It’s that time of year again, when just the best teams around the nation are still playing. This season, we see just six returning teams from last year’s postseason. The 2019 Fall Classic should be just as exciting, if not more, than years past. 10 teams remain, but who will become the 2019 World Series champion? Here’s the 10 teams:
National League
Los Angeles Dodgers (106-56, 1 seed)
For the seventh consecutive year, the Los Angeles Dodgers were named the National League West Division Champs. The 2019 Dodgers also broke the franchise record for most wins in a single season, 106 wins (previous: 105, 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers). After losing in the World Series in both 2017 and 2018, the Dodgers will try to take that final step to glory to be named World Series champs for the first time in three decades.
Atlanta Braves (97-65, 2 seed)
The Atlanta Braves have become back-to-back division champs for the first time in franchise history since they did it 11 straight years between 1995 and 2005. Behind 2018 N.L. Rookie of the Year Ronald Acuna Jr. and 2019 N.L. Rookie of the Year candidate, Mike Soroka, the Braves clinched the second seed in the National League in hopes of getting past the division series this time around.
St. Louis Cardinals (91-71, 3 seed)
With their first division title in four years, the St. Louis Cardinals will go for their second World Series title as the decade comes to a close. The Cardinals also won in 2011 with one less win than 2019’s record shows. Led by Jack Flaherty (2.75 ERA), Paul Goldschmidt (34 HR) and Kolten Wong (.285 BA), the 91-win Cardinals will try to become the third ballclub with multiple championships.
Washington Nationals (93-69, 4 seed)
After losing the division for the first time in two years last season and missing the playoffs in Bryce harper’s final year of his contract, it looked like it was going to be a dark next few years in the nation’s capital. However, the Nationals had other ideas. Filling the hole of last year’s top free agent, the 20-year-old outfielder Juan Soto and 2020 free agent Anthony Rendon are both candidates to make top 10 in MVP voting as the Nats look for their first World Series title in franchise history.
Milwaukee Brewers (89-73, 5 seed)
Last season, the Milwaukee Brewers brought the N.L. Championship Series to the maximum number of games before dropping the series to the defending champs, Dodgers. This year, led by defending MVP winner, Christian Yelich, and pitcher Brandon Woodruff, the Brewers have their second straight chance to win their first World Series title.
American League
Houston Astros (107-55, 1 seed)
A year after breaking their franchise-record with 103 wins, the Houston Astros broke that record with ease, recording a MLB-high, 107 wins. All star teammates Alex Bregman and George Springer and the trio of Cy Young candidates Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Zack Greinke are a force to be reckoned with as they are World Series favorites going into the playoffs, for obvious reasons.
New York Yankees (103-59, 2 seed)
With the most wins in the most successful franchise in baseball history since their 114-win 1998 season, the New York Yankees won their division for the first time in seven years. The Yankees face question marks in their rotation but are second favorites to be named champions of 2019, behind the first-seeded Astros.
Minnesota Twins (101-61, 3 seed)
Fueled by the power of the longball, the Minnesota Twins recorded their first 100-win season since 1965. The bats of Nelson Cruz, Max Kepler, Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario and Mitch Garver powered the Twins to an unlikely division title after a 78-win season a year ago. The three-time world champions will look for their first league title and World Series appearance since 1991.
Oakland Athletics (97-65, 4 seed)
Despite trailing behind the Astros all season, the Oakland Athletics exceeded expectations with a second straight 97-win season and clinched home-field advantage in the one-game wild card. Matt Chapman and Matt Olson both tied for the team home run lead as the Athletics look for their first playoff series win in 13 years.
Tampa Bay Rays (96-66, 5 seed)
Led by Austin Meadows (.291 BA, 33 HR) and Charlie Morton (3.05 ERA, 16 W), the Tampa Bay Rays are back in the postseason for the first time since Joe Maddon was at the helm of the team (in 2013). Kevin Cash’s first 95+ win season leads them to a one-game wild card and a shot at the franchise’s first ever World Series title.