2016 MLB Playoff Predictions

Written by Kelly Byrnes

Well we made it through another offseason. Today is Opening Day or Monday is, nobody knows anymore. Either way your team will open their season over the next two days and it will be glorious. As of this moment your team is in 1st place, enjoy it while it lasts. All I know is I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about Opening Day and I know all baseball fans agree but Opening Day should be a national holiday. Enjoy my predictions!

NL WEST

Giants with more of that even year magic but I did have the D-Backs winning the division until Pollack got hurt. I still believe they have enough to get one of the Wild Card spots. As a Dodgers fan this is tough to say but I think they may struggle this year. Lots of injuries and a new coach. They are still a good team and have a great farm system, future is bright for the only team from LA.

1. Giants
2. D-Backs (WILD CARD)
3. Dodgers
4. Padres
5. Rockies

NL CENTRAL

I don’t see three teams winning 95+ games again this year in the Central. It is still the toughest division in baseball. I see a down year from the Cardinals but it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if they come out on top again. I have the Pirates in the Wild Card game for the 4^th year in a row. They last two years they ran into Bumgarner and Arrieta. Here’s hoping they can get past the Wild Card game this year.

1. Cubs
2. Pirates (WILD CARD)
3. Cardinals
4. Brewers
5. Reds

NL EAST

I think Dusty brings the Nationals clubhouse together and takes them to the next level. As much as I love the Mets rotation and think it’s the best in baseball by far, I think the offense will struggle even though they have Yoenis from Day 1.

1. Nationals
2. Mets
3. Marlins
4. Braves
5. Phillies

AL WEST

The Astros biggest problem last year was their bullpen and they seemed to have fixed it with trading for Ken Giles. The Rangers will give the Astros a run for their money again but I think the Astros hold onto the lead this year. The Mariners are an unknown with an almost new roster. I would love to see King Felix in the playoffs.

1. Astros
2. Rangers (WILD CARD)
3. Mariners
4. A’s
5. Angels

AL CENTRAL

No overlooking the Royals from me anymore. The Indians rotation will carry them to one of the Wild Card spots, I believe they have just enough offense. I like the White Sox but I think the whole LaRoche situation will split the locker room and that could hurt their on-field performance.

1. Royals
2. Indians (WILD CARD)
3. Tigers
4. Twins
5. White Sox (Sorry Mike Carter)

AL EAST

I don’t feel confident about my AL East picks at all. I feel this division is wide open. Anyone of these teams could win the division or finish last. Whatever team comes out on top I don’t think they get past the Division Series.

1. Blue Jays
2. Red Sox
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Yankees

NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Pirates vs Nationals

AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Royals vs Astros

WORLD SERIES

Royals over Pirates