The 2016 MLB playoffs, as you know, start tonight with the American League Wild Card game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays. In this post, I’ll share my predictions on who I think will take home the hardware when the Fall Classic comes around.

First of all, let’s look back to my predictions from before the season started.  From the National League, I had 100% record, picking the Nats, Cubs and Dodgers to win their divisions.  In the American League, I had the Blue Jays, Royals and Angels on top.

AL Wild Card- Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays

 WINNER- Baltimore Orioles

The game is being played at Rogers Centre in Toronto, so the Jays will have home field at the huge stadium. However, the depth of the Orioles’ bullpen should be able to shut down the offense of the Blue Jays, and Chris Tillman should have a good outing tonight.  Expect lots of big hits from both teams.

NL Wild Card- New York Mets vs. San Francisco Giants

WINNER- New York Mets

This pick might not be popular with Nationals fans, but the Mets and Noah Syndergaard have a better overall roster than the Giants. The fall of the San Francisco squad in the second half shows that they aren’t playing at the top of their game, and I’m sure that the Mets will capitalize on that. However, it’s an even year, so the Giants always seem to be in the World Series.

American League DS 1- Texas Rangers vs. Baltimore Orioles

WINNER- Texas Rangers

Home field advantage in this series will be key, which is why I am picking the Rangers. The Rangers don’t have as much pitching depth, but the presence of veteran hitters like Ian Desmond, who is very familiar with the Orioles, and Jonathan Lucroy, will help them take down the Orioles.

American League DS 2- Boston Red Sox vs. Cleveland Indians

WINNER- Boston Red Sox

In Big Papi David Ortiz’s final season, I think that the Sox should cruise to victory against the Indians. The Red Sox, led on the mound by Rick Porcello and David Price, with Ortiz, Mookie Betts (possible AL MVP candidate), and Dustin Pedroia in the batter’s box, should take down the AL Central champs Cleveland. It won’t be easy though, as I predict it will take 5 games for the Red Sox to win.

National League DS 1- Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets

WINNER- Chicago Cubs

In a rematch of last year’s NLCS, I think that the Cubs, who lost the battle last season, will be victorious this year. The Cubs had the best record in the big leagues by a large margin, and I think that they will beat the Wild Card winning Mets in this year’s NLDS.

National League DS 2- Washington Nationals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 

WINNER- Los Angeles Dodgers

Wow, this is painful to say but I’m making an honest pick.  I’m taking the Dodgers.  I don’t feel that the Nationals can match the Dodgers’ depth in the field and on the mound, especially with Wilson Ramos and Stephen Strasburg being injured. Clayton Kershaw, Corey Seager, and Joc Pederson should take the Dodgers into the NLCS.  I think it’ll take a full five games, though.

American League CS- Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox

WINNER- Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox should take the crown over the Rangers in the 2nd round, sending them to the ALCS. The Rangers have a good team, but I think that they won’t be able to overtake the Red Sox.

National League CS- Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

WINNER- Chicago Cubs

The Dodgers’ run should end right here with a loss to the Cubs. Chicago is the all-around best team of the playoffs on paper, and I think that they should move on to the World Series with a win over LA. The Dodgers won’t go down without a fight, and I think it’ll take 6 games for the Cubs to defeat them.

World Series- Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago Cubs

WINNER- Chicago Cubs

This may be as epic of a World Series as you’ll get, with the 2 “cursed” teams of the 20th century facing off. However, for the first time since 1908, I think that the Chicago Cubs will take the crown and raise the Commissioner’s Trophy as the best team in baseball for this season. They are just the best team of the field and will have no problem winning the World Series.  Just don’t let any goats near Wrigley Field.

What are your predictions? Tweet them to me @MattsBats or comment them down below.

Categories: 2016