Three MLB teams that should push the panic button

New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra once said, "It gets late early." While referring to the shadows in left field at Old Yankee Stadium, that saying can also apply to the Major League Baseball season.

Such is the case for several teams that hoped to contend that are already looking up at the rest of the division after disappointing starts to the season. It is getting late early in several cases.

Which teams should be hitting the panic button? Here are three hopeful contenders that have not lived up to expectations.

1. Houston Astros

The Astros have undergone a bit of upheaval. Manager Dusty Baker retired, with bench coach Joe Espada taking over. Josh Hader was brought in to add another high octane arm to the bullpen. With an impressive pitching staff and powerful lineup in place, the Astros were seemingly ready to compete in a difficult AL West.

Instead, the Astros find themselves in the division basement. First baseman Jose Abreu has been a disaster. Most of the projected starting rotation is either currently on the injured list or started the season there. Hader and Ryan Pressly have struggled to begin the season. The Astros rank second in OPS and on-base percentage but have struggled to get timely hits. As a result, they have a 9-19 record entering Monday, the fourth worst in the majors.

The Astros were expected to contend in a difficult AL West. If that is to happen, this two-game winning streak has to be the beginning.

2. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals knew they had to make changes during the 2023-24 offseason.

In their defense, the Cardinals did exactly that. Pitchers Sonny Gray and Kyle Gibson signed as free agents. Lance Lynn returned to where his career began. Andrew Kittredge was acquired via trade to shore up the bullpen. Gray, Lynn and Kittredge have done their parts as that trio has been among the best pitchers on the team.

The problem has been everything else. Manager Oliver Marmol stated that it does not matter what he does with the lineup unless second baseman Nolan Gorman and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt begin hitting. The two have posted an OPS+ of 81 and 72 respectively, combining for six homers and seven doubles in their 213 plate appearances entering Monday. Starter Miles Mikolas has taken another step backwards while Steven Matz continues to be a bust. 

The Cardinals are last in a competitive NL Central and are in danger of losing ground quickly.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

This was supposed to be the year the Diamondbacks took another step forward.

Fresh off of an unexpected trip to the World Series, the Diamondbacks made moves to strengthen the roster. Eduardo Rodriguez was signed to fortify the middle of the rotation. Jordan Montgomery was signed when Rodriguez was sidelined due to a strained left lat muscle. However, Merrill Kelly joined Rodriguez on the injured list while the Diamondbacks bullpen desperately misses the injured Paul Sewald. 

The Diamondbacks offense has continued to impress despite a rough beginning to center fielder Corbin Carroll's sophomore season, ranking second in the National League with 5.31 runs scored per game. A +26 run differential indicates they are better than their 12-16 record. While it may simply be a matter of getting healthy, the Diamondbacks cannot afford to lose any more ground.