The Back Sports Page writers are here with our playoff predictions. Who will be taking home the Commissioner’s Trophy?
The 2024 MLB postseason is here, and so are our playoff predictions. Just like last year, the baseball writers here at Back Sports Page are going out on a limb to predict the next month of baseball action. With the bracket now set, who do we pick will win the World Series?
AL Wild Card Playoff Predictions
Tigers vs. Astros
Ben Schneider: Tigers
Joshua Ambroise: Astros
Nate Powalie: Tigers
Sergio Defrancesca: Astros
Michael Angers: Tigers
In the AJ Hinch matchup, the Detroit Tigers have ended a ten-year playoff drought. On the flipside, they face a Houston Astros team that has become a postseason stalwart. This series will come down to pitching management, as the Tigers rely on ace SP Tarik Skubal and a bunch of openers, while the Astros might ride a hot rotation to cover a weaker bullpen than what they usually bring to October.
Royals vs. Orioles
Ben Schneider: Orioles
Joshua Ambroise: Orioles
Nate Powalie: Orioles
Sergio Defrancesca: Orioles
Michael Angers: Orioles
To fright of fans in orange and black, we are all picking the Baltimore Orioles to take down the Kansas City Royals. Superstars SS Bobby Witt, Jr. and SS Gunnar Henderson grab the headlines, but the question is which role players will step up. The Royals have little offense outside of Witt and C Salvador Perez, while the bullpen in Baltimore is tough to trust.
NL Wild Card
Mets vs. Brewers
Ben Schneider: Brewers
Joshua Ambroise: Mets
Nate Powalie: Brewers
Sergio Defrancesca: Brewers
Michael Angers: Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers have won back-to-back division titles despite patching together a small-budget rotation. They are more well-rounded than last year, while the New York Mets are a pleasant surprise finishing with a winning record, let alone a playoff spot. The Mets are at a disadvantage, though, as their double header Monday means the pitching staff is not rested.
Braves vs. Padres
Ben Schneider: Padres
Joshua Ambroise: Padres
Nate Powalie: Braves
Sergio Defrancesca: Padres
Michael Angers: Padres
The San Diego Padres are looking to finally put it all together, and they will start with a beaten-up Atlanta Braves team. Like the Mets, Atlanta did not get a day off, while the Padres have a reliable rotation and a deep bullpen. Brian Snitker will need to dig deep in his bag of tricks to upset the team of shortstops.
ALDS
Guardians vs. Tigers or Astros
Ben Schneider: Guardians over Tigers
Joshua Ambroise: Astros over Guardians
Nate Powalie: Guardians over Tigers
Sergio Defrancesca: Astros over Guardians
Michael Angers: Tigers over Guardians
This could be a division battle or a matchup of two of the most analytically inclined teams in the league. The Cleveland Guardians have hit for more power this year, and they have by far the best bullpen in baseball. The Tigers or Astros will have their work cut out for them.
Yankees vs. Orioles or Royals
Ben Schneider: Orioles over Yankees
Joshua Ambroise: Yankees over Orioles
Nate Powalie: Yankees over Orioles
Sergio Defrancesca: Yankees over Orioles
Michael Angers: Yankees over Orioles
Birdland has been waiting for this matchup for 12 years. The New York Yankees have defeated the Orioles in memorable series in 2012 and 1996, and this year the Bombers held on for the AL East crown despite a season-long race. This should be another great series.
NLDS
Phillies vs. Brewers or Mets
Ben Schneider: Phillies over Brewers
Joshua Ambroise: Phillies over Mets
Nate Powalie: Brewers over Phillies
Sergio Defrancesca: Phillies over Brewers
Michael Angers: Brewers over Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies look like the favorites heading into the postseason, and the Bank will be rocking against anyone, but especially the Mets. New York or Milwaukee will need to score early against an elite rotation to build momentum and at least somewhat quiet the crowd.
Dodgers vs. Padres or Braves
Ben Schneider: Padres over Dodgers
Joshua Ambroise: Dodgers over Padres
Nate Powalie: Dodgers over Braves
Sergio Defrancesca: Padres over Dodgers
Michael Angers: Padres over Dodgers
A heavyweight battle worthy of the Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers will face either a hated rival or a recent nemesis. Due to all their injuries on the mound, LA must slug their way passed deep lineups in San Diego or Atlanta.
ALCS
Ben Schneider: Orioles over Guardians
Joshua Ambroise: Yankees over Astros
Nate Powalie: Guardians over Yankees
Sergio Defrancesca: Yankees over Astros
Michael Angers: Tigers over Yankees
It is anyone’s guess who will win the American League. At various points this season, the Orioles, Guardians, and Yankees have each looked like the best team in the league. But then again, maybe the Tigers will continue their run all the way to the Fall Classic.
NLCS
Ben Schneider: Padres over Phillies
Joshua Ambroise: Phillies over Dodgers
Nate Powalie: Brewers over Dodgers
Sergio Defrancesca: Phillies over Padres
Michael Angers: Dodgers over Phillies
Much like the Junior Circuit, the Senior Circuit also looks wide open entering October. The Padres might be the most balanced team, while the Phillies are the deepest, the Brewers have the best defense, and the Dodgers have the most experience. Milwaukee hasn’t been to the World Series since 1982, when they were still part of the AL.
World Series Playoff Predictions
Ben Schneider: Padres over Orioles
Joshua Ambroise: Yankees over Phillies
Nate Powalie: Guardians over Brewers
Sergio Defrancesca: Phillies over Yankees
Michael Angers: Padres over Tigers
With dozens of possibilities, we could see a new playoff matchup or a rematch of a past World Series. Maybe the Padres will win their first title, or the Guardians will end the longest drought between titles. The networks would be happy with a rematch of the 2009 World Series, but they would be less excited about a rematch of the 1984 Fall Classic.
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