Every year, the month of October is accompanied by exciting seasonal flavors and traditions. October reintroduces pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween and, the most important of them all: postseason baseball. The MLB playoffs are fast approaching, and this year is bound to be surprising and thrilling for baseball fans.
Around the time of the All-Star break each year, it starts to become clear who has a good shot at winning the World Series. While some teams that get off to slow starts often pave the way to victory, the Atlanta Braves have proven to be baseball’s best team since the start of the season.
The Braves, led by MVP frontrunner Ronald Acuna Jr., have the best offense in the league. Acuna Jr., an outfielder, has been one of the most exciting baseball players to watch of all time. Matt Olson, the first baseman for the Braves, leads the league in HRs and in RBIs. With the Braves offense, Atlanta makes a good case to win the World Series.
Another team in the National League has been on fire for most of this season. Continuing their impressive performance over the past couple of years, the Los Angeles Dodgers were met with success this year. Outfielder Mookie Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman have helped the Dodgers cruise into the playoffs once again.
In the American League, two teams stick out more than the others. The Baltimore Orioles, a small market team, built one of the best young rosters in the league. The Orioles, who have taken advantage of their farm system and draft picks, currently have the best record in the American League and look to win the AL East for the first time since 2014.
Another team also in the AL East that sticks out is the Tampa Rays. The Rays have put together another good season and owe much of their success to skill players.
While some teams that get off to slow starts often pave the way to victory, the Atlanta Braves have proven to be baseball’s best team since the start of the season.
Other teams have been nothing short of disappointing. The two teams with the highest payrolls, the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres, both look like they are going to miss out on this year’s playoffs, even though they both came into the season with World Series aspirations.
A major story coming out of this MLB season is Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is the favorite to win the AL MVP and has been dominating the hitting and pitching fields. However, Ohtani, who is a free agent after this season, had bad news. Although he was going to command one of the biggest contracts in MLB history, he announced he would not resume pitching until the 2025 season. With Ohtani not pitching this next season, the value of his contract might dip. Ohtani will still be the DH for whatever team signs him.
Editor’s Note: Another weekly update. The Miami Dolphins might have the best offense in all of football after scoring 70 points! Dolphins: 3-0!
