Although there’s still a little way to go until the postseason begins in October, the thoughts of some MLB fans are already turning to the playoffs and, of course, to the World Series. Some will already be checking the MLB odds and hoping certain teams’ form lasts until the World Series.
But before any team can compete for the World Series, they’ve got to battle through the playoffs. The Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, LA Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies have all been having a strong season so far and are looking good to get into the playoffs. Will they fight their way to the World Series though? Below is a discussion of their prospects.
Cleveland Guardians
Out in the American League Central Division, the Cleveland Guardians are pulling away from the Minnesota Twins. Despite a respectable PCT so far and looking good for a spot in the playoffs, no one is expecting big things of the Guardians World Series-wise. They’ve not made it to the World Series since 2016, which they lost 4-3, and have odds of around +1800 on the moneylines. Just getting to the World Series game would be as good as winning for the Cleveland team.
That doesn’t mean the Guardians don’t have any power to silence doubters, however. In the form of Steven Kwan they have a secret weapon, an emerging star whose batting has improved mightily since last season. Both his on base percentage (OBP) and on base plus slugging (OPS) have both jumped since 2023, with the OBP moving into the .380s and the OPS north of .860.
LA Dodgers
The LA Dodgers are the hot favorites to win the World Series, sitting on the moneylines at +300. They’re leading the charge in the National League West Division, enjoying a PCT in the .580s, and have pulled slightly ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
This is a strong, strong team that very people doubt will reach the playoffs or the World Series. All eyes will be on star man Shohei Otani, who is comfortable with either the bat or the ball in his hand. This season, he boasts an OBP in the 380s, like Steven Kwan, but get ready for the OBP: .994. Anyone pitching and fielding against Ohani could have a miserable time.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Dodgers might be the favorites to win the World Series, but out in the National League East, the Philadelphia Phillies are doing their best to emulate them. They sit right at the top of the division and have pulled well away from the Atlanta Braves. They also boast a slightly higher PCT within the .580s than the Dodgers.
The last time the Phillies fought for a World Series was in the 2022 postseason against the Houston Astros, but they lost 4-2. This season, they sit at +500 on the moneylines and will be looking to redeem themselves for that loss. They’ve certainly started the season with intent and chalked up 36 wins in their first 50 games.
Anyone facing the Phillies will have to contend with some ultra-strong starting pitching. Star man Zack Wheeler has been in sublime form, with an earned runs average (ERA) in the 2.70s and a walks plus hits per innings pitched (WHIP) in the 0.90s. The worst thing for anyone batting versus the Phillies is that, despite being the star man, at one point Ranger Suarez was having an even better season than he was. Although Suarez’s stats have dropped since that point, he’s still pitching meanly.
New York Yankies
Over in the American League, the New York Yankees have been battling it out at the top of the division with the Baltimore Orioles for the number one spot. Neither team has been willing to concede any ground to the other, but, out of the two, sportsbooks see the New Yorkers as the ones more likely to lift the World Series trophy. They have +550 on the moneylines, whereas the Orioles enjoy notably less confidence at +700.
The Yankees may be one of the most prolific sides when it comes to winning a World Series, but the last time they won was also the last time they appeared in one: 2009 (vs the Phillies and winning 4-2). However, they’re more likely to get to the finals than the Orioles, who last made it to the World Series in 1983, where they won 4-1 against the Phillies. If they do get that far, they might be expecting great things from their starting pitchers. Luis Gill, Clarke Schmidt and Carlos Rodón have all been in dominant form this season.
The regular season continues, but thoughts are beginning to turn to the playoffs now, and all the teams above are looking good for a place. However, the Dodgers and the Phillies are seeming the teams most likely to survive the playoffs and appear on the diamond for the World Series.