Postseason baseball is here. After a lengthy 162-game season, this is where each squad stands entering the 2023 MLB playoffs.
1. Atlanta Braves (104-58) | Last week: 1
The Braves had the best record, best run differential (+231), and arguably the best player (Ronald Acuna Jr.) during the regular season; and they went 52-29 both at home and on the road. Atlanta is a juggernaut with one of the best offenses in history, but it’s worth noting that the NL schedule might not set up great for them with a divisional opponent (Philadelphia or Miami) coming in the NLDS.
2. Baltimore Orioles (101-61) | Last week: 2
One of the best stories in sports, the massive breakout by the Orioles led to 101 wins and the best record in the American League—even with the Rays on their heels for weeks. However, like the Braves in the NL, the Orioles might have gotten the tougher second round draw with the Rangers or Rays as the ALDS matchup.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers (100-62) | Last week: 3
Yesterday’s victory concluded another 100-win campaign for the Dodgers. Dave Roberts has some major decisions to make with how he manages and lines up this pitching rotation starting in the Divisional Series.
4. Tampa Bay Rays (99-63) | Last week: 4
While they ultimately fell just short of 100 wins and the AL East crown, Tampa Bay began 2023 with an historic 13-0 start to the regular season, battled adversity in the locker room, and have the pieces to make a run. Not having star pitcher Shane McClanahan hurts after he was lost for the year in early September to Tommy John, but Tyler Glasnow and Zach Eflin lead the pitching staff in the ALCS.
5. Houston Astros (90-72) | Last week: 9 (+4)
The Astros won four games in a row to take the American League West and a first-round bye in the postseason, so they’re just a step away from their seventh consecutive Championship Series.
6. Philadelphia Phillies (90-72) | Last week: 6
The defending National League champions are no doubt an intriguing team entering the postseason, with an extremely deep offense filled with power, experienced workhorses in the starting staff, and a high-upside bullpen. They’re also tough to beat at Citizens Bank Park.
7. Milwaukee Brewers (92-70) | Last week: 5 (-2)
In terms of record, the Brewers get the best wild card draw among the teams competing to begin this week, hosting the 84-78 Diamondbacks. The offense cannot go cold at the wrong time, but Milwaukee had the best combination of pitching and defense during the regular season.
8. Texas Rangers (90-72) | Last week: 7 (-1)
It was tough to lose the AL West in the final week, but the Rangers deserve credit for overcoming huge injuries to hit 90 wins and get into the dance. Texas was below .500 on the road this season, and it’ll be a difficult task taking on a Rays team tied for the best home record in the majors.
9. Minnesota Twins (87-75) | Last week: 10 (+1)
The Twins enter the postseason on a 7-3 stretch in their past ten games, and they have the pitching that can heat up and shut teams down. Minnesota and Toronto split their six games during the regular season.
10. Toronto Blue Jays (89-73) | Last week: 8 (-2)
The Jays were better on the road than in Toronto this season—including losing their final two series of the regular season at home immediately after taking two of three from the Rays in Tampa—and they won’t mind going on the road to face Minnesota. It should be a fun series.
11. Miami Marlins (84-78) | Last week: 14 (+3)
The Marlins are another team that won’t be daunted by their opponent, as they’ve had some success against the Phillies, including a winning record at CBP this year. Despite a -57 run differential and a 75-87 expected win-loss record, it just takes a good series and a couple of wins in the NLDS to go kick off a run.
12. Arizona Diamondbacks (84-78) | Last week: 12
Finally, the Diamondbacks are another team that will enter their wild card series confident after going 4-2 versus the Brewers during the regular season. All-Star rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll (24 homers, 54 stolen bases) could surprise new fans tuning into playoff baseball.
13. Seattle Mariners (88-74) | Last week: 11 (-2)
14. Chicago Cubs (83-79) | Last week: 13 (-1)
15. San Diego Padres (82-80) | Last week: 16 (+1)
16. New York Yankees (82-80) | Last week: 18 (+2)
17. Cincinnati Reds (82-80) | Last week: 15 (-2)
18. San Francisco Giants (79-83) | Last week: 17 (-1)
19. Boston Red Sox (78-84) | Last week: 19
20. Detroit Tigers (78-84) | Last week: 22 (+2)
21. Cleveland Guardians (76-86) | Last week: 21
22. Pittsburgh Pirates (76-86) | Last week: 20 (-2)
23. New York Mets (75-87) | Last week: 23
24. St. Louis Cardinals (71-91) | Last week: 25 (+1)
25. Washington Nationals (71-91) | Last week: 24 (-1)
26. Los Angeles Angels (73-89) | Last week: 26
27. Chicago White Sox (61-101) | Last week: 27
28. Colorado Rockies (59-103) | Last week: 28
29. Kansas City Royals (56-106) | Last week: 29
30. Oakland Athletics (50-112) | Last week: 30