The 2015 MLB season is expected to feature unparalleled levels of parity, in that multiple divisions have teams ready to run away with their division title. After several big signings this offseason, bottomfeeders turned into fringe contenders, and fringe contenders turned into squads with a legitimate shot at winning the world series.

However, not all teams improved. Several teams took what seem to be huge steps backward this offseason, but still have the opportunity to make surprise runs to the top of their respective divisions.

AL East – Anyone

The American League East has dumbfounded experts throughout the offseason – and for good reason. It’s safe to say the Red Sox will rebound from their woeful 2014 and win the division, but really, any of the other four teams can make a run.

The Sox added prized free agents Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez to bolster their lineup alongside the now healthy Dustin Pedroia and young studs Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts – forming as formidable a lineup as any in the league. The pitching staff looks to be the only question mark, but with solid starters an depth throughout, the team shouldn’t have too many issues there.

Like the Red Sox, the Toronto Blue Jays made significant upgrades this offseason in the form of Josh Donaldson and Russell Martin, while youngsters Dalton Pompey and Daniel Norris are expected to break camp with the team. Led by stars Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, expect the Blue Jays’ lineup to be among the best in baseball – but slightly lacking in comparison to the Red Sox.

The Baltimore Orioles, unlike the Red Sox and Blue Jays, seemed to get worse this offseason following the loss of Nick Markakis, and no significant upgrades made to the pitching staff or outfield. The return of Manny Machado and resurgence of Chris Davis will be key factors to a successful Orioles season, but with an average pitching rotation, don’t count on the Orioles winning 96 games again.

The Yankees 2015 roster looks very similar to the team that stumbled their way to 84 wins in 2014. The return of Alex Rodriguez will garner headlines all season long, but other than that, there’s not much to be excited about in the Bronx. The Bronx Bombers will count on healthy seasons from Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda, along with improvements from Nathan Eovaldi. If all the pieces come together, the Yankees could make a run – but it’s unlikely.

Down in Tampa Bay, the weather may be the only thing other teams will envy. The crafty Rays management always seems to figure something out, but the team struggled last season en route to 77 wins. The team will rely on their young pitching staff, led by Chris Archer, and the return Matt Moore to see any sort of success this season. With an offense devoid of impact hitters outside of Evan Longoria, it’s hard to see the Rays winning many games. But with success in the past with equally weak lineups, the Rays can’t be counted out just yet.

AL Central – Indians

With the vast improvements made by the White Sox this offseason, a World Series appearance by the Royals, and what looks to be another dominant season from the Tigers, the Indians seem to be the forgotten ones in the AL Central – but that shouldn’t be the case.

The Indians pitching rotation figures to be the team’s strong suit featuring the likes of reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, 2014’s second half stud Carlos Carrasco, and breakout candidate Trevor Bauer. Even if Kluber experiences regression this season, Carrasco and Bauer should elevate themselves to become quality major league starters.

The bullpen doesn’t have the star power of other teams in the league, which could prove to be an issue over the long haul, but should be enough for a playoff contender.

The offense, which ranked 7th in the AL in terms of runs scored (669) last season, looks to be improved with the offseason addition of slugger Brandon Moss. Coupled with the rapid ascension of Michael Brantley last season, the Indians have a legitimate star to lead the lineup.

Continued improvements from Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall, combined with bounceback candidate Michael Bourn, could lead the team to the top of the AL Central in 2015.

AL West – Oakland Athletics

Last season, the Kansas City Royals relied on a lineup devoid of power hitters, and look where it got them. Even with the loss of five all stars – and most of their position players from last season, the A’s boast one of the league’s deepest pitching staffs (even without Jon Lester and Jeff Samardzija) and received quality major leaguers in most of their trades.

Led by rising star Sonny Gray and veteran Scott Kazmir, the A’s pitching staff sports at least eight players capable of starting – and winning – games. Newcomer Jesse Hahn figures to slot in third in the rotation, while minor league stud Kendall Graveman, Drew Pomeranz, Jesse Chavez, and Barry Zito battle it out for the remaining two rotation spots. The rotation will only improve once Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin return, leaving the A’s in an even better position.

As for the bullpen, the Athletics should be confident with their core relievers of Sean Doolittle, Tyler Clippard, and Ryan Cook. No worries here.

The offense, now without sluggers Josh Donaldson, Brandon Moss, and Derek Norris, will depend on a bounceback season from right fielder Josh Reddick and newcomer Brett Lawrie finally living up to his potential. Remember back in 2012 when Reddick slugged his way to 32 home runs? No?

