
Cubs Nation obviously has plenty to be thankful for this fall, but not every fan base is lucky enough to host a World Series parade each year (or each century). Still, there are glimmers of hope even after a last-place finish. And we have proof.
One sentence on why fans of each major-league team should be thankful:
Arizona Diamondbacks
As Dansby Swanson stars for the Braves, just remember that Shelby Miller can’t be any worse than he was in 2016 … right?
Atlanta Braves
The future looks Sexy thanks to the rebuild, and the franchise is just 20 years away from a new stadium.
Baltimore Orioles
Zach Britton is rested and available for Opening Day.
Boston Red Sox
Big Papi is gone, but the Killer B’s are all back: Betts, Bogaerts, Bradley Jr., Benintendi and … Buchholz.
Chicago Cubs
Not sure this one could be any more obvious, though it’s worth mentioning that this is just the beginning.
Chicago White Sox
Although there might be another throwback jersey that infuriates a modern-day South Side star, take solace in the fact that it won’t be this throwback jersey.
Diamond Images/Getty Images
Cincinnati Reds
Their record-setting, homer-happy relief corps has gone 52 days without “an incident.”
Cleveland Indians
This guy isn’t going anywhere – at least not anywhere faster than 20 mph — after the front office exercised his contract options through the 2020 season.
Colorado Rockies
Bud Black is in the dugout, the team had a seven-win improvement in 2016, and the Padres and Diamondbacks are still in the NL West.
Detroit Tigers
No matter what, Kate Upton’s got your back — unless Justin Verlander actually does get traded.
Getty Images for GQDimitrios Kambouris
Houston Astros
Jose Altuve doesn’t play or wrestle like a guy who is 5-foot-6 – and you’re not the person who foolishly suggested that he does.
Kansas City Royals
You might not recognize the roster next November but the window of opportunity is still open for one more year, extending Moose Season.
Los Angeles Angels
Albert Pujols’ gargantuan 10-year, $240 contract is officially halfway over.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Health-willing, the rotation will feature a full season of the best pitcher in baseball (Clayton Kershaw) and the best Twitter follow in baseball (Brandon McCarthy).
Miami Marlins
You’re not sitting next to this guy, regardless of how good the seats might be.
Milwaukee Brewers
Jonathan Villar is arguably the best-kept secret in the majors, though that also might explain why the Brewers haven’t traded him yet.
Minnesota Twins
Sure, the 2016 season belongs in trash bags, but at least the outfield walls in Minnesota no longer are lined with them.
New York Mets
Gotham will be safe again with the Dark Knight rejoining Thor in the rotation.
New York Yankees
Gary Sanchez finished the 2016 season on a 61-homer pace and will enter the 2017 without the burden of outrageous expectations.
Oakland A's
There are still eight months to enjoy this offseason's big-free agent addition who will be traded in July (see: Rich Hill, last offseason)
Philadelphia Phillies
Ryan Howard's team-unfriendly deal no longer is jamming up the payroll; instead, Jeremy Hellickson's is.
Pittsburgh Pirates
This smiling face is still in Pittsburgh, something we might not be able to say next year … or next month.
San Diego Padres
Thanks to the A.J. Preller medical scandal, the team will be so transparent with player injuries that you’ll have extensive info on everything from hangnails to hemorrhoids.
WP
San Francisco Giants
Even if they fail to do some shopping, the Giants' outfield should feature more pop with a full season — Hunter Pence played only 106 games in 2016 — from the most interesting man in MLB.
WP
Seattle Mariners
For at least one season, the Mariners had the majors' more productive Seager in terms of homers (Kyle 30, Corey 26) and RBI (Kyle 99, Corey 72).
St. Louis Cardinals
They have the chance to return to the favor by prying away the Cubs’ premier free-agent outfielder (Dexter Fowler) – and come out way ahead after losing Jason Heyward to Chicago last offseason.
Tampa Bay Rays
They still have food on the table (or the concession stands) and a roof over their heads, though on second thought …
Getty ImagesAl Messerschmidt
Texas Rangers
Shin-Soo Choo is 100 percent healthy and not on the disabled list (yet).
Toronto Blue Jays
They’ve already celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada but Boxing Day is coming up, though Jose Bautista isn’t around to enjoy it.
Washington Nationals
This two-time Cy Young Award winner anchors the rotation, though you might be relieved he isn’t dining with you on Thanksgiving.