The second half of the 2023 season is underway and playoff races are starting to heat up. Therefore, the current playoff field is composed of surprise and repeat contenders.
Twelve teams make the MLB postseason with six each from American League and National League. This also includes three wild card spots from each of both leagues. Fans may see some new teams enter the postseason as other teams have come across. Here is the current postseason picture and what may happen.
MLB Playoff Picture
Embed from Getty Images EmbedThe young, fun contenders are making the leap this season. It’s an exciting time for the game as there could be some more competition involved in these races. The Cincinnati Reds are leading the NL Central which is a big surprise. In the NL West, the Arizona Diamondbacks are tied for first place and playing good baseball. It’s amazing what they have done considering they play in one of the toughest divisions. Also, the Texas Rangers lead the AL East and the Orioles currently have the top wild-card spot.
Entering the season none of these teams were given a chance to make the postseason let alone lead their respective divisions. They all have some common key traits that have helped their success. Each of them has young and cheap rosters. Also, they are wildly entertaining with some of baseball’s brightest and youngest talent. It will be interesting to see how many of these teams maintain their current success since neither has reached the postseason since 2017.
More Postseason Races
Embed from Getty ImagesSome of the usual contenders are struggling to stay afloat in the standings. The Houston Astros, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers are not holding dominant leads in standings like they used to. The Dodgers are in still the best position as they are tied for the lead in the NL West. But, It’s been interesting to see the powerhouse teams struggle as they were dominating the league for at least the last decade.
The Astros and Yankees are fighting the other teams in the AL East. In the AL wild card, the Yankees are behind the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays, all division rivals. The NL West wild card has the Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Francisco Giants fighting for spots.
The postseason race will heat up in the second half. Fans need to keep an eye on the NL West and AL East which look to have many contenders. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Stay tuned for more MLB news and stories.
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