There are eight teams still standing, which equals 16 possible World Series matchups, including a rematch of last year's World Series (Dodgers vs. Yankees). There has not been a World Series rematch since Dodgers vs. Yankees in 1977 and 1978.

The Cincinnati Reds snapped their long drought, earning their first playoff bid in a 162-game season since 2013. However, the Seattle Mariners (two years), Boston Red Sox (three) and Chicago Cubs (four) all broke out of multi-year funks of their own.

The Mariners are ESPN’s choice to advance to the World Series, also, with a panel-high 14 votes to win the ALCS (the Yankees were second with seven votes). Five voters on the panel picked the Mariners to win it all, second behind only the Philadelphia Phillies from the National League.

The rotation was inconsistent for most of the season but really settled in down the stretch. The best versions of Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Luis Castillo would mean four frontline starters (think 2005 White Sox ). The back-end of the bullpen is great, too, with All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz leading the way.

The Athletic's MLB staff takes a swing at predicting which teams will meet in the World Series ... and which one will come home a champion.

There are pessimissts, too, though — 27% said the Brewers will lose to the Chicago Cubs in the NLDS, which starts Saturday, Oct. 4, at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Another 25% said the Brewers will win the NLDS but lose in the NL Championship Series.

Each of the 12 MLB playoff teams can win the World Series, right? Some are expected to, while others are just relieved to reach October. Each team has plenty of reasons as to why they'll be hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy in five weeks' time – and several for why they'll fall short.

Buehler has a proven track record of pitching well in the postseason. While the Cardinals are unlikely to make it to the playoffs in 2026, he could also be a solid veteran presence in a young clubhouse as the team looks to rebuild and set themselves up for the future.