The 2023 playoffs are here, and it’s time to rank all 12 teams that qualified, from the bluebloods to the pretenders.
12. Miami Marlins (84–77)
The Marlins set a record this year — by having the worst run differential of any playoff team in MLB history at -56. Let’s face it, this team got stupidly lucky this year, and anything other than a first round exit would be a huge surprise.
11. Arizona Diamondbacks (84–78)
Like the Marlins, the Diamondbacks also somehow snuck in the postseason with a negative run differential (-15). They’re a young team with a lot of upside, but I think they’re a year early.
10. Minnesota Twins (87–75)
The Twins aren’t a bad team, but the main reason they’re here is their abysmal division, which they won by nine games despite only having 87 wins. They also can’t escape the fact that they haven’t won a playoff series since 2002.
9. Milwaukee Brewers (92–70)
The Brewers have a lethal starting rotation, headlined by Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta, and they have the best closer in baseball in Devin Williams. Their weak offense will likely keep them from making a run, however.
8. Toronto Blue Jays (89–73)
This team is loaded with talent and they pitched really well this year, but will their bats wake up? Between Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Matt Chapman, Toronto can be dangerous if they get hot. But that’s a big if.
7. Texas Rangers (90–72)
Texas couldn’t hold off the Astros for the AL West crown, which cost them a first-round bye. This is another team with a high ceiling, as they can score with anyone. But their confidence is shaky at best, and Tampa is a tough first-round matchup.
6. Philadelphia Phillies (90–72)
Can the Phillies repeat their magical run from last October? They certainly have the talent, and a first round matchup with the Marlins helps, but they’ll have a hill to climb against the powerhouse Braves and Dodgers in the National League.
5. Houston Astros (90–72)
Here they are again. The defending champs will have a big-time target on their back. While they didn’t have a strong finish to the season, they found a way to earn a first-round bye, and their playoff experience will make them a tough out.
4. Tampa Bay Rays (99–63)
The Rays had an outstanding season, but they’ll be without two huge pieces this October — Wander Franco and Shane McClanahan. They earn a high ranking regardless as they played well even after losing those guys.
3. Baltimore Orioles (101–61)
Just as everyone predicted, the Orioles posted the best record in the American League this year. They’re a young and exciting team that has the tools to win it all, but it remains to be seen whether or not their lack of experience will hurt them.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (100–62)
The Dodgers went 49–24 after the All-Star break and cruised to their 10th NL West title in 11 years. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman had career years and led the second-best offense in baseball. Once again, it’s World Series or bust for LA.
1. Atlanta Braves (104–58)
Put simply, this team can rake. They tied the record for most team home runs in a season with 307 and slugged over .500 as a team. They seem to be a team of destiny, and the pressure is on to win their second title in three years.
