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 /

3 of 5

ST. LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 11: Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates with Paul Goldschmidt #46 after hitting a two-run home run in the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Busch Stadium on September 11, 2021 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images) /

MLB power rankings: The 2023 AL and NL Division Series

Predicting the remaining teams in the Division Series round

9. Cleveland Guardians

8. Los Angeles Dodgers

6. Toronto Blue Jays

5. St. Louis Cardinals

4. New York Yankees

3. San Diego Padres

2. New York Mets

1. Houston Astros

Let’s start on the American League side where the Cleveland Guardians will down the Chicago White Sox in the Wild Card round to advance to meet the second-seeded New York Yankees. On the other side of the bracket, the Toronto Blue Jays will earn a measure of revenge from last season by defeating the Seattle Mariners to earn a date with the top-seeded Houston Astros.

On the National League side, the Los Angeles Dodgers will edge the Atlanta Braves and set up a cross-country matchup against the top-seeded New York Mets. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals will finally put their recent October struggles behind them and oust the defending NL champion Philadelphia Phillies to secure a spot against the second-seeded San Diego Padres.

While it may feel like deja vu all over again in the Wild Card round with a pair of matchups from the 2022 season repeated, there will be only one rematch in this round (Guardians vs. Yankees). Will there be any rematches in the League Championship Series round?

Home/MLB Power Rankings