MLB
5 Best 2023 MLB World Series Contenders
Create your own rankings of the top 5 2023 MLB World Series Contenders from the Atlanta Braves to San Diego Padres to Houston Astros
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Pro Sports Outlook’s 13th episode of “The Countdown” features a ranking of the top 5 MLB World Series contenders in 2023. ‘The Countdown’ aims to be the #1 sports rankings show in the world where debates get settled and fans are given the power to voice their own opinions.
As the 2023 MLB season draws closer, fans and analysts alike are speculating about which teams will emerge as top contenders for the World Series. While there are many factors that could influence a team’s success, including player performance, injuries, and luck, there are a few overarching trends that could give us some insight into which teams might have the best chance of making a deep playoff run.
One key factor to consider is a team’s overall talent level. While there are always surprises in baseball, teams with a deep roster of talented players are typically the ones that go the furthest in the playoffs. This includes not only star players, but also strong role players and a solid bullpen.
Another important factor to consider is a team’s recent track record. Teams that have consistently performed well over the past few years, particularly in the playoffs, are likely to be strong contenders in the upcoming season as well. This could include teams that made it to the World Series in recent years, as well as those that have consistently performed well in the regular season.
In addition to talent and track record, teams with a strong clubhouse culture and a sense of unity are likely to do well in the postseason. This includes teams that have a strong leadership core, a positive attitude, and a willingness to work hard and support each other. Finally, it’s important to consider a team’s strengths and weaknesses, and how they match up against potential playoff opponents. Teams with strong pitching staffs, solid defense, and a balanced offense are often the ones that are most successful in the playoffs.
While it’s impossible to predict with certainty which teams will emerge as top contenders in the 2023 MLB season, by considering these key factors and analyzing past trends, we can gain some insights into which teams might have the best chance of winning the World Series. Honorable mention includes: Los Angles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies.
Here are the top 5 2023 MLB World Series contenders. Do you agree? Create your own rankings below!
– 5 CONSECUTIVE NL EAST DIVISION TITLES
– 2021 WORLD CHAMPS; FINISHED 101-61 IN 2022
– HARRIS & STRIDER FINISHED 1ST & 2ND IN ROY
This could be the year Ronald Acuna puts it all together and tears up the league with an MVP season. While Austin Riley, Matt Olson, and Michael Harris all have legitimate MVP potential themselves. Losing Dansby Swanson could be salvaged by a big year from rookie SS Vaughn Grissom who’s impressed in his professional career.
They have the playoff pedigree, the high-level talent, and the depth to be considered the best all-around team entering 2023. Nobody knows how injuries will impact these teams throughout the season but when fully healthy, nobody poses more of a threat to the Commissioner’s Trophy than the team that hoisted it just a couple of years ago with the same young core in place along with an elite team top-to-bottom.
– MISSED PLAYOFFS 13 STRAIGHT YEARS BEFORE ’20
– POSTSEASON IN 2/3 YEARS SINCE CRONENWORTH
– LOST IN NLCS GAME 6 TO PHILLIES LAST YEAR
The San Diego Padres have one of the most loaded middle-of-the-orders to ever exist with Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts all striking fear into opposing pitching staffs. Add in Nelson Cruz and Jake Cronenworth, this lineup is downright terrifying.
The rotation is just as strong with Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Blake Snell forming a terrific trio while Josh Hader looks to bounce back as one of the best closers in the game. They’ve been ravaged by injuries each of the last two years, particularly in the pitching department. If they can stay healthy, the Padres could finally win their first Commissioner’s Trophy.
– REIGNING WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS
– BEEN TO 4 WORLD SERIES’ IN LAST 6 YEARS
– 6 CONSECUTIVE ALCS APPEARANCES
Any unbiased list like this can’t exclude the reigning champs despite them not being the fan favorites after their 2017 cheating scandal. They’ve been on a mission to prove the doubters wrong and finally climbed back to the mountain top last year with Dusty Baker winning his first ring to solidify a Hall of Fame coaching career.
They lost reigning Cy Young Justin Verlander but still have an impressive rotation with top prospect Hunter Brown likely to take Verlander’s spot in the rotation at some point this year. Former AL MVP Jose Abreu joins the fold to turn their biggest weakness last year (1B) into a strength that makes the ‘Stros even scarier.
– LOST WILD CARD GAME 3 STRAIGHT YEARS
– LONGTIME CARDS MOLINA & PUJOLS RETIRED
– 1B PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT IS THE REIGNING MVP
It might be surprising to see the St. Louis Cardinals on this list after three straight Wild Card losses but it’s a new era in Missouri. Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina are gone while top prospect Jordan Walker and C Willson Contreras are in.
Jack Flaherty looks to finally be healthy entering 2023 while the rest of the rotation led by Adam Wainwright and Miles Mikolas is as formidable as ever with plenty of depth to withstand a 162-game season and a bullpen that can shut things down every night.
– FINISHED 86-76 IN 2022; LOST IN 15TH INNING
– REACHED POSTSEASON IN 4 STRAIGHT YEARS
– 4 SP HAD A SUB-3.00 ERA IN THEIR LAST SEASON
Tampa Bay Rays are loaded with depth which gives them a huge advantage over a 162-game season. Fueled by a young core, Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena already have Playoff experience and could help lead Tampa to their fifth straight postseason appearance and help the Rays finally get over the hump.
Ever since dropping “Devil” from their team name after 2008, the Rays have been one of the most consistent teams in the league, even in the feared AL East. They are now the only AL East to make this list even with the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox in the division but Tampa Bay has the pitching staff, experience, and depth to make a deep run in 2023.
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