The 2023 MLB postseason is underway and the Wild Card Sequence spherical is already full. All 4 collection had been two-game sweeps. It’s the first time in baseball historical past a postseason spherical with not less than 4 collection resulted in all sweeps. The very best-of-five Division Sequence will get underway this weekend. Here is the postseason start times and listed here are the Division Sequence matchups:
There are eight groups nonetheless standing and that equals 16 attainable World Sequence matchups. There aren’t any unhealthy choices! They’re every thrilling in their very own means, however some are extra compelling than others. Typically there’s historical past (latest or in any other case), typically new gamers have joined the combo, so on and so forth.
With that in thoughts, we’re right here to rank all 16 attainable World Sequence matchups. What are these rankings primarily based on, precisely? Historical past, watchability, vibes, and many others. No have to get scientific. Right here now are our 2023 World Sequence matchup rankings.
The underside six
16. Twins vs. Diamondbacks
15. Twins vs. Dodgers
14. Astros vs. Diamondbacks
13. Rangers vs. Diamondbacks
12. Twins vs. Phillies
11. Twins vs. Braves
I didn’t intend for the D-Backs and Twins to characteristic so prominently within the backside tier. They’re each thrilling groups — I like watching Arizona’s baserunning and Minnesota’s pitching — and Corbin Carroll vs. Royce Lewis belongs on the nationwide stage. Finally, some group(s) has to complete close to the underside of those rankings, and this 12 months it occurs to be these two. That stated, I’d fortunately join a Braves vs. Twins World Sequence that’s as fascinating as their 1991 showdown.
The following 4
10. Orioles vs. Dodgers
9. Rangers vs. Dodgers
8. Orioles vs. Diamondbacks
7. Rangers vs. Phillies
Personally, I believe an O’s vs. D-Backs collection can be sneaky enjoyable. Two very younger, very fast-paced groups makes for good tv. A wholesome Max Scherzer would transfer Rangers vs. Dodgers and Rangers vs. Phillies up a couple of notches, although his postseason standing is unsure in the meanwhile, so I am hedging a bit. Texas is the one group nonetheless alive with no World Sequence title. Topping the powerhouse Dodgers can be a neat technique to get that first championship.
A tier of its personal
6. Astros vs. Dodgers
Look, MLB and Fox would love this, however I believe followers are beginning to go get sick of seeing these two groups each October. It is time for brand new blood. Plus we have all been overwhelmed over the top with the sign-stealing scandal and 2017 World Sequence narrative for 3 years now. Would Astros vs. Dodgers make for a compelling World Sequence? Yeah, I believe so, therefore the comparatively excessive spot in these rankings. I additionally suppose we have seen sufficient Astros and Dodgers the previous few seasons and would welcome a special matchup. I do know I’d, personally.
The highest 5
5. Rangers vs. Braves
Here is the “there is no one proper technique to construct a group” matchup. The Braves constructed from inside and thru shrewd trades. The Rangers threw a boatload of cash at their issues. Each can and have labored, traditionally. If we do wind up with this matchup, I hope it might be with absolutely wholesome pitching staffs, which means Scherzer for Texas and Max Fried and Charlie Morton for the Braves. Both means, we’re taking a look at Ronald Acuña Jr. and Evan Carter on the identical discipline, Matt Olson and Austin Riley vs. Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, and loads of different must-see gamers.
4. Astros vs. Phillies
There has not been a World Sequence rematch in back-to-back years because the Dodgers and Yankees met in 1977 and 1978, and there has not been been a World Sequence rematch not involving the Yankees because the Athletics and Cardinals in 1930 and 1931. This matchup would finish two lengthy droughts and who would not like the thought of Bryce Harper & Co. attempting to precise revenge whereas Justin Verlander and his buddies look to once more show their superiority? Add in new faces like José Abreu and Trea Turner, and a 2022 World Sequence rematch affords loads of intrigue.
3. Astros vs. Braves
We noticed this World Sequence two years in the past however bear in mind, Acuña (torn ACL) and Verlander (Tommy John surgical procedure) had been absent resulting from harm, plus stalwarts Carlos Correa and Freddie Freeman are not round. This fall we’d get wholesome Acuña and Verlander, plus new faces in Jeremy Peña and Olson. We have seen the Astros and Braves so much the previous few postseasons — A LOT — and that is not essentially a very good factor. On this case, I believe we would get a enjoyable collection even with the oversaturation.
2. Orioles vs. Braves
These two golf equipment had the 2 greatest information in baseball in the course of the common season and, actually, the O’s try to change into what the Braves are. The Braves are the mannequin group proper now they usually have one World Sequence title already, and now they’re trying to construct a dynasty. That is Baltimore’s first strive at this core’s first ring. Atlanta went by means of plenty of postseason heartbreak from 2018-20 earlier than they lastly cashed in. Can the O’s skip the frustration and go from 110 losses in 2021 to a championship in 2023?
1. Orioles vs. Phillies
On the sector, it might be the up-and-coming Orioles in opposition to a veteran Phillies group trying to recover from the hump after falling simply quick final 12 months. The crowds are the x-factor. Residents Financial institution Park was electrical within the Wild Card Sequence and the Orioles followers which have been starved for a contending group gave Camden Yards a postseason-like environment many instances late within the 12 months. The journey’s not too unhealthy both. A two-hour drive will get you from Baltimore and Philadelphia and vice versa (professional tip: take Amtrak as a substitute). The groups are glorious and I believe the crowds would take this World Sequence matchup to the following stage.
