October baseball has arrived a day early, with the first postseason games of Major League Baseball (MLB) set to commence on Tuesday afternoon. This year’s postseason promises to be an exciting spectacle as there are no clear favorites, contrasting sharply with last year's dominant Los Angeles Dodgers. Notably, no team has exceeded 97 wins this season, making the 2023 Milwaukee Brewers the losing-est winningest team in baseball since 2013 (excluding the pandemic-shortened 2020 season). This opens up the race for the coveted World Series title to any of the 12 teams in contention.
The postseason field is wide open, featuring teams from both coasts and the Midwest, including iconic franchises like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Diego, Boston, and Philadelphia, along with Midwest representatives such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Detroit. Even our neighbors to the north, Canada, are in the mix! With such a diverse array of teams, it can be challenging to determine which one to support.
If you enjoy cheering for teams that have yet to capture a World Series championship, you’re in luck. Among the five franchises that have never won a title, the Seattle Mariners stand out as the only team to have never reached the Fall Classic. Mariners fans have endured 49 long seasons, watching every other active franchise secure a shot at the trophy. After a dismal 20-year postseason drought that concluded in 2022, Seattle is buzzing with excitement. Catcher Cal Raleigh, a potential AL MVP, made history by hitting 60 home runs this season, joining an elite group of just seven players in MLB history to achieve this feat.
The Mariners made significant moves at the trade deadline, transforming into the second-hottest team in baseball and clinching the AL West division title for the first time since 2001. As the No. 2 seed, they will face the winner of the Wild Card Series between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians, both of whom have their own long title droughts but have at least appeared in a World Series.
If you’re drawn to underdog stories, consider the San Diego Padres or the Milwaukee Brewers, both of whom have yet to win a World Series. The Padres haven’t returned to the Fall Classic since their loss in 1998, while the Brewers last competed for the title 43 years ago in 1982. Although both teams have become postseason regulars, they have struggled to break through. The Brewers, with a payroll of $121 million, rank among the lowest in the league, while the Padres, who have invested heavily in star players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, frequently face their rivals, the Dodgers, in the playoffs.
For those who prefer classic rivalries, the matchup between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox is a must-watch. Once considered the fiercest rivalry in baseball, it has been rekindled as they clash in a best-of-three Wild Card series. This rivalry allows fans to embrace the "dark side" of baseball. The Yankees, often dubbed the "Evil Empire," feature a powerhouse lineup led by Aaron Judge, who had another incredible season, boasting a .331 batting average, a .457 on-base percentage, and 53 home runs.
On the other hand, the Red Sox bring a mix of a spottier lineup and strong pitching, highlighted by starter Garrett Crochet and closer Aroldis Chapman, who is enjoying a career-best season at age 37. This matchup is not just about baseball; it’s a chance to witness the history and intensity that these teams bring to the field.
If you’re interested in watching teams that excel in hitting, keep an eye on the Toronto Blue Jays, who secured the AL's top seed. The team boasts two players, Bo Bichette and George Springer, with batting averages above .300, alongside first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and catcher Alejandro Kirk, both hitting above .280. The Blue Jays lead the league in batting average, hits, and on-base percentage, showcasing their offensive prowess.
For those who want to root for a powerhouse team, the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers are strong contenders. The Phillies feature slugger Kyle Schwarber, shortstop Trea Turner, and outfielder Harrison Bader, while the Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, have a lineup filled with MVPs, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.
Lastly, if you’re eager to see young talent shine, don’t miss out on players like Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, who is having a career year with a 2.21 ERA. The Chicago Cubs feature promising center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, while the Cincinnati Reds showcase electrifying shortstop Elly de la Cruz, making his playoff debut in the Wild Card series against the Dodgers. This postseason promises to be filled with thrilling moments and unforgettable performances.
As October baseball unfolds, the excitement and unpredictability of the MLB postseason will capture the hearts of fans everywhere. Whether you’re rooting for underdogs, classic rivalries, or powerhouse teams, there’s something for everyone in this year's postseason.
