Frontrunners
Chicago Cubs
Who knows what the postseason will have in store for the Chicago Cubs, who have not lifted a National League pennant since 1945. However, one thing is for certain: they will win the NL Central and be the top ranked team heading in, earning them a matchup with the winner of the one-game playoff.
Washington Nationals
Despite the detrimental loss of Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals will not have waste an ounce of sweat on the NL East. They are simply too formidable and the Marlins and Mets just do not match up whatsoever. If all goes as expected, Dusty Baker’s squad will cruise its way to a mid-September clinch.
Cleveland Indians
Currently riding high with a seven-game lead in the AL Central, Cleveland is one of the greater stories in baseball this year. The Kansas City Royals have massively disappointed and the Tigers have exceeded initial below average expectations, paving the way for a breakout candidate. As of right now, there is no reason to believe that the Tribe does not have the pieces to put the icing on the cake, finish what they started, and roll into the shaky AL playoffs.
