MLB Power Rankings: Way-too-early MLB Playoffs, World Series champion predictions

By Kevin Henry | Jan 18, 2023

Oct 8, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the San Diego Padres in the fifth inning during game two of the Wild Card series for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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Chicago White Sox second baseman Leury Garcia (28) greets shortstop Tim Anderson (7). Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB power rankings: The 2023 AL and NL Wild Card rounds

Predicting the teams in the Wild Card rounds

12. Chicago White Sox

11. Philadelphia Phillies

10. Seattle Mariners

9. Cleveland Guardians

8. Los Angeles Dodgers

7. Atlanta Braves

6. Toronto Blue Jays

5. St. Louis Cardinals

The American League Wild Card round will feature the Chicago White Sox (sixth seed) and Cleveland Guardians (third seed) in an AL Central rematch, as well as the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays squaring off in the four versus five matchup, just like last season. And, just like last season, the Blue Jays will hold the home-field advantage.

In the National League, it will be a rematch as well, with the Philadelphia Phillies earning the sixth seed and traveling to St. Louis to meet the NL Central champions. The fourth-seeded Atlanta Braves will host the fifth-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers in the other matchup as both teams try to rebound from losing their division titles of 2022.

Last season, the Phillies shocked the Cardinals in the Wild Card round on their way to winning the NL pennant. Will there be any upsets this year? Absolutely.

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