The underdog story is one of the best stories in all of sports. Just when you think the best team in the league is ready to go on a dominant run to win the championship, an underdog might sneak into the picture and ruin those dreams. It happens all the time in men’s college basketball in the March Madness Tournament, and just last year, it happened in Major League Baseball (MLB) when the Philadelphia Phillies knocked out the Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series as they made their run to the World Series. Is there a similar script in store for the 2023 MLB postseason?
The American League (AL) is loaded with competitive teams this season. Top teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays and defending champion Houston Astros have been hogging most of the spotlight, but the Toronto Blue Jays are just as much of a threat this October. While they’re still looking to lock up a postseason berth, it’s hard to imagine a postseason without them. Although they’ve struggled in the postseason in the past, they have the star power to strike fear into any opponent with guys like starter Kevin Gausman and shortstop Bo Bichette. Maybe this is the year the Jays finally break through in October.
The Seattle Mariners captured the hearts of baseball fans last season when they finally broke their 20-year postseason drought, and they hope to return to the postseason this year. After a rough start, it looked like these Mariners were a flash in the pan. However, the team has been on fire since the all-star break and is contending for the AL West crown. The lifeblood of the team is young centerfielder Julio Rodríguez. Headlined by an August where he batted .429, the future superstar unlocked a different gear after the all-star break and is setting his eyes on the postseason. With his help, the Mariners could be well on their way to appearing in their first World Series in franchise history.
The Texas Rangers are also making a strong run for the AL West crown. Unfortunately, they haven’t been the same team since the all-star break, but their offense remains a force to be reckoned with. Infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien and outfielder Adolis García have been putting a charge into the baseball all year long, leading one of the best offenses in all of baseball. Starter pitchers Nathan Eovaldi and Jordan Montgomery are also doing more than enough to keep the Rangers in the division race as the end of regular season baseball nears. The Rangers can outscore nearly any offense in the league; it’s just a question of whether they can rediscover their pre-all-star break selves.
The Milwaukee Brewers captured the National League (NL) Central title this past week and are finding their stride at the perfect time. If you think October baseball is won through strong pitching, then look no further than the Brewers. The team carries one of the best, if not the best, starting rotation in the majors. Their starting pitchers: Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta headline this rotation and are assisted by a lethal closer in Devin Williams. While their offense must pick up the pace, we’ve seen unsung heroes heat up in the postseason, so who will be the guy to carry the offense for Milwaukee this postseason?
There’s still so many other teams that can make a run at the postseason with teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs and others ready to strike. Looking ahead, this should be one of the most exciting postseasons in recent memory.
