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14 contenders: Ranking the top World Series favorites

As the crisp air of autumn approaches, the MLB playoff picture is crystallizing. The marathon of the 162-game season is giving way to the sprint of October baseball. While several teams have clinched their spots, a handful of others are still battling for a ticket to the dance. We’ve analyzed the rosters, pitching rotations, and bullpen depth to rank the top 14 contenders with a legitimate shot at hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy.

From the powerhouse favorites to the dangerous dark horses, this list covers every team that could make a deep run. Let’s dive into the rankings.

Tier 1: The Elite (Teams 1-3)

These teams are the cream of the crop. They boast superstar talent, deep lineups, and ace-fronted rotations. Anything less than a World Series appearance would be a disappointment.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

No surprise here. The Dodgers combine a star-studded lineup with an intimidating pitching staff. With two MVP candidates in the heart of their order and a Cy Young frontrunner on the mound, they are built for October success. Their biggest strength is their relentless depth; even their bench players would start for most other clubs.

The only question mark is their bullpen, which has shown flashes of inconsistency. If they can lock down the late innings, they are the clear team to beat. Their run differential of +210 leads all of baseball for a reason.

2. Atlanta Braves

The Braves are a machine. Their offense is a modern-day Murderers’ Row, capable of putting up crooked numbers in any inning. They lead the league in home runs and OPS, and their balanced attack leaves opposing pitchers with no room to breathe. Their one-two punch atop the rotation is as good as any in the league.

Like the Dodgers, their path to a title will depend on the performance of their middle relievers. But with an offense this potent, they can often make up for any pitching deficiencies.

3. New York Yankees

After a dominant season, the Bronx Bombers are poised for a deep postseason run. Their rotation, led by a bona fide ace, has been the best in the American League. When you combine that with a lineup featuring the reigning home run king and a supporting cast of professional hitters, you have a formidable opponent.

Their health will be a key factor, as a few key players have battled minor injuries down the stretch. A fully healthy Yankees squad is arguably the most complete team in the AL.

Tier 2: The Serious Threats (Teams 4-7)

These clubs have all the pieces to win it all. They might have a slightly less-imposing roster than the elite tier, but they are more than capable of getting hot and making a championship run.

4. Baltimore Orioles

The youth movement in Baltimore is in full force. The Orioles are talented, athletic, and fearless. Their lineup is deep, and their bullpen, anchored by a lights-out closer, is one of the best in the sport. They play with a swagger that makes them incredibly dangerous in a short series.

5. Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies know how to win in October. Their top-heavy roster is built for the postseason, with two aces in the rotation and a lineup full of clutch performers who thrive under the bright lights. The home-field advantage in Philadelphia is a real weapon, making them a nightmare opponent.

6. Houston Astros

Never count out the Astros. Their championship pedigree is undeniable, and they possess a core of players who have been through the playoff gauntlet time and time again. While they may not have been as dominant in the regular season, their combination of elite starting pitching and timely hitting makes them a perennial threat. Check out our full playoff predictions for more on their chances.

7. Seattle Mariners

It’s all about the pitching in Seattle. The Mariners boast arguably the best and deepest starting rotation in baseball, a huge advantage in a five or seven-game series. If their offense can provide just enough run support, their arms can carry them all the way.

Tier 3: The Dark Horses (Teams 8-11)

Don’t sleep on these teams. While not considered frontrunners, each of these 14 contenders has a unique strength that could propel them on a surprise run to the World Series.

8. Texas Rangers

The defending champs have had an up-and-down year, but their offense remains one of the most explosive in the league. If their pitching staff, which has battled injuries all season, can get healthy at the right time, they have the offensive firepower to repeat.

9. Minnesota Twins

The Twins’ formula is simple: strong starting pitching and power. Their rotation has been excellent all year, and their lineup is filled with hitters who can change the game with one swing. Their biggest hurdle has been consistency, but they are a tough matchup for anyone.

10. Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-backs proved last year that speed and timely hitting can win in October. They play an exciting brand of baseball that puts immense pressure on the defense. Led by their young superstar, they are a confident group that won’t be intimidated by anyone.

11. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs have quietly put together a very solid ballclub. A savvy veteran rotation combined with a balanced lineup makes them a tricky opponent. They don’t have the overwhelming star power of the top-tier teams, but they play smart, fundamental baseball.

Tier 4: The Long Shots (Teams 12-14)

These teams need a lot to go right, but they’ve earned their spot in the postseason. An upset or two could see them gain momentum and become a Cinderella story.

12. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays consistently outperform expectations with their analytical approach and deep roster of versatile players. They are masters of finding favorable matchups and exploiting weaknesses. You can never write them off, as they always seem to find a way to compete. Their player development is second to none, a fact often highlighted on MLB.com.

13. San Diego Padres

On paper, the Padres have the talent to be much higher on this list. Their lineup has underachieved but is still packed with All-Star talent capable of getting hot. If their stars finally click in unison, they have the potential to upset anyone in their path.

14. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have an excellent young core and a rotation with a high ceiling. Their issue has been consistency, particularly with runners in scoring position. They have the talent to beat any team on any given day, but can they string together enough wins for a deep run? It’s a long shot, but the potential is there.

The stage is set for an unforgettable October. While the top-tier teams are the favorites for a reason, history has shown us that the postseason is a different beast. Any of these 14 contenders could get on a roll and find themselves celebrating in a sea of champagne come November.

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