MLB 2023 Wild Card Round concluded rapidly and eventually shortlisted the teams for the World Series championship to just eight teams. Entering the Division Series struggle are the Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers, who will now compete beside the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers in what remains of this year’s playoff journey.
The regular-season power rankings, which regarded recent performance. These rankings focus on each team’s perspective for the rest of the playoff. We have included each team’s league wide rankings in several key statistical categories to provide additional context and insights into the teams’ strengths and weaknesses.
1. Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a force to be estimated with their record-breaking offense, standing on the top of our rankings as the top playoff competitor. Boasting the best record in the majors with 104 wins, the Braves have managed to be the baseball’s most dominant offense, and one of the most powerful teams in recent t
They etched their name in the MLB record books with an astonishing .501 batting percentage as a team and made records for most team home runs (307) and players with 30 home runs (five). Scoring at least 10 runs and an incredible 20 different times, the Braves were scoreless in just two games all season. Those overwhelming defeats occurred during the initial two months of the schedule.
2. Houston Astros
Ranked 2nd among the remaining playoff opponents, the Houston Astros secured their place in the 2023 playoff after a challenging period. They rebuilt their status as strong contenders for the championship.
Houston’s path to the playoffs was marked by a final week surge, by an upsetting 3-9 spell that had cast doubt on their playoff opportunities. However, now that they have secured a spot in the playoffs. The Astros have flared up again as strong competitors.
One possible concern is Houston’s subpar 39-42 record at home this season. However, the enthusiastic Astros fans are anticipated to provide strong support during this October playoff run. which could prove to be a significant factor in their playoff success.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are hopeful for another playoff run, ranked 3rd among the remaining playoff contenders. They are backed by their powerful offense and a challenging bullpen.
The Dodgers boast an outstanding offensive core, featuring stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, and J.D. Martinez. They have consistently displayed the ability to score runs quickly and effectively. They finished as runners-up to the Atlanta Braves in various major offensive categories.
The Dodgers have plenty of quality arms in the bullpen, delivering the flexibility to utilize rookies in various multi-inning roles. However, this playoff, more than any other in their recent victorious run, may demand manager Dave Roberts to exhibit creativity in managing his pitching staff to maximize their ability.
4. Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a team to watch, Positioned at 4th in our team rankings among the remaining playoff contenders. The Orioles have depended greatly on their starting rotation, featuring Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, and John Means, as they set out on their October journey.
Regardless of not puffing the same fierce presence as some of their playoff matches, the Orioles earned their 101-win season and the AL East title through great courage and skill. Their incredible 30-16 record in one-run games highlights their ability to succeed in late-and-close situations, which should indicate well for them in the intensity of October baseball.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies come into the playoff with a familiar look but some key modifications.
They Positioned at 5th in our team rankings among the remaining playoff contenders. The Phillies are no strangers to the playoffs, and this year, they have once again secured their starting rotation with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, who have been outstanding with strong performances.
Joined with their high-powered offense, they are like the team that reached the World Series last year. It’s also notable that the Phillies performed extremely well at Citizens Bank Park. where they had a 51-32 record this year, compared to a more modest 41-40 record on the road.
6. Minnesota Twins
Ranked 6th in team rankings, the Minnesota Twins have shown promise in various aspects of their game. The Twins made an influential move by activating Carlos Correa, recovering from plantar fasciitis, and Royce Lewis. They all are the players who had been dealing with an obstruction issue, from the injured list for the start of the Wild Card Series.
Remarkably, Correa and Lewis played pivotal roles in leading the team to victory in Game 1. Pitchers like Griffin Jax, Brock Stewart, Caleb Thielbar, and Louie Varland also exhibited their electric stuff. While the offense can ill afford any further injury setbacks, and the starting rotation must continue to perform, the Twins have a bullpen that can successfully shorten games in October. Despite having the worst record among AL playoff teams, this team is well-constructed for success in the payoff.
7. Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers, currently ranked 7th among the eight playoff teams, boast an impressive offensive record with an OPS of .789 (3rd), 233 home runs (T-3rd), and an average of 5.44 runs per game (3rd). In the Wild Card Series, the Rangers noted stellar performances from Jordan Montgomery (7.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER) and Nathan Eovaldi (6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER).
The Rangers did showcase their powerful offense, which was one of the best in baseball throughout the season, by scoring 11 runs and tallying 21 hits in two games. Rookie Evan Carter, in particular, is in a desirable place, having made an impact as a September call-up and going 3-for-4 with two doubles. Even with their offensive prowess and two standout starting pitchers, the Rangers’ bullpen efforts are a concerning defect that limits their ranking possibility in the playoffs.
8. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks face challenges both in their offensive and pitching departments, ranked at the 8th spot among the playoff contenders. The Diamondbacks took a bold risk by starting rookie Brandon Pfaadt in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. Unluckily, Pfaadt’s performance was short-lived, lasting only 2.2 innings and giving seven hits and three earned runs. Despite this, they secured a victory in that game.
On the offensive front, NL Rookie of the Year frontrunner Corbin Carroll played a critical role in the Wild Card Series, going 4-for-7 with a double and a home run. He will continue to perform as the catalyst from the leadoff spot, backed by veteran hitters Ketel Marte, Tommy Pham, and Christian Walker. A major question mark lies beyond the starting rotation in terms of who will step up to deliver quality innings. Additionally, concerns arise concerning the health of starting catcher Gabriel Moreno.
