Predicting the final MLB playoff field as the second half begins MLB Postseason Predictions: Which Teams Will Rise to the Top in the Second Half? The All-Star break has come and gone, and now it’s full speed ahead for the second half of the MLB season. With the postseason picture cloudy in both the American League and the National League, we’re taking a stab at predicting the final 12-team MLB postseason field. National League Postseason Bracket The National League has an overabundance of winning teams, making it difficult to predict which teams will separate from the pack. Here are our top picks for the NL postseason bracket:
- Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champ) The Dodgers are the two-time reigning champs for a reason. With a strong pitching staff and a lineup that’s an absolute tank, they’re expected to continue their dominance in the second half. Despite the Brewers having a real shot to catch them, the Dodgers’ talent and depth make them the team to beat in the NL West.
- Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central Champ) The Brewers have become a regular season juggernaut, with a dominant one-two punch on the mound and a lineup that hits to all fields. While their ability to translate their regular season success to the postseason remains to be seen, they’re a talented team that plays the game the right way.
- Philadelphia Phillies (NL East Champ) The NL East has four legitimate contenders, but the Phillies’ collective star power and recent track record of strong second halves make them the team to beat. With a paper-thin rotation and a lineup with only three everyday hitters, they’re not without their weaknesses, but they have enough talent to claim home-field advantage in the first round.
- Chicago Cubs The Cubs are a talented team that stacks up well against any non-Dodgers team in the National League. However, health will be a prevailing storyline down the stretch, and how aggressively they operate at the trade deadline could go a long way in establishing them as a proper contender. Pete Crow-Armstrong’s MVP push is also a major storyline to watch.
- Atlanta Braves The Braves are banged-up, with a rotation that’s run into problems and a lineup that needs a wake-up call. However, in terms of overall talent and upside, they might still be the Dodgers’ greatest challenger. If they can get back on track, they could make a deep postseason run.
- Miami Marlins The Marlins are a dark horse team that could make a surprise run to the Wild Card round. With a dirty-work mentality and a strong finish to last season, they have the potential to punch their ticket to the postseason. American League Postseason Bracket The American League has a dearth of proven contenders, but here are our top picks for the AL postseason bracket:
- New York Yankees (AL East Champ) The Yankees are the most talented team in the American League and the most viable World Series contender. If they can get healthy and get their stars aligned, they’ll likely strong-arm their way into pole position.
- Cleveland Guardians (AL Central Champ) The Guardians are a steadfast and reliable regular season team, with a potent cocktail of grinding on the base paths, defending across the diamond, and shutting down opponents with elite pitching. While they may not be the most exciting team, they’re a force to be reckoned with in the regular season.
- Seattle Mariners (AL West Champ) The Mariners are a talented team on paper, but they’ve underperformed so far this season. If they can get their aces to lock in and their lineup to click, they have the potential to take the division by storm.
- Tampa Bay Rays The Rays have a clear path to October, with one of the easiest remaining strengths of schedules and a pitching staff that’s exceeded expectations. While their lineup is top-heavy and lacks slugging, they’re quick, smart, and relentless, with enough star power to give any team a run for their money.
- Boston Red Sox The Red Sox were dead in the water a couple months ago, but they’re now the hottest team in baseball. With a pitching staff that’s battered and bruised, but still finds ways to win, and a lineup that’s starting to click, they have the potential to continue their climb up the standings.
- Chicago White Sox The White Sox are a young and talented team that’s still ascending. While they have their weaknesses, they play with joy and energy, and their lineup has the potential to slug their way to a surprise victory or two come October. Don’t count them out, even as a sixth seed. Source: WorldNewsAPI | Read original