If we’re correct for thinking current playoff spots will hold, the AL portion of the bracket will open with a couple of division rivalries. The Guardians and Tigers would tussle on one side, while the Yankees and Red Sox would fight on the other.
Given how fast and far Detroit has fallen of late, Cleveland feels like it has to be the pick. In the other matchup, Boston is feisty, but it’s probably a year away from becoming a true contender. New York’s bullpen has to pitch better, but it has the personnel to do so.
The AL East theme would continue in the ALDS with the Yankees and Blue Jays going head-to-head, while the Mariners would host the Guardians in the other matchup.
Toronto is an awesome team, but Bo Bichette’s knee injury is a worry, and closer Jeff Hoffman has been erratic. New York could mash its way through this series, but it might not have to if its bullpen ever looks as good on the field as it does on paper. In the other series, the Guardians may have gassed themselves with their miraculous comeback in the AL Central, but the Mariners are the better, more complete team. Seattle advances.
That would set up a Yankees-Mariners fight with a World Series spot on the line. New York would be a popular pick (and for good reason), but something in Seattle feels magical (and we don’t just mean the MVP-caliber effort from Cal Raleigh). The Mariners have bats, reliable bullpen options and a great home-field advantage, plus a rotation that can be dominant. Seattle, your first ever World Series journey is starting soon.
