Why Each AL Wildcard Contender Can Make Postseason
The American League looks to have many teams fighting for the three wildcard spots down the stretch. After it was announced that the Angels would keep Shohei Ohtani in order to compete for a wildcard seed, its time to look at why each team currently in the mix can secure one the these three spots and extend their season into October.
Los Angeles Angeles- 3.5 games back
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Only 3.5 games back from the last wildcard spot, the Angels have a real chance this year to make the postseason with their dynamic duo of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. It’s hard to count out a roster that has the two best players in baseball. Every game that Ohtani starts on the mound, Los Angeles has a pretty good chance of coming out on top. When Ohtani is not putting up Cy Young Award caliber numbers pitching, he is adding to his league leading home run total. Pair him up with a generational talent such as Mike Trout and they will be a problem for opposing teams. Having these two superstars can help the Angels clinch a wildcard spot and make their return to the postseason.
New York Yankees- 2.5 games back
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The New York Yankees’ star-studded lineup has everything it takes to make the postseason. With all of the talent New York has accumulated over the past few seasons, it’s hard to imagine they won’t be playing baseball in October. Gerrit Cole is in the mix for the AL Cy Young Award this season as he has been dominant on the mound. Their pitching staff will get even more depth during the second half of the season with the return of Carlos Rodon. A return from Aaron Judge is all that is missing before this team starts to go on a run. Aaron Judge has established himself as a top talent in the MLB and is a nightmare for opposing pitchers. Along with Giancarlo Stanton, these two can take any pitcher deep at any point in the game. This lineup just has too much talent to miss out on the postseason.
Boston Red Sox- 1.5 games back
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There may be no team in baseball that is hotter than the Boston Red Sox right now. Riding out this momentum and piling up wins can allow the Red Sox to punch their ticket to the postseason. They currently have the best record in the MLB since June 30th and show no signs of slowing down. Another reason the Red Sox can make the wild card round is all of their young talent stepping up. Triston Casas has really heated up at the dish as of late. His ability to crush the baseball can help Boston win games down the stretch. Jarren Duran has been a bright spot in the lineup all year for the Red Sox. He has taken his game to the next level and has found a home as a starter in the outfield. Bryan Bello has really shined for Boston as well on the mound. All three of these players are exceeding expectations and can lift Boston to the playoffs.
Toronto Blue Jays- 3rd wilcard seed (+1.5 games)
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The three-headed monster of this Blue Jays team that includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Kevin Gausman can be enough to bring playoff baseball to Toronto. Gausman had really taken his pitching to another level as of late and is climbing up the rankings for the AL Cy Young. Bichette and Guerrero Jr. continue to be one of the most exciting young duos in the game as both are having all-star seasons. The Blue Jays have found themselves playing consistent baseball throughout the duration of the season which will help them as well. As long as they can continue this pace, the Blue Jays will make the wildcard round.
Houston Astros- 2nd wildcard seed (+2.5 games)
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When healthy, it’s hard to top this Astros’ lineup. Now that Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez have returned, the Astros will make some noise during the second half of the season. Having such a complete lineup will allow the Astros to make the postseason. The experience of this team will also be a factor as they know what it takes to make it to October. The reigning World Series Champions have been locks for playoff baseball over the past few seasons and this year should be no different. The experience and depth of the Astros can lead them to the playoffs once again.
Tampa Bay Rays- 1st wilcard seed (+5.5)
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Since the very beginning of the season, the Rays have been one of the top team in baseball. Tampa Bay has one of the most complete rosters in baseball which can help them not only reach the postseason, but make a run at the World Series. They have been known for their lights-out pitching and with arms such as Shane McClanahan and Tyler Glasnow, they once again have a strong rotation. Although currently in the wilcard picture, the Rays would be leading most divisions if not in the AL East. Players such as Randy Arozarena and Yandy Diaz have stepped up this season on offense as well. Between the depth of their roster and dominant pitching, the Rays can easily make the playoffs this year.
