Major League Baseball has hit the All-Star Break, which is considered the midpoint of the season, but the teams have played more than half their games. Remember, Major League Baseball has a new format for how the postseason is decided. 6 teams from both the National and American League will get a shot at the postseason. The Wildcard certainly is different, and then it will quickly get to 4 teams in each league, down to 2, and then of course, 1 for the World Series. Let’s take a look at the current Major League Baseball playoff picture in the National League as the All-Star Break is here:
Top of the Class
The Atlanta Braves have started to run away with the National League East. The Braves are the first team to 60 wins, and the Marlins and Phillies are 8.5 and 12 games behind them in the division. The Braves have two of the top wildcard spot and currently hold down third. MVP candidates in Acuna Jr and Olson, and a Cy Young candidate in Spencer Strider. Atlanta looks to be the team to beat and will be awaiting the wildcard winner, most likely. The Miami Marlins, out of the National League East, are the current wildcard leaders.
The offense has been solid, and Miami’s young pitching is coming through for their first year manage. Philadelphia, who had a massive second half a season ago, is just behind for the National League East – the New York Mets have floundered at under .500 on the season and look to only have a chance at the wildcard position, as they find themselves 18.5 games out of first place.
Surprise in the West
The Arizona Diamondbacks had the divisional lead for much of the first half. But, with recent struggles and hot play by the Dodgers, it’s tied. The winner of this division would get the 2nd seed and host their first-round series. San Francisco is right in the mix, at just 2.5 games behind. The San Diego Padres are in the division, and have been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball.
Could they make a second-half run? Arizona has seen the benefits of Corbin Carroll in his rookie season, along with several other surprise seasons. Zac Gallen is another Cy Young candidate. Many feel Arizona is playing a little over their heads, but that’s what we get the second half of the season to find out.
New Blood in Central
In the National League Central – Elly De La Cruz has been an instant spark club for the Cincinnati Reds. The division appears to be a two-team race between the Reds and the Brewers. Pittsburgh and Chicago are flirting around the .500 mark, while the St. Louis Cardinals have been awful all season long. The Reds pitching staff is one that many question, but their offense seems to keep them in games long enough. It will be interesting who can take down the division as the stretch run arrives.
National League Playoff Picture:
- Cincinnati Reds (NL Central) vs. 6. Philadelphia Phillies (WC 3) / Milwaukee half-game behind
- Los Angeles Dodgers / Arizona Diamondbacks (NL West 2nd) (WC 2) vs. 5. Miami Marlins (WC 1)
2; Arizona Diamondbacks / Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Winner)
1; Atlanta Braves
Be sure to check back during All-Star Game week for the updated picture out of the American League as well!
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