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The air is getting colder and the leaves on trees are changing colors. October is coming, and with it comes the most magical time of year: the MLB Postseason! The new expanded format has made this year a more intriguing race. The format is as follows: The top two division winners will receive a first-round bye. The other division winner will play in the wild card series, as well as the three teams who made the playoffs through the wild card. Let’s take a look at all the participants in this year’s playoffs!
Atlanta Braves:
The reigning World Champions are showing why they’re no fluke. Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr, outfielder Michael Harris, third baseman Austin Riley, and shortstop Dansby Swanson, make up a loaded offensive core. They also carry one of the best starting rotations in the league with Max Fried and Kyle Wright. The Braves are in a prime position to be the first team to repeat as world champions.
Cleveland Guardians:
Perhaps a name change was all that was needed. All jokes aside, this has been an unexpectedly good year for the Guardians. Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, James Karinchak, and Emmanuel Clase, lead a lethal pitching staff. Their offense, with outfielder Steven Kwan, infielders Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, and perennial all-star Jose Ramirez, have turned quite a few heads as well. The Guardians have been one of baseball’s biggest surprises this season, and they look like a team that could possibly make some noise in October.
Houston Astros:
The Houston Astros are the top team in the American League, and not without good reason. Houston’s offense consists of infielders Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman, along with feared designated hitter Yordan Alvarez. They also have one of the top starting rotations in the league with Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and the ageless Justin Verlander. It’s safe to assume that they will be legitimate World Series contenders once again. However, it remains to be seen if they can get over the hump without their beloved trash cans.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
The Dodgers have been unstoppable all year, even breaking their single-season record of most wins in franchise history. Their offense is stacked with stars from top to bottom, such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Trea Turner. Their starting rotation continues to be amazing with Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Julio Urias, and Tyler Anderson. Their bullpen is also solid. The
question: will they be able to put an end to the “Mickey Mouse ring” narrative this year?
New York Mets:
Could this finally be the year for the Mets? Owner Steve Cohen once again opened his wallet, signing big-name free agents as well such as outfielders Starling Marte and Mark Cahna. He also brought Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt to Queens to join forces with Jacob deGrom in the starting rotation. All-star closer Edwin Diaz has also had a year for the ages. Perhaps this is the year the Mets finally put an end to all the memes plaguing them for years.
New York Yankees:
The Yankees were the best team in baseball in the first half of the season. However, they fell back to earth after the All-Star Break. Despite a rough August, a healthy Yankees offense is a scary proposition for pitchers in the playoffs. Opposing pitchers would have to face a squad led by presumptive MVP Aaron Judge. The starting rotation is still a solid unit headlining Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes as well. Say what you will, but the Bronx Bombers are a legitimate threat in the American League.
Philadelphia Phillies:
After a sluggish start, firing their manager, Joe Girardi, may have been exactly what the Phillies needed. Even without star right fielder Bryce Harper for most of the season, the Fightin’ Phils have stayed relevant. Their offense is one of the most dangerous in baseball. However, the pitching still remains a liability. They've been inconsistent, and you can’t trust them in high-leverage situations. If they want to make it even past the wild card, the pitching staff needs to step up in a big way. Nevertheless, don’t bet on them making it far.
San Diego Padres:
The Padres are once again going all in. Even without their superstar shortstop, Fernando Tatis Jr (who sustained a wrist injury and then was suspended 80 games for PEDs), the Friars are stacked with talent like third baseman Manny Machado. They won the Juan Soto sweepstakes during the trade deadline, along with acquiring first baseman Josh Bell, infielder Brandon Drury, and reliever Josh Hader. The problem is they are underperforming big time. It would be wise to not hold your breath in hopes of the Padres making a deep run.
Seattle Mariners:
The Mariners are in the postseason for the first time since 2001 and looking for their first pennant title in franchise history. Their lineup is littered with talent, like rookie outfielder Julio Rodriguez and first baseman Ty France. Their rotation of Luis Castillo, Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby, is also one of the top groups of arms in the game. However, the Mariners still have to make it past stronger teams like the Yankees and Astros. Their chances of winning the pennant are not great, but crazier things have happened.
St. Louis Cardinals:
With two franchise icons, Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols, retiring after the year, this could be the last dance for this Cardinals core. Whether or not it is, they are certainly in a position to win now. Third baseman Nolan Arenado and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt have been causing problems for opposing pitchers. The Cardinals starting rotation, with Adam Wainwright, Jordan
Montgomery, and Jose Quintana, is sure to give the team longevity each game. Ryan Helsley also headlines a tremendous bullpen. The Cardinals moved into the division lead just after the all-star break and have not looked back. They have all the tools to make it the storybook ending they want.
Tampa Bay Rays:
The Rays could trade away their entire team and still find a way to make the playoffs. Every other team would have been counted out with the number of injuries the Rays had, but the Rays found ways around it. Outfielders Randy Arozarena and Harold Ramirez have kept this offense afloat, while the always stingy bullpen, now featuring Jason Adam, has held firm. It has become almost impossible to count out the Rays. With this being said, it will be important to pay attention to the depth, or lack thereof, of their roster going into the postseason.
Toronto Blue Jays:
After firing their manager, Charlie Montoyo, the Blue Jays have put themselves right where they want to be — in the postseason. The Jays’ offense has multiple dangerous sluggers like first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., outfielder George Springer, and catcher Alejandro Kirk. Kevin Guasman, Alek Manoah, and Ross Stripling have also filled out a good starting rotation. However, there are multiple holes in this team. Their chances of them going far are slim.
As the regular season ends, it’s time to get ready for another unforgettable postseason that we’ll be talking about for decades to come!
