FUN WORLD SERIES MATCHUPS

The MLB playoffs are going to be here before we know it, and there are a lot of really fun potential matchups for the Fall Classic. Based off of teams still alive as of 9/27/23, I am going to give about 7 matchups that would put butts in seats and turn on the World Series.

DODGERS v ORIOLES

This one to me, would be super fun for one main reason: Rookies. Both teams start and have guys in the rotation that are rookies and budding stars, that this would make for the ultimate "Let the Kids Play" World Series ever. The Dodgers would roll out at least 3 rookie starters, plus James Outman and Michael Busch, and then the dodgers have a lot of savvy veterans that would be nice to see in the fall classic again like JD Martinez, Mookie Betts, and Lance Lynn run it back in the World Series. Then, on the flip side of things, seeing the stacked young bats of the Orioles led by Rutschman, Henderson, and Mullins all play in their first of likely many World Series would be a treat to watch. Something else these two teams have in common is elite farm systems, probably the best in their respected league, so this could easily be a potential matchup we see for years to come.

MARLINS v RANGERS

I felt an obligation to put the likely 5 seeds facing off against eachother in the World Series as a fun one, because who doesn't love an underdog? Now I don't see this one as likely to happen, since neither have clinched a spot and have holes on their roster and maybe lack some playoff experience, but man would it be a blast. Jazz Chisholm and modern day Tony Gwynn Luis Arraez? Across the dugout having the super fun team with the Rangers? however, I think if both sides of the playoff bracket are a cinderella story, that would boost ratings big time. Like I said, this feels unlikely, so only one can hope to see this happen, but I certainly can't rule it out, especially after last postseason. 

BRAVES v RANGERS

One word: Offense. The Braves lineup is essentially a super-team of all-stars literally from top to bottom, without a single hole. However, if I were to poke one hole in the Braves, it's that I would be a little worried about their Rotation. Outside of Spencer Strider, who struggled in the playoffs last year, I don't love the starters that they would be throwing out there. The Braves gameplan would to be score at least 5-6 runs in every contest because I wouldn't trust guys like Kyle Wright or even Bryce Elder for that matter. Nonetheless, they obviously find ways to win games, because, Superteam, so them being in this years Fall Classic wouldn't surprise anyone. Now the Rangers, I feel very, very similar to. Stacked lineup from top to bottom with a lot of power, but the Rotation outside of Jordan Montgomery would scare me quite a bit. Especially if you have to rely on a pretty shaky bullpen. However, if both of these teams make it to the Fall Classic, then expect fireworks. Both of these offenses hitting off of tired, not so great arms? I'd expect a lot of double-digit run totals in that World Series.

BLUE JAYS v DIAMONDBACKS

I know I'm not the only person that would love to see a world series patch on a Vladdy or Corbin Carroll Jersey. This matchup would just be a lot of really unique but good players squaring off. Now, in order for this to happen, we would have to see Vladdy and Bichette step up big time and having big postseasons, but knowing their bloolines, I think I could see that happening. As for the Diamondbacks, the Duo of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly dealing against lineups like the Braves and Dodgers would be an insane run to watch. These are two teams that have not made the World Series in a very long time, and it may feel like the window is slowly starting to maybe run out for the Blue Jays. I think the common viewer would love to see two wild card teams who haven't been there in a long time compete on the big stage.

ORIOLES v BRAVES

I mean, this is the most likely World Series scenario. The no. 1 seed from the AL and NL, while it is the most likely, I can't see anyone being dissapointed if this was the World Series this year. They are the 2 best teams in the MLB, they have electric offenses, comparable rotations, and solid bullpens. This is one i felt obligated to include since it is the two top dogs going at it, but it would be so fitting for a season like 2023 to have these teams in the World Series.

TWINS v BREWERS

Everyone is counting these 2 teams out, and I think that if they were both to make the World Series, a lot of people would feel stupid for counting them out. However, let's be real, both of these teams are very similar, they have elite rotations, good bullpen depth, and a so-so lineup. But, it's playoff baseball, and a 1-0 win counts the same as a 8-4 win, so would it matter all that much if the offenses don't go crazy and the pitching does? Because the Twins could throw Sonny Gray (Cy young candidate), Joe Ryan (rising star), Pablo Lopez (would be ace of staff for many other teams), Bailey Ober (one of the most underrated pitchers in the MLB), and Kenta Maeda (Veteran with playoff experience). That is a special, special rotation, and all the offense would have to do is score some runs, and they have the absolute potential to, they just haven't been so good at it this season so far. The Brew Crew has Corbin Burnes (best starter in NL), Brandon Woodruff (nasty nasty stuff), Freddy Peralta (having best season), and inning eaters in Aaron Ashby, and Adrian Houser. They also have some decent bats, like a Yelich having a return to form season, Adames, a young star in Frelick, and a trade deadline acquisition in Mark Canha. These are 2 teams that everyone is sleeping on this postseason, and trust me, I get it, they don't play very aesthetically pleasing baseball, and that they aren't as fun as say an Orioles, but these teams are built for this.

RAYS v PHILLIES

What I love most about this matchup, is the Rays lost the World Series in 2020, and the Phillies lost it last year. This would be an opportunity where one of these fan bases finally gets the ring that they were so close to getting recently. I also love these teams and their players, and I feel like a lot of people would be forced to know the names of guys like Yandy Diaz, Jose Siri, and perhaps Candelario. A lot of people know the big names for the Phillies, since they were just in the World Series last year, and they brought just about everyone back. Now why this is likely, is the Phillies lineup, when hot, is maybe one of the best lineups in the MLB. The pitching is also pretty solid and consistent, with aces like Wheeler and Nola, then guys who can eat a lot of innings in the back of their rotation. The Rays can make it because they have overcome a lot of adversity this season. Whether it's losing their 3 best starting pitchers for the season, or the Wander Franco dilemma, this team still finds itself with a playoff spot and a chance to make it. I think they are likely the most saber metrically minded team in the league, so that can play to their advantage. I would love this matchup mainly because it would be a team that just lost the World Series finally winning it, but we would get to see some big names on the big stage, while also introducing some new ones to the world.