles Angels. They thought they'd have to play the first 50 or 60 games this year without Shohei Ohtani making a start on the mound. He's rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery. Well, now Ohtani is right on his original schedule, throwing two bullpens a week and should be facing hitters soon. He should be ready to go if we have a revamped season. 

Number two, the Chicago White Sox. Now they spend almost $200 million on free agents this offseason, ready to make a go of it. And maybe they're not as deep as the Minnesota Twins, but Yasmani Grandal, Dallas Keuchel and others added to a very talented young core, depth won't matter as much in a shortened season. 

Number three, the Cincinnati Reds. This is a team that broke through with premiere pitching last season, and now they've added Mike Moustakas and Nicholas Castellanos. The NL Central is wide open, it's anybody's game, including the Reds. 

Number four, the Arizona Diamondbacks. They won 30 of their last 51 games last year and since then, added Madison Bumgarner. Now listen, a shortened season could be very interesting. It could be a mad scramble that brings a lot more teams into play.