With about 40 games played in the MLB season, divisional races have begun to form.
It brings a storm of surprises, for both teams who sit at the top of the department and those who sit at the bottom.
Stunning teams in some sections are leading the charge, although it is still at the start of the season.
Here’s a look at the three most amazing competitors so far in 2022.
3. Houston Astros
It may be time for us to learn our lesson so as not to suspect the Houston Astros.
Every season, even when their roster seems to have slipped a bit, or other AL West teams have improved, the Astros find themselves at the top.
This is no different in 2022.
The loss of star shortstop Carlos Correa basically looks like a big loss for the Astros.
However, the rise of rookie Jeremy Penner has allayed the team’s concerns at shortstop.
How special is it? Jeremy Penner’s parents were Mike for the first HR of his career. pic.twitter.com/wdvnoRePHp
– MLB (@MLB) April 9, 2022
Now, with the return of a healthy and influential Justin Verlander, the team seems eager to make one more run.
For this reason, they are one of the first surprises for the departmental leaders.
2. The New York Yankees
Yes, the New York Yankees never fly under anyone’s radar.
However, after a quiet offseason highlighted by sign or trading for seemingly older stars, many have counted the Yankees in AL East.
So far this season, they have proved these suspicions wrong.
The Yankees hold the best record in all MLBs at 29-12.
This led to a stunning start to the season for star outfielder Aaron Judge.
After rejecting the extension of the big contract, the judge gambled on himself.
So far Slugger is hitting .315 with a league-leading 15 home run at just 146 at-bat, although the season started slowly.
Aaron Judge Homer’s second homer of the night pushed his MLB lead to 14 @ Yankees pic.twitter.com/FyQUlMp2XW
– B / R Walk-off (BRWalkoff) May 18, 2022
It has teamed up with fellow giant Giancarlo Stanton to form a strong partnership in the middle of the Yankees lineup.
However, their offensive success is not the worst, as their pitching has borne the brunt of the start of the season.
Nestor Cortes Jr. The success of 2021 has continued by posting 1.80 ERA so far.
The return of Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taylon and Luis Severino has also strengthened the league’s best starting rotation.
Put all this together and the Yankees have made an incredibly good start.
1. Minnesota Twins
If you ask most people before the season, they expected to run the Chicago White Sox AL Central.
The Minnesota Twins will probably be mentioned, but they have exceeded expectations this year.
The Twins Valid!
They came back from a 6-run deficit to end the sweep. pic.twitter.com/PxOClFjc5s
– MLB (@MLB) May 22, 2022
At 25-16, they held a strong 4.5-game lead in the division.
Their lineup, led by Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa and Lewis Arez, has done enough to win.
Meanwhile, their pitching has been guided by a breakout performance from Joe Ryan, who has a 2.28 ERA in eight starts this season.
Although they don’t necessarily have a standout statistical season, the team has been firing on all cylinders so far this year.
The twins have certainly made improvements this offseason, but their strong start to early 2022 is surprising.
It remains to be seen whether they can retain the rest of AL Central and return to the playoffs.