MLB Power Rankings: Ranking the 2022 postseason field from worst to first

3. Atlanta Braves

As just discussed with the Mets, things could look very different if the Braves have to defend their World Series title starting in the Wild Card round. However, Atlanta’s play since the All-Star break (35-17 since the Midsummer Classic) has proven that the Braves can overcome injuries to players such as Ozzie Albies and not miss a beat, no matter the situation.

Atlanta’s rookie trio of starting pitcher Spencer Strider, outfielder Michael Harris II, and second baseman Vaughn Grissom will carry a big load for the Braves in the postseason. How will they deal with the pressure of their first playoff run?

2. Houston Astros

With all of the drama surrounding the Yankees and their struggles, as well as all of the attention focused on the ever-shifting AL Central and Cleveland rising to the top, it seems as if the Astros have almost flown under the radar most of this season. There has been little doubt that Houston would not only win the AL West but also claim one of the top two seeds, so most of the focus has been elsewhere.

That changes in October, however, as the Astros will hold the top seed and winning records over every other team on the AL side of the bracket (except for Toronto and Tampa Bay, a team they play for the first time this season beginning on Monday night).

Justin Verlander’s return solidifies the rotation and the 6.5 bWAR posted by Yordan Alvarez this season paces a dangerous Houston lineup.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Is another Dodgers-Astros World Series looming? Both teams are the top seeds in their respective leagues, with Los Angeles the only team to already go over 100 wins this season.

The plus-329 run differential posted by the Dodgers this season shows easily outdistances the second-place Yankees (plus-209), showing just how dominant Los Angeles has been this season. However, questions remain about the health of several Dodgers pitchers and how quickly they can return and how effective they can be once they return.

Health could be the biggest weakness for the Dodgers heading into the postseason, but this is a franchise with seemingly few vulnerabilities heading into October.