MLB Playoff Predictions: National League Wild Card Round
The Dodgers are definitely the team to beat in the National League, but don’t count out the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs or even the Atlanta Braves. Without further delay, here are our National League Wild Card Series predictions.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves- Best of 3 Winner: Braves
The Reds have the stronger starting rotation (Bauer, Castillo, Gray), but they lack the bullpen depth to neutralize the young and explosive Brave offense. Atlanta’s offense is led by first baseman Freddie Freeman who is tearing the cover off the ball and is a front-runner for the National League Most Valuable Player Award. Freeman is backed by Ronald Acuña, Ozzie Albies, Josh Donaldson and Marcell Ozuna. The Braves carry an intimidating lineup but their defense is below average, per ESPN. However, they make the routine plays, which is all that matters. If Atlanta’s pitchers can keep them in the game, the Braves’ bats should rally to string together multiple solid offensive performances. Braves will win the series in 3.
Miami Marlins vs. Chicago Cubs- Best of 3 Winner: Cubs
I love that the Marlins turned their luck around in 2020 after suffering 105 losses in 2019. Yes, they’re fun to and exciting to watch, but they’re still a few steps from becoming a dominant force in the National League. The Cubs have one of the most stacked offensive lineups in baseball, which includes All-Star caliber players Anthony Rizzo, Javier “El Mago” Baez and Kris Bryant. They’re starting rotation is solid and includes Yu Darvish, Kyle Hendricks and Jon Lester. Their Achilles tendon, however, lies within their bullpen. The Cubs have yet to find a consistent closer, but Craig Kimbrel hasn’t allowed a run in September, per ESPN. If first year manager David Ross can manage his bullpen effectively, the Cubs should dominate. Cubs in 3 games.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Diego Padres- Best of 3 Winner: Padres
The Padres are looking to avenge a 14-year playoff loss to the Cardinals, who sent them home early back in 2006. “Slam Diego,” as the Padres nicknamed themselves, are exciting and entertaining. They bat flip, they celebrate, and they don’t care about any unwritten rules. They’re built to win, something that hasn’t been done in San Diego in a long time. 2020 is the year the Padres make a name for themselves and go toe-to-toe against the “big boys” in the National League. We know the Padres can hit, but the only obstacle that stands in their way is their starting rotation. Both Dinelson Lamet and Mike “Sunshine” Clevinger are questionable for the post-season. If both can get healthy and perform at a high level, San Diego is a dangerous team. San Diego takes this series in 2 games.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers- Best of 3 Winner: Dodgers
The Dodgers are the best team in baseball, period. They can hit, they can pitch and they play defense at an elite level. However, their offense is pretty one-dimensional and they often rely too heavily on the home run to score their runs. Their starting rotation is premier and includes young phenom Dustin May, Walker Buehler and of course future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Clayton Kershaw. The only obstacle that could possibly prevent the Dodgers from winning their third National League pennant in four years is their bullpen management and their seemingly blind trust in their analytics. If Kenley Jansen & company can pull their own weight and manager Dave Roberts manages with his gut, there’s nothing stopping the Dodgers. Unless, of course, the Astros start banging on trash cans again. Dodgers in 2 games.