The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is coming down to the wire with a couple spots in the playoffs still up for grabs. With the playoffs kicking off with the first wild card games Oct. 3. The three division winners and top three other teams earn a playoff spot. The top two teams in each league receive a first round bye, giving them an automatic spot into the second round. The other four teams play best out of three series to earn a spot in the next round.
Currently occupying the entire MLB’s best record is the Atlanta Braves who are looking at the number one seed in their conference (the National League) and a first round bye. The current number one seed in the American League is the Baltimore Orioles in a close race with their division rival, the Tampa Bay Rays. These two juggernauts have been neck and neck all season. Both of them are favorites to have deep playoff runs, but whoever wins the division will receive the number one seed with the first round bye, home field advantage and an easy schedule through the playoffs.
One of the most surprising playoff teams is the Baltimore Orioles, who are looking at being the top seed in the American league. Last season they finished with a lackluster finish, being in the bottom half of teams in the American League. This year they’re shooting up to number one, primarily due to their young catcher Adley Rutchman having a breakout season.
One team that won’t be in the playoffs this year is the New York Mets, who finished last season with 101 wins and this year aren’t going to reach 70. This team had sky high expectations to bring home a world series title, but early in the season after a disappointing start they realized that it just wasn’t their year.
The favorites to win the world series are thought to be the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League, and the Orioles, Rays and Astros in the American League. These teams had amazing seasons and have the rosters poised to go deep in the postseason. If I had to pick my champion, it’s tough to bet against the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have an incredible batting order with an underrated pitching staff.
The Minnesota Twins are headed into the postseason with the American League Central division title, their third in five years. They finished with a modest record with a weak division, but will earn the number 3 seed in the playoffs, drawing a mildly challenging matchup with home field advantage in the wild card round.
The playoffs are sure to be full of excitement and surprises that nobody can predict. The Astros going for their second straight championship, the Rangers, Mariners and Rays looking for their first championship, and every player looking to make a name for themselves. Who will take home the World Series Trophy? It’s anyone’s guess.
