As all the dust settles, the stage is set for a wild end to the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) Postseason. Just four teams remain in the fight for this year’s World Series. From the American League (AL), it will be a battle of Texas between the postseason juggernaut Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers and their star-studded batting order. From the National League (NL), it’s the six-seeded Arizona Diamondbacks taking on the reigning NL champion Philadelphia Phillies.
This makes it seven straight trips to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) for the Astros after taking down the Minnesota Twins. Year in and year out, Houston continues to cement its dynasty. It seems there’s no stopping this team. Players like veteran second baseman José Altuve continue to prove that age is just a number, while outfielder Kyle Tucker and designated hitter Yordan Álvarez are the future of the franchise. Álvarez specifically has been the key to success this postseason. The slugger is the most feared bat in Houston’s lineup, clubbing four home runs this October, and he’ll likely continue that path of demolition. The Astros have the chance to go back-to-back, which would make it three World Series trophies in seven years.
Can the Rangers put an end to Houston’s reign? They’ve been on a tear this postseason, staying undefeated, most recently upsetting the one-seeded Baltimore Orioles thanks to an offensive onslaught. From top to bottom, Texas’ hitters can do it all. Whether it’s drawing walks, hitting homers or simply putting the ball in the play, every batter knows how to make the opponent work. If you had to highlight one guy, it’d be the 29-year-old shortstop Corey Seager. The star is proving to be a nuisance this postseason with his bat and a stunning 11 walks in 25 plate appearances. If he can continue to do what he’s doing, other hitters will continue to drive him in and they’ll be a thorn in Houston’s side this series.
The Phillies are back to defend their NL crown, but they’re hungry for more. The Phillies fell to the Houston Astros in last year’s World Series, and the script could have a chance for revenge in store. Philadelphia took down the Atlanta Braves, who carried one of the best lineups the league has ever seen. There’s just something about this team that others can’t match. It’s an all-around talented team that plays well in crunch time. The big three of shortstop Trea Turner, outfielder Nick Castellanos and first baseman Bryce Harper have all shown up in a big way. It’s safe to say the Phillies are getting their money’s worth from their top guys and they’re ready to bring the World Series trophy back to Philadelphia.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are baseball’s Cinderella story. Sneaking into the postseason with 84 wins, they swept the two-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers and have found their rhythm at the perfect time. Like Texas, Arizona is also undefeated heading into the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and have had to fight tooth and nail for every win. On the offensive side, the team has launched 13 home runs, many of them coming in clutch situations. As for the pitching, it’s been the bullpen leading the way. Headlining a deep bullpen is trade deadline acquisition, closer Paul Sewald. Sewald has yet to give up a run this postseason, earning three saves. It’ll be a challenging task but look out for the Diamondbacks to ride this wave all the way to the World Series.
There’s still a lot of baseball to be played, but the stage is set for another fantastic ending to the MLB season. With many favorites down and out, it’ll be hard to predict this year’s World Series. MLB fans will just have to sit back and watch what happens.
