MLB Wild Card Round Predictions
Photo Courtesy of Arturo Pardavila
Baseball has always been considered an unpredictable sport, and there’s nothing quite as puzzling as the wild card round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason. With each series being played in three-game sets, it leaves the door open for any team to catch fire and shock the baseball landscape with an upset win. In past years, I have made these predictions, I have been proven wrong more times than I can count, and I am sure this year will be more of the same. Nevertheless, my fervor for baseball well outweighs my pride, so let’s take another swing at predicting baseball’s most erratic postseason stage
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves: Braves in three games
After leading the Diamondbacks by five games with eight left to play, the Phillies avoided an all-time collapse by clinching the playoffs on the last day of the MLB season. Now, they get the opportunity to relinquish past October failures against the mighty Braves. With their veteran, battle-tested lineup and an impressive pitching staff, the Phils have a fighting chance. Yet, due to late-season struggles, the pitching rotation is completely gassed. For game one, the Phillies are turning to 28-year-old left-hander Jesus Luzardo, who holds a 0-4 record in the playoff lifetime. In stark contrast, Atlanta will have the luxury to hand the ball to 37-year-old Chris Sale in game one, coming off a Cy Young-caliber season. Philly has the firepower to make this interesting, but I am giving the edge to Atlanta’s well-rested, seasoned roster.
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox: Yankees in three games
Two historic rivals are set to clash yet again. On paper, both of these teams are extremely even, boasting elite starting pitching, reliable relievers, and game-changers throughout the lineup. It’s hard to find flaws with the Yankees rotation, especially the 1-2-3 punch of Schlittler, Fried, and Cole, which is as good as it gets. The big X-factor in this series will be the health of Aaron Judge; the two-time MVP went down with a strained calf on Sept. 16 and is questionable to return in the series. Without Judge, the Bombers’ star-studded lineup is considerably less daunting for the Red Sox’s staff. Even if Judge is not available, I believe that the Yankees pitching will continue to edge past Boston.
Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros: White Sox in three games
An unorthodox matchup between a Houston Squad that finished the season with a .500 record (81-81), the worst regular-season record by an MLB playoff team in history, and a Chicago club that has resoundingly rebounded from a 121-loss season just two seasons ago. These two unlikely playoff teams are not without star power. MVP-favorite outfielder Yordan Alvarez and infielder Jose Altuve headline a top-heavy lineup for Houston. In the Southside of Chicago, all the buzz surrounds Japanese superstar slugger Munetaka Murakami, who established himself as one of the game’s elite power hitters in his first season. Alongside Murakami, Miguel Vargas has had a breakout season; this lethal duo will be the catalyst behind Chicago’s series victory.
San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs: Cubs in three games
Another repeat matchup of a 2025 wild card series, the Padres and the Cubs are set to battle yet again. Last season, the Cubs squeaked past in a grueling three-game set. This time around, Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is coming into the playoffs red hot, with a 40-home-run, 40-stolen-base season. The 24-year-old is not without reinforcements, with the likes of Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, and Nico Hoerner rounding out a fierce group. San Diego has star talent of their own with names such as Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado. Regardless of all these talented hitters, this series will be decided by the respective pitching staffs. San Diego has one of the deepest and fearsome bullpens in the league, headlined by flamethrower closer Mason Miller. The matchup between the Cubs lineup and the Padres bullpen will be glorious to watch. San Diego’s staff will have to be absolutely lights out if they want to come out on top; still, Chicago’s lineup seems too star-studded to fizzle out in the wild card round.
Regardless of whether any of these predictions will come true, I am just happy that postseason baseball is back. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some football, but how many more meatball subs can I watch Drake Maye throw? Sorry, Patriots fans, that was uncalled for but deserved. Jokes aside, we are in for a truly captivating postseason, and as a Yankees fan, I am either ready to be hurt again or be absolutely elated; there is truly no in-between.