There are 18 teams that didn’t make the MLB playoffs. With trades and free agency on pause until after the World Series, it’s the perfect time to take a moment and assess where those 18 teams already in their offseasons rank relative to one another. In my annual ranking of the non-postseason teams, I line them up based solely on which teams are best positioned to contend in 2026.

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I did the same thing last year and my top team in that ranking was the Seattle Mariners. That proved to be a wise pick, as the Mariners are the 2025 AL West champions. I also had the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds in my top five and both earned playoff spots.

This year, the top four teams that I believe can turn things around and make the postseason next year are the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals and New York Mets. However, keep in mind a lot can change between now and spring training with free agency, trades, the development of top minor-league prospects and player injuries.

For now, here’s where these clubs stand, with thoughts on how quickly I think they can turn things around and put themselves in position to make the playoffs next year.

1. Houston Astros

The Astros were pelted with injuries to way too many of their key players this season, including slugger Yordan Alvarez, closer Josh Hader and shortstop Jeremy Peña. They also had to deal with significant injuries to their rotation, as only Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez made more than 15 starts.

When healthy, the middle of the Astros’ lineup can carry their offense. It’s a group led by José Altuve, Alvarez, Christian Walker, Peña, Carlos Correa and Isaac Paredes. They also have two young position players who are going to continue to improve, outfielders Cam Smith and Zach Cole.

The Astros do have a significant decision to make with Valdez, and if they were to lose him in free agency, their top offseason priority will be to improve their starting pitching.

2. Atlanta Braves

The Braves’ rotation cost them their season. It was a group heavily thinned by the loss of Max Fried in free agency and the in-season injuries to Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, AJ Smith-Shawver, Spencer Schwellenbach and Grant Holmes. They’ll either need to get most of their injured starters healthy or replace them to get back to the postseason next year.

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On the flipside, their lineup is in good shape. Their core is led by right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., first baseman Matt Olson, third baseman Austin Riley and rookie catcher Drake Baldwin.

They do have some potential free agents, including shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (opt-out) and closer Raisel Iglesias. If they aren’t able to bring them back, they will need to find replacements outside the organization. The Braves are expected to pick up the team option on Sale, but will likely part ways with DH Marcell Ozuna, an impending free agent.