Last Updated on October 2, 2023 3:13 pm by Erwin Noguera
The 2023 MLB regular season has come to a close, and, like every year, the focus turns to the postseason and Wild Card games. This season has been a memorable one, with the retirement of one of the best hitters in MLB history, Miguel Cabrera, marking the end of an era, and the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles showcasing some of the best baseball of the year.
The question on everyone’s mind now is: will these teams maintain their good form in the postseason?
Miguel Cabrera retires after more than 20 years in MLB
Miguel Cabrera’s retirement from the Detroit Tigers was a poignant moment in the 2023 season. Cabrera, a two-time American League MVP and Triple Crown winner, leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations. On the other hand, his departure from the game is a reminder of the changing of the guard as new talent emerges to take his place in the spotlight.
Top teams of the regular season
The Houston Astros, LA Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles have been the standout teams this season, demonstrating a mind-blowing level of play. The Astros, led by their dynamic pitching duo of Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier, have been a force to be reckoned with. The Dodgers have been equally impressive with their potent lineup of Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts.
The Braves, meanwhile, have relied on their dynamic young duo of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies. At the same time, the Orioles have surprised everyone with their stellar performance, led by their rising star, Ryan Mountcastle. However, the real test for these teams will be to maintain their form in the high-pressure environment of the postseason.
MLB 2023 Postseason Betting Odds and info
When will it start?
Wednesday, October 3, 3:08 pm ET with the Rays vs. Rangers match
Where can I watch it?
ESPN, Fox Sports, and MLB.TV
Current odds for the World Series Champions (top five):
Braves +280
Dodgers +430
Astros +480
Orioles +660
Rays +1075
Odds for the winning division:
National League East +216
American League East +300
American League West +360
National League West +370
American League Central +1800
National League Central +1800
Winning league:
National League -125
American League +103
MLB 2023 Postseason – Wild Cards – Favorites
AL
Turning our attention to the Wild Card games, some exciting matchups are on the horizon. The Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Texas Rangers in the American League. The Rays, with their potent pitching staff and a balanced offense, are the favorites in this matchup. The Rangers, however, have shown that they cannot be underestimated, with Corey Seager and Adolis Garcia as big hitters.
The Minnesota Twins will take on the Toronto Blue Jays in the other American League Wild Card game. The Twins, led by Carlos Correa SS and Jorge Polanco, have a slight edge over the Blue Jays, who have struggled with consistency this season.
NL
In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Brewers are the clear favorites, with their dominant pitching staff led by Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta. However, the Diamondbacks, with Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll, have shown they can pull off the upset.
The final Wild Card series will pit the Philadelphia Phillies against the Miami Marlins. Despite having Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies have struggled with their pitching this season. The Marlins, meanwhile, have a young and talented bullpen led by Luis Arraez and Jorge Soler. As a result, in this matchup, the Marlins are the favorites.
Undoubtedly, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation regarding the 2023 MLB postseason. The Wild Card games promise to be electrifying while the Astros, Dodgers, Braves, and Orioles wait comfortably in the Divisional Series. Will they continue their excellent form, or will the postseason pressure prove too much? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure: we are in for some fantastic baseball.
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