The postseason is almost here. With only three days left in the regular season, the playoff landscape looks much clearer.
Some teams have already clinched their spot in the playoffs, while other ballclubs still need to fight for their playoff lives. Regardless, it should be an exciting weekend as the regular season officially winds down.
There are certain races that have still yet to be decided, such as the Wild Card races in both leagues, and the race for the AL West title. Those will all be resolved in a matter of days.
Of the teams that have already clinched postseason berths, there are a few that could potentially surprise people this October and break some brackets. More often than not, it's the biggest and best teams who win in the postseason and emerge as World Series champions. But sometimes, it may be a team that nobody expected who ultimately wins it all.
In 2006 and 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals overcame incredible odds to win their 10th and 11th World Series titles. In 2019, we got to see the Washington Nationals go on a run in the postseason and win a title after recovering from a dreadful start.
The Minnesota Twins could finally snap their postseason losing streak
The Minnesota Twins have yet to win a postseason game since Game 1 of the 2004 ALDS against the New York Yankees. They haven't been to the postseason since 2020.
However, they could potentially be on pace to snap that skid this postseason. And though they emerged victorious in a bad division, all that matters up to now is that they got in. Minnesota still could be dangerous by the time the postseason comes around.
The biggest strength the Twins have is their starting rotation. They have Sonny Gray, Joe Ryan, and Pablo Lopez at the top. Bailey Ober and Kenta Maeda are also viable starting pitching options.
But their top three can really put some fear into opposing teams. They would be worthy opponents, especially in a short three-game series. The Twins will have to get past the Wild Card round this October, but when you've got Gray as your ace and several solid options behind him, there is hope that things can go differently than they have in years past.
It's been a long time since the Twins have done any damage in the postseason, as they haven't even made it to the ALCS since 2002, but you can't sleep on their rotation.
The Miami Marlins are a team that should not be overlooked
The Marlins have slowly but surely improved in recent years, and for the first time since 2020, they have the chance to reach the postseason. They currently lead the race for the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League by a half-game over the Chicago Cubs.
What makes the Marlins so dangerous is their pitching. They were the ones that traded Pablo Lopez to the Twins. But they still have a strong bullpen and rotation. Things will be a little more difficult without Sandy Alcantara, but they do have Johnny Cueto, Jesus Luzardo, Edward Cabrera, and Braxton Garrett.
Speaking of the Pablo Lopez trade, they also have a strong offense led by last year's American League batting champion Luis Arraez. Josh Bell, Yuli Gurriel, Jake Burger, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. are also threats. They even have the 2021 World Series MVP in Jorge Soler.
Miami is a young team and very dangerous, even with Alcantara on the shelf, and they could potentially surprise some people this postseason, not unlike the 2007 Colorado Rockies.
Don't sleep on the Phillies
In most people's eyes, the Philadelphia Phillies are not a "dark horse" team. But most people are likely considering the Atlanta Braves the team to beat in the National League. The reigning NL champs will probably have something to say about that.
You may recall that last October, it was the Phillies who put an end to the Braves season. After sweeping the Cardinals in the Wild Card round, they were heavy underdogs against the then-defending World Series champions.
But after splitting the first two games of the series, the teams traveled back to the City of Brotherly Love for Games 3 and 4, and it was all Philadelphia in those games. Who's to say that the Phillies won't upset the Braves again.
Atlanta will obviously be the favorites, but with Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos, J.T. Realmuto, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber in their lineup, you can't overlook the Phils. Their pitching staff is also loaded with stars such as Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Surarez, Craig Kimbrel, Gregory Soto, and others.
The Phillies fell just short in the World Series last fall, so they'll be ready to put that behind them and finish the job this time around.