If the playoffs began today, here’s how they’d look

Now that we’re a month into the 2023 season, it’s a great time to mirror on the standings, in addition to what the postseason bracket would seem like if the playoffs have been to start right now.

There have already been some massive surprises within the early going, significantly with the upstart Pirates and the surging Orioles, making for some very intriguing playoff matchups, in concept. And there could be another massive surprises of a unique form if the playoffs began right now — groups you wouldn’t anticipate to overlook the postseason that may be on the skin trying in. In reality, if the postseason started proper now, seven of the 12 playoff groups from final fall wouldn’t qualify this yr.

Here’s a take a look at what the postseason would seem like if it opened right now.

Byes: Rays (1), Rangers (2)

Wild Card Series matchups

Blue Jays (5) at Orioles (4)

Just missed: Angels (0.5 video games out), Yankees (1), Astros (1.5)

The Rays (25-6) proceed to take pleasure in a historic run to open their season, authoring the most effective begin by way of 31 video games in franchise historical past. The Rangers, in the meantime, have raised eyebrows with their surge to start the 2023 marketing campaign below new supervisor Bruce Bochy regardless of accidents to ace Jacob deGrom and slugger Corey Seager, amongst others. As of right now, each golf equipment would obtain first-round byes within the postseason.

The third-seeded division winner could be the Twins, who would play the Red Sox within the Wild Card Series, whereas a pair of different groups from the AL East, the Blue Jays and Orioles (who could be making their first postseason look in seven years), would face off within the different Wild Card matchup.

Red Sox (6) or Twins (3) at Rangers (2)

Blue Jays (5) or Orioles (4) at Rays (1)

Perhaps probably the most shocking factor of Tampa Bay’s super begin to this season is its energy on the plate — no membership has launched extra residence runs than the Rays’ 64 to this point. If they have been to satisfy the Jays within the ALDS, it’d be a collision of two powerhouse lineups, despite the fact that the alternative has transpired for Toronto to this point — the Jays’ 35 homers are simply over half of the Rays’ complete. But think about a situation wherein we get to see the likes of Wander Franco, Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the identical October collection.

Byes: Braves (1), Pirates (2)

Wild Card Series matchups

Padres (6) at Dodgers (3)

D-backs (5) at Brewers (4)

Just missed: Marlins (0.5 video games out), Mets (0.5), Cubs (1)

The Braves and Pirates with byes? What is that this, 1992? Well, no, significantly as a result of there have been no byes available earlier than the Wild Card Era started in 1995. Nevertheless, it will be the primary time since ’92 that Pittsburgh and Atlanta would personal the most effective information within the NL. While it’s nonetheless very early, the Bucs’ sizzling begin to the yr (although it’s been cooled a bit by the Rays in latest days) has them in line for an computerized berth within the NL Division Series.

The Braves, in the meantime, could be in acquainted territory after getting into the season having received the final 4 NL East titles. Three of the remaining 4 golf equipment that may qualify for the postseason right now would come from the NL West, with the Padres and Dodgers assembly in a SoCal showdown wherein Los Angeles could be searching for to avenge final yr’s NLDS loss to San Diego. The D-backs, one other early shock with an thrilling younger core, would play the pitching-rich Brewers within the different Wild Card Series.

Padres (6) or Dodgers (3) at Pirates (2)

D-backs (5) or Brewers (4) at Braves (1)

Seeing the Pirates within the NLDS for the primary time in a decade could be fairly one thing. Having the Bucs face the Padres would make such a collection much more intriguing, since Pittsburgh hasn’t received a World Series since 1979, and San Diego has by no means received one regardless of getting oh so near the Fall Classic final yr.

Who’s out from final yr?

Astros, Cardinals, Guardians, Mariners, Mets, Phillies, Yankees

Some actual powerhouses on this record, significantly within the AL, the place if the season have been to finish right now, the defending World Series champion Astros and the Yankees — who received 99 video games final yr — could be on the skin trying in. The Mariners, who broke a 21-year postseason drought final fall, would additionally miss it this time round. The Cardinals and Guardians are having disappointing begins of their respective Central divisions, whereas two NL East powerhouses would even be conspicuously absent, because the Mets and defending NL champion Phillies would fall brief as nicely.

Brewers, D-backs, Orioles, Rangers, Red Sox, Pirates, Twins

What a enjoyable group right here. If the season ended right now, the Pirates and D-backs could be within the postseason a lot sooner than anticipated primarily based on their respective rebuilding timelines. And the O’s would lastly be taking part in postseason baseball once more after a seven-year absence. The Rangers could be the third crew Bochy has led to the playoffs after guiding the Padres to the 1998 World Series and profitable three World Series championships with the Giants in 2010, ’12 and ’14; that may finish a seven-year postseason drought for Texas. It hasn’t been as lengthy of a playoff hiatus for the Brewers and Twins, however right here you will have two franchises who haven’t received all of it in additional than three many years.