2023 MLB Postseason Preview

As the summer months fade away and the cool breeze of fall sets in, sports fans eagerly anticipate the culmination of another thrilling MLB season. The 2023 MLB postseason is poised to deliver a mix of expected contenders, surprising upstarts, and dramatic moments that will be remembered for years to come. In this article, we dive deep into the Wild Card matchups and storylines that will shape this year’s chase for the World Series.

Postseason Structure

For those who might have let the excitement of the regular season overshadow the postseason’s structure, let’s lay it out. Major League Baseball has set its postseason pace, starting with the tension-packed best-of-three Wild Card Series on October 3. By October 27, the pinnacle of the season, the World Series, will begin its journey to crown a champion. But what happens in between is where the magic lies.

The two top-performing teams in each league get to skip the first round, catching their breath while the others duel. Following the Wild Card series, we will witness the best-of-five Division Series, progress to the intense best-of-seven League Championship Series, and then, of course, the grand World Series. All leading to that glorious moment where a city erupts in celebration with a parade.

American League

Teams on Byes

No. 1 Orioles, No. 2 Astros

Wild Card Series

No. 6 Blue Jays vs. No. 3 Twins

No. 5 Rangers vs. No. 4 Rays

National League

Teams on Byes

No. 1 Braves, No. 2 Dodgers

Wild Card Series

No. 6 Diamondbacks vs. No. 3 Brewers

No. 5 Marlins vs. No. 4 Phillies

No. 6 Toronto Blue Jays vs. No. 3 Minnesota Twins

The Toronto Blue Jays’ season has been a tale of resilience. They started with high aspirations of clinching the division title, but that dream seemed distant as the Rays and Orioles turned the AL East into a two-horse race. However, displaying grit, they managed to secure their spot via the wild-card route, holding their own against three teams from the AL West.

The Minnesota Twins, meanwhile, set their sights on one thing and one thing only: the AL Central title. They led the division for the majority of the season, largely due to their enhanced pitching rotation. Despite their prowess in pitching, their batting lineup posed concerns. Carlos Correa struggled to find his form, and Byron Buxton succumbed to injuries.

In the recent offseason, the Blue Jays displayed their commitment to defense by adding Kevin Kiermaier and Daulton Varsho to their roster. Alongside George Springer, they can now lay claim to one of baseball’s elite outfield defenses – a crucial element in the tense playoff atmosphere. However, their offensive prowess seems to have dwindled, despite having the Home Run Derby champion in their ranks. Their once-mighty home run rate has dropped to a middling position this year. This offensive shortfall could potentially be their undoing against the Twins.

No. 5 Texas Rangers vs. No. 4 Tampa Bay Rays

The journey of the Texas Rangers this season has been nothing short of a roller coaster. After a lightning-quick and costly rebuilding phase, they stormed onto the scene, dominating early on due to their explosive offense.

However, as seasons often go, they hit a rough patch towards the end of summer, allowing rivals like the Astros and Mariners to pull alongside. Entering the final weekend, they reclaimed their lead, only to falter, losing three out of four games against the Mariners. This series of events led them to settle for the AL’s second Wild Card spot.

On the flip side, the Tampa Bay Rays kicked off 2023 with remarkable fervor, taking an early lead in the AL East by going unbeaten in their first 13 games. As with many team sports, injuries and off-field issues, like Wander Franco’s legal challenges, slowed their momentum. They couldn’t surpass the Orioles for the division title, settling for the top Wild Card position.

As the two teams square off, the Rangers’ lack of reliable bullpen options could be their Achilles’ heel. The Rays, with their track record, could capitalize on this, possibly clinching the game in an unforgettable comeback.

The Rays would have loved to have a bye, but the Orioles won the AL East and are heading back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. You can bet that Maryland sportsbook promos will be useful during this year’s MLB postseason.

No. 6 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ contention this season caught many off guard. They were a dominant force in the NL West in the early parts of the season. However, a mid-summer slump saw them lose ground to the Dodgers. Against the odds, in a fiercely competitive NL Wild Card race, the Diamondbacks pulled ahead, securing their postseason berth just a year after finishing fourth in their division.

The Milwaukee Brewers, staying true to their identity, once again showcased a masterclass in pitching. The trio of Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta were instrumental in keeping competitors at bay, ultimately clinching the NL Central title.

However, the Brewers received a significant blow recently with Brandon Woodruff’s injury sidelining him for the Wild Card round.

Despite this setback, their pitching lineup, backed by the formidable Devin Williams-led bullpen, remains a force to be reckoned with. If their batters manage to find their rhythm, even a modest performance could see them advance against the Diamondbacks. That said, it’s no coincidence that Arizona reached this stage, they have a very talented team and the Brewers can’t underestimate them.

No. 5 Miami Marlins vs. No. 4 Philadelphia Phillies

The Miami Marlins’ 2023 campaign might not have seen them challenging for the NL East title, but their consistency ensured they remained relevant. A late surge saw them clinch the No. 5 seed on the season’s concluding weekend.

The Philadelphia Phillies, with the NL East title out of their grasp, set their sights on the Wild Card and led the race for the most part. A potent mix of power-hitting and just-enough pitching defined their season.

Their batting lineup, featuring the likes of Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber, looks formidable, with Bryson Stott showing significant improvements and seasoned professionals like J.T. Realmuto and Nick Castellanos adding depth. With their offensive might, they stand a strong chance of overcoming the Marlins.

As the postseason unfolds, each pitch, hit, and strategy will dictate which team earns the coveted title. The stakes are high, the pressure is immense, and the excitement is palpable. Let the games begin!