This year’s NL Wild Card picture is, in fact, wild. Currently, three teams are vying for one final playoff spot. The Cardinals hold a .5-game lead over the Colorado Rockies who are fighting for a chance at the Wild Card position or the NL West crown. The Dodgers also hold a 1.5-game lead in the NL West over the Rockies and could finish anywhere from being division champions to being out of the playoffs entirely.
In the craziness of the NL playoff push, the AL has its field easily set in place. Boston, Cleveland and Houston have all locked up their division titles as the Yankees and Athletics will face each other in the AL Wild Card game. On the NL’s side, only the Braves have clinched their division title, whereas the Cubs, Brewers and Cardinals have a chance to win the NL Central division. If the playoffs started today, the NL Playoffs would include the Cubs, Braves, Dodgers, Brewers and Cardinals.
Playoff Predictions
Boston won a staggering 106 games, followed by the defending champions, the Astros. Meanwhile, the Yankees are 12 home runs away from breaking the season record of 264, and the Athletics were one of the league’s best teams in the second half of the season. However, the Red Sox are led by a great pitching staff and potential MVP candidates J.D. Martinez and Mookie Betts. Although the Astros are a tempting pick, Boston is too good to pass on this year.
On the NL side, the Cubs have what it takes to make an October run, the Cardinals are rolling and the Brewers have continued to improve, but the Dodgers are the team with experience and pitching. Outfielder Matt Kemp has resurged his career, leading LA in batting average and RBIs. They also have a fantastic pitching staff led by rookie Walker Buehler and 3-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. A repeat World Series trip is not easy, but it is attainable for the Dodgers.
World Series Prediction: Boston Red Sox- 4, Los Angeles Dodgers- 1.
