MLB Playoff Predictions

NLDS: Dodgers vs. Mets

The Dodgers and Mets, who have cruised through most of their respective seasons, may put together one of the best pitching matchups of the season. The Dodgers have the best one-two punch in the MLB with Kershaw and Greinke while the Mets have a young pitching staff in Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey. If the past is any indication of how the Dodgers will play, their future does not look bright as they have continually bowed out in the postseason race. By comparison, the Mets do not have much to go off of except for MVP hopeful Yoenis Cespedes as well as a number of other important players. Neither team is a real World Series contender, but the Dodgers will win this matchup.

NLDS: Cardinals VS. Cubs

The most experienced of all the rosters in this postseason – St. Louis – will be going up against the up and coming Cubs who are also division rivals. This should be one of the most exciting series of the postseason, but also a very difficult one to pick the winner for. While the Cubs have flashes of unmatched brilliance, the Cardinals have postseason experience, which is more important than anything, evidenced by the Giants last year who, despite statistically being the worst team,won the World Series due to experience. The Cardinals should have a close series but will win come crunch time.

NLCS: Cardinals VS. Dodgers

Both teams are divisional powerhouses and met many times in the regular season with St. Louis taking a 5-2 advantage. Do not expect that to change either, for the Dodgers have done nothing but disappoint in the offseason while the Cardinals only chug on and win. There is only so much a couple superstars can do for a team, which is why St. Louis’ style of team ball seems to go a lot farther especially in the postseason. The Cardinals have nothing to worry about as long as they take care of the Dodgers as they did last years in the NLDS.

ALDS: Blue Jays vs. Rangers

Despite both having good records, these two teams don’t have many similarities. The closest thing to a connection is that they both had good second halves to their seasons. However, neither team has much playoff experience in recent years. At the moment, the Blue Jays have a deeper roster that is just getting its starting shortstop back in Troy Tulowitzki along with strong pitching. This series should be a quick wrap for the Jays if Josh Donaldson and company can get going quickly.

ALDS: Royals vs. Astros

The Royals have been in control of the American League (AL) for the entire season and have not looked back once. After sneaking into the playoffs last season and putting together one of the most convincing Cinderella runs in recent history, this squad has matched preseason expectations perfectly. Meanwhile, the Astros have underperformed in the second half of the MLB season. The one glimmer of hope Houston has is their 4-2 record against Kansas City this season, however with all games coming early in the season. The Royals should clean up the Astros quick and take the series with relative ease if they play as well as they did last year.

ALCS: Royals VS. Blue Jays

Clearly ahead of the rest of the AL, it is only fair that these two teams would meet in the AL championship. This should be a much more difficult series for both teams as they each will play weak teams to begin their playoff run. With good rest, pitching should not be a problem for either team. However, the Jays have a clear ace in pitcher David Price who will give them a quick lead in Kansas City. Last year’s Royals — which had a roster similar to the current one — did not lose a playoff game until the World Series, which makes them one of the most dangerous teams in all of the playoffs. Expect them to pull away and take the series before Game 7 and again represent the AL in the World Series.

WORLD SERIES: Royals Vs. Cardinals

This will be a fantastic World Series between the two teams who play the best and deserve it the most, and it looks like a very tight contest — similar to last year’s that went all the way to a seventh game. Both living up to lofty expectations neither has stayed down for long and always seemed to climb back after every drop this season. This series will not be highlighted by its pitching just as multiple prior matchups, but more by each team’s depth and high average skill. All games will be held in close proximity to one another since both teams are in Missouri. These two teams have the chance to create a long series that could take either six or seven games. The Cardinals played great against the Royals this season going 4-2 against them and this could very likely be the final win total for both teams. Even with the close matchup, the Cardinals will come out on top and claim the 2015 World Series title.