MLB Postseason Matchups and Predictions(Wild Card Edition)

The first day of the postseason is on October 3rd, in which the wild card rounds start off. This year they are following the same playoff format that consists of the two highest seeds getting a bye, and the rest of the teams in the three game wild card series. Six total teams from each league make the playoffs, in which only one is destined for glory.  Since I am a big baseball fan and watch the postseason each year, I decided to make my predictions on what I think will happen this year.

NL

#4 Philadelphia vs #5 Miami(Philly wins series 2-0)

-This matchup heavily favors Philadelphia not only because of the stacked lineup that Philly presents, but their overall experience from last postseason adds to their resume as well. Hitters such as Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and JT Realmuto are the ones that other teams must watch-out for in this year’s Postseason. After a magical postseason that the Phillies had last year, the expectations from Philly fans are very high to take the next step and win the chip. 

This year is Miami’s first postseason appearance since the pandemic year (2020), in which most players on this squad are young and inexperienced with the postseason pressure. These factors shouldn’t deceive you from the potential this team holds. The Miami Marlins have some exciting players such as Luis Arraez, Jorge Soler, and even Yuli Gurriel who can definitely show up for the big spots as he has in the past. This Marlins team should be an underrated team to look out for, but I still have Philly in 2, sweeping the Marlins.

#6 Arizona vs #3 Milwaukee (Milwaukee wins series 2-1)

–Milwaukee is returning to the postseason after missing out last season. This Milwaukee Brewers team’s strength is pitching with guys such as Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta to name a few. For the past 5 years or so, Milwaukee has produced masterful pitching that has been able to keep games close. Another strong sign for the Brewers is the sudden Re-emergence of Christian Yelich, as well as the production from guys like William Contreras and trade deadline acquisition Mark Canha. Production from the offense and sound pitching is the key to this Milwaukee Brewers team to be successful this postseason.

This year for Arizona is the first time in 6 years that they’ve played in October and this team isn’t destined for much success. The D-Backs are a team with little to no starting pitching which is never a formula for success in the postseason. Arizona has to heavily rely on the offense with guys like Corbin Carroll, Tommy Pham, and Ketel Marte for support because after Zac Gallen and Merill Kelly the starting pitching is not strong. I’ve got Milwaukee in 3.

AL

#5 Texas vs #4 Tampa Bay (Texas wins series 2-1)

–Tampa Bay has once again made the playoffs, as they had nearly come out with a division title, but injuries disrupted their success. Pitchers Shane McClanahan, Jeffrey Springs, and Jason Adam all missing parts of the season have been huge losses for this Tampa Bay pitching staff. This gave pitchers Tyler Glasnow, Zach Efflin, and Colin Poche  to fill in big spots and have all delivered when the Rays needed them to this year. Tampa Bay has a competitive offense with the sudden emergence of players Luke Raley, Isaac Paredes, and Josh Lowe. This Tampa Bay offense has a chance to make some noise this Postseason. 

The Texas Rangers are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and if they play up to expectations they can truly be a World Series contender. Pitcher Nathan Eovaldi, Dane Dunning, and Jordan Montgomery have played very well for them, and can bring them a long way. Injuries to pitchers such as Jacob Degrom, Max Scherzer, and Jon Gray have affected their rotation harshly. Texas has a strong offense that contains Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Adolis Garcia who with other big roleplayers can lift this team to success. Texas’ strength is the offense and I believe that will power them to a Texas in 3 Wild card victory.

#3 Minnesota vs #6 Toronto (Minnesota wins series 2-1)

-Minnesota has won their division and secured a postseason spot for the first time since 2020, but are on an 18 consecutive Postseason series losing streak that stretches all the way back to 2004. This matchup features 2 teams that were seen as “maybes” for postseason contention at the start of the season, in which Minnesota just happened to win the division, that has been the worst in the American League for the past couple of years. Minnesota has a solid starting staff  by having Sonny Gray, Pablo Lopez, and Joe Ryan leading the way. Minnesota’s offense has been top 10 in runs scored this season and if they can carry that offense to the postseason they can be a hidden threat this postseason.

The Toronto Blue Jays are definitely an “iffy” team to make it far this year as the failure as seen through the frustration of Alek Manoah. The struggle Manoah has been going through is  a big blow to this Toronto pitching staff , in which it definitely weighs this team down. Toronto has been lacking an ace they thought they had all season but with help from guys like Chris Bassitt, Yusei Kikuchi, and the rise again of Jose Berrios, this pitching staff is the paramount and focal point of this Blue Jays team. The offense on the other hand has been a disappointment for the Blue Jays as players  Daulton Varsho, Matt Chapman, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have not played their best ball this season and it has affected the offense mightily. Toronto is 14th in runs scored but this pitching staff will definitely be a big boost for the team. I have Minnesota in 3.