2022 MLB Playoff Picture: Predicting Each of the MLB Playoff Teams

2022 MLB Playoff Picture: Predicting Each of the MLB Playoff Teams

Before this season began, the MLB was in jeopardy, needing to agree on a bargaining agreement with the players association. When both sides finally agreed, the MLB added another postseason spot for each conference. We'll now have six teams from each side make the postseason. Some will play in the Wild Card series while the better teams (by record) will get to chill and on a bye. Here are the most likely MLB playoff teams for 2022.

National League Playoff Picture

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers currently have over 80 wins and lead the NL West by more than 16 games to the second-place San Diego Padres. The Dodgers are making the playoffs and will win the NL West. There's no question.

2. New York Mets

The New York Mets are currently leading the NL East by 3.5 games at the time of writing this. It's no guarantee that they'll win the NL East, but I'll promise you that the Mets will make the postseason regardless. Still, I do think the Mets end up winning the NL East.

3. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals made some moves at the trade deadline while their rivals traded away an asset. The Cardinals have been really good offensively and have the eventual NL MVP in Paul Goldschmidt. The Cardinals will end up beating the Brewers for the NL Central spot.

4. Atlanta Braves

The Braves haven't been all that great against teams above .500 this season. But that means nothing. The Braves are currently hunting down the Mets for the NL East but if they don't win the division, they'll more than likely get the first Wild Card spot.

5. Philadelphia Phillies

I like the Phillies to at least finish with a better record than the Brewers and Giants. If they're able to do that, they'll earn a Wild Card spot along with the San Diego Padres.

6. San Diego Padres

It would be pretty embarrassing if the Padres didn't make the postseason. After trading for Juan Soto, Brandon Drury, Josh Hadar, and Josh Bell, the Padres better make the postseason. I do think they'll end up beating the Brewers and Giants for this final spot in the NL Wild Card.

American League Playoff Picture

1. Houston Astros

The Houston Astros have a double-digit lead in the AL West over the second-place Seattle Mariners. The Astros have a six-man rotation and have so much potential in their lineup, especially with the addition of Trey Mancini. The Astros will be the best team in the American League.

2. New York Yankees

It's been a terrible second half for the Yankees, but they're still leading the AL East by eight games at the time of writing this. Their impressive first half of the season has given them a solid cushion. Eventually, things will turn back into place for the Yankees. I still like them to win the AL East division.

3. Cleveland Guardians

Can the Guardians actually win the AL Central? Cleveland Currently leads the division by a couple of games and has been very hot in their last 10 games. They're going to have to sneak by Minnesota and Chicago for the division. It's hard to pick between these three teams. It's anybody's race.

4. Seattle Mariners

Without a massive winning streak before the All-Star break, the Mariners would've likely been sellers. Instead, they became buyers at the trade deadline and have players that are just doing their job.

The AL Wild Card is going to be interesting, but the Mariners look much better than those other teams on paper.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays literally fired their manager earlier in the season and can still make the postseason. That doesn't happen often. Although, the Phillies could end up in the same boat in the NL. Anyway, Toronto is 10 games over .500. They've played poorly over the last two weeks but are ganging up on the Yankees as I write this. That will help their case in the division and Wild Card.

6. Tampa Bay Rays

It's hard to imagine the postseason without the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays have been an average ball club but should be getting back Manuel Margot, Wander Franco, and Tyler Glasnow down the stretch. That's intriguing. The Rays will beat out the Orioles, Twins, White Sox, and Red Sox for the final Wild Card spot in the American League.

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