The MLB postseason is here, and the field is set to compete for the 2018 world championship,

After 162 games, the NL was yet to be decided, besides the NL East, in which the Braves took. However, the NL Central, and NL West were not decided. The Dodgers and the Rockies tied in the West, and had to play a game 163 in Los Angeles, in which the Dodgers won. That means they will go on to face Atlanta in the NLDS. In the Central, the Cubs and the Brewers tied, meaning they, also played a game 163, in which the Brewers won. This will set up the wild card game between the Cubs and the Rockies. The Dodgers have a clear advantage with their deep lineup with guys like Max Muncy, Manny Machado, Cody Bellinger, and Yasiel Puig. They also have the depth in the rotation with Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler headlining, and Kenley Jansen in the bullpen.

The AL picture is much more clear, however. The Oakland A’s and New York Yankees will matchup in the Bronx for the AL wildcard, and the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians will face off in the ALDS. The Boston Red Sox will get the winner of the AL Wild Card game. Speaking of the Red Sox, they have a clear advantage going in to October this season as well. Chris Sale and David Price will look to lead the team in pitching, and Mookie Betts, JD Martinez, and Xander Bogaerts will be the offensive stars to watch for. Though, their rival Yankees will look to play spoiler if they win the wild card.

As for our local Cardinals, they have not made the playoffs this season, as the Giants lost to the Dodgers 10-5 on September 29, which, mathematically, eliminated the Cardinals from postseason play. The team goes into the offseason missing three straight playoffs for the first time since the late 90’s. The team will go into the offseason looking to build upon this season to avoid missing out on October baseball for four seasons in a row .

While it is easy to speculate about the postseason, it is always impossible to tell for sure. Sleepers and underdog stories happen, and it will be very interesting to see just what team pull ahead of the pack and win the World Series in 2018.