Most-improved teams aim to build off momentum

As the 2016 season reaches the three-quarter mark, which teams have made the greatest strides since last year? We can answer that question based on a comparison of winning percentages from the final records for 2015 and the current standings.

This measurement won’t do much for the Cardinals, who won 100 games last year, or the Pirates, who won 98, although it won’t stop the Cubs, who won 97. But it will give us a solid handle on which clubs have the most impressive upward mobility, in this case the top two teams in each division.

American League East Boston Red Sox 2015 win pct.: .481 2016 win pct.: .558 Gain: +.77

Baltimore Orioles 2015 win pct.: 500 2016 win pct.: .558 Gain: +.58

Two of the most dynamic offenses in the game battle with the Blue Jays for the top of this division, while hoping that they can get enough pitching to put them over the top. Boston leads the Majors in runs scored, while Baltimore leads in home runs. Impressive strides have been taken, particularly by the Red Sox, who are attempting another worst-to-first journey.

AL Central Cleveland Indians 2015 win pct.: .503 2016 win pct.: .580 Gain: +.77

Detroit Tigers 2015 win pct.: .460 2016 win pct.: .529 Gain: +.69

Cleveland has the AL’s second-best team ERA. The Tribe has the kind of pitching that can succeed in the postseason. Detroit, closer to full health in …

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