Well, he did – and with lingering injuries finally behind him, he can do it again in 2015. Lawrie, like Reddick, has dealt with nagging injuries for the past few seasons, but has the tools to man the hot corner just as well as Donaldson in the coming years. Even with veteran Coco Crisp out for 6-8 weeks, the team has depth in the minor leagues to man the fort in his absence.

While the team figures to take a step back without most of their stars from season’s past, the A’s have the tools to win the AL West – maybe with the help of regression from the Angels, though.

NL East – Miami Marlins

Woah woah woah, the Washington Nationals are shoe-ins to win the NL East, right? Not so fast. With injuries to star third baseman Anthony Rendon and veteran center fielder Denard Span, the Nats’ offense has been knocked down a peg – although it remains to be seen for how long. Now that the Phillies and Braves have finally entered rebuilding mode, the Marlins and Mets look poised to make leaps in the NL East. The Mets’ pitching rotation is ready to enter the upper-echelon of staffs in the league, but their offense is still developing – so a playoff run is unlikely this season.

The same can’t be said for the Marlins, though. With a balanced attack in the pitching rotation and lineup, the Marlins have the tools to compete with the Nationals.

A pitching rotation featuring young ace Jose Fernandez (once he returns from injury in June), the improving Henderson Alvarez, and solid veteran duo of Mat Latos and Dan Haren, has the potential to dominate this season. Much of their success will hinge on Fernandez’s return, but most former phenoms who undergo Tommy John return just fine (see Strasburg, Stephen). That’s just the beginning.

Led by Steve Cishek, the bullpen should produce consistently enough to leave Marlins starters without too much concern.

The Marlins offense sports the game’s most feared power hitter and now masked man, Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton looks ready to return back to form after his season was ended abruptly from a pitch to the face. Stanton, combined with Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich, are widely regarded as one of the best outfields in the league. Stanton alone is worth the price of admission.

The Marlins have the tools and star-power to make a run in 2015. Watch out, Washington.

NL Central – Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the National League over the past few seasons – yet, they’re still underdogs in a division featuring the always dominant Cardinals and improved Cubs. While the Cardinals added Jason Heyward to an already potent lineup and the Cubs added the star power they needed. The Pirates, on the other hand, kept their core together and added pieces that can put them over the top.

The Pirates combination of veteran leadership and young talent is what most teams spend years trying to perfect. The rotation, led by Francisco Liriano and emerging ace Gerrit Cole, has enough solid pieces to make a strong playoff run. After that, the relieving core, led by Mark Melancon should have no issues closing out games.

The real strong suit in Pittsburgh is their lineup. Like the Marlins, the outfield features young and dynamic players, ranking among the best in the league. Superstar Andrew McCutchen will once again lead the charge, with Starling Marte and breakout candidate Gregory Polanco manning left and right field, respectively.

If newly signed Korean shortstop Jung Ho Kang can find a way to translate his skills to the major leagues, the Pirates have the look of a very, very scary team.

NL West – San Francisco Giants

How can the reigning World Series champs be an underdog in their own division? Well, in a division featuring the big spending Dodgers and improved Padres, it’s a given. After their failure to add any significant talent this offseason, the Giants seem to be lagging behind the rapidly improving NL West. However, the Giants always seem to find a way to win when they’ve already been counted out.

The Giants’ pitching rotation will depend on a bounceback season from Matt Cain and solid performances from World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner, and veterans Jake Peavy and Tim Hudson. There’s even the chance Tim Lincecum returns to form in his contract year, but don’t count on it. The Giants should feel confident in their pitching rotation to keep them in the position to win games with a seemingly weak offense.

Minus Pablo Sandoval and Hunter Pence (out with a forearm injury), the Giants lineup doesn’t have the looks of a playoff worthy squad. Once Pence returns though, those thoughts change.

Led by former MVP Buster Posey, supporting players Angel Pagan, Brandon Belt, and Nori Aoki, will need to perform to their potential to help the Giants keep up in the tough NL West. Plus, maybe Brandon Crawford finally puts it all together and becomes an anchor in the middle infield.

The Giants aren’t projected to win another World Series this season for good reason, but strong performances from their supporting players can put them over the top – and if they make the playoffs, anything can happen.

The newfound parity across baseball will be exciting for every aspect of baseball and should lead to an ultra-competitive 2015 season.