Division Series Preview

October baseball has already begun. The Wild Card Series just finished. The Phillies beat the Marlins and the Diamondbacks defeated the Brewers. So the Phillies and the Diamondbacks advanced to the NLDS. In the American League, the Twins and the Rangers are going to the ALDS.

 

Before the Division Series start, let’s take a quick look at these 4 matchups.

 

Phillies vs. Braves

Last year, the Braves lost to the Phillies in the NLDS. In that series, Bryce Harper crushed 2 home runs in 4 games. In 2023, the Braves led the majors with 104 wins. In the Braves lineup, there are 5 players who blasted at least 30 home runs this season. It’s certainly the most dangerous lineup in the MLB. Meanwhile, Spencer Strider leads the majors with 20 wins. During the regular season, the Braves took 8 wins and lost 5 times against the Phillies. The Phillies might have to work really hard to make it happen again.

 

Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers

Back in 2017, the Dodgers swept the Diamondbacks in the NLDS. The Diamondbacks are back to the postseason for the first time since 2017. Corbin Carroll had been fantastic in the NL Wild Card Series. It will be worth watching whether he will stay hot in the NLDS. At the same time, the Dodgers won 100 games in a single season again. In the Dodgers lineup, there are 4 players who collected 100+ RBI in 2023. The Dodgers have a good lineup. During the regular season, the Dodgers defeated the D-backs 8 times and lost 5 times. Without doubt, the Dodgers have rich experience in playing in the playoffs. But, this time, they might have to rely on rookie pitchers such as Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot.

 

Rangers vs. Orioles

The Rangers and the Orioles hadn’t clinched a berth in the postseason since 2016. However, they are back. The Orioles won 101 games in 2023. And, the Rangers had played well in the AL Wild Card Series. During the regular season, the Rangers and the Orioles faced each other 6 times. They each took 3 wins. The Orioles have several young stars such as Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman. In the meantime, Corey Seager, who was named the 2020 World Series MVP, is in the Rangers lineup. And, Bruce Bochy led the Giants to win 3 World Series titles. Will postseason experience become a key factor in this series?

 

Twins vs. Astros

The Twins just ended the postseason losing streak and they advanced to the ALDS. Carlos Correa will face his former teammates of the Astros. During the regular season, the Twins defeated the Astros 4 times and lost 2 games. Nonetheless, you can’t ignore the defending World Series Champions. From 2017 to 2022, the Astros didn’t lose the ALDS.

 

Last season, the Dodgers and the Braves each won 100+ games. They became top 2 seeds. However, in the National League Division Series, the Dodgers lost to the Padres. At the same time, the Phillies defeated the Braves. Nonetheless, in the American League, things were quite different. The Astros and the Yankees were top 2 seeds. They both advanced to the ALCS. This season, the Braves and the Dodgers are the top 2 seeds again. Let’s see whether they will learn from last year's mistake. Meanwhile, in the AL, the Orioles are back to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Will the young Orioles advance to the ALCS? Moreover, the Astros attempt to defend the World Series title, can the Twins stop them?