World Series 2024: Updated Bracket Predictions Before Dodgers vs. Mets NLCS Game 3
What was once a 12-team field in the 2024 MLB playoffs has been whittled down to the final four.
Both of the top seeds, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, are still standing. So, too, are the AL's second-seeded Cleveland Guardians and the NL's sixth-seeded New York Mets.
Sooner than later, though, this field will be sliced in half. Only two teams can escape the League Championship round and advance to the World Series. Let's break out the crystal ball, then, and predict which two teams that will be and close with our World Series pick.
ALCS Prediction: Yankees Defeat Guardians, 4-1
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Cleveland's rotation was one of baseball's stingiest this season, as the Guardians tied for the league's third-lowest ERA (3.61). New York has made quick work of this pitching group anyway.
The Yankees have piled up 11 runs and three home runs while getting out to a 2-0 series lead. The Guardians, meanwhile, have gotten just four combined innings out of starters Alex Cobb and Tanner Bibee, who allowed a combined 10 hits, five earned runs and four walks.
It's hard to see Cleveland, which wasn't a top-10 regular-season team in batting average (.238, 22nd), homers (185, tied for 12th) or runs scored (708, 14th), finding enough offense to extend this series.
Maybe a trip home to Ohio rallies the Guardians to a win, but our crystal ball doesn't see this series going back to New York.
NLCS Prediction: Dodgers Outlast the Mets, 4-3
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It's been an amazing run for the Mets so far.
They didn't secure a playoff spot until their 161st game. They plated four runs in the ninth inning of an elimination game against star reliever Devin Williams to knock off the Milwaukee Brewers. Then, they chased the top-seeded Philadelphia Phillies out of town while winning the Divisional Series 3-1 and enjoying a 23-12 scoring advantage in the series.
It's tempting