Top 5 MLB teams that could make a surprise run in second half

San Diego Padres

At 43-47 and six games back of the final NL wild card spot, the Padres have the most ground to make up of anyone on this list just to reach the postseason. However, their star-studded roster certainly remains capable of it, and a second-half schedule that features several division games against teams they are chasing in the Dodgers, Diamondbacks and Giants will give them a chance to climb the standings. 

San Diego should be getting some reinforcements back to its pitching staff soon in Steven Wilson and Robert Suarez to add to a bullpen led by All-Star Josh Hader and a strong starting staff of Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Blake Snell. If Darvish can have a better second half, and the offense can get more consistent production from key role players who played a big part of the Padres’ success last season like Jake Cronenworth and Trent Grisham, San Diego could become the team nobody wants to see come fall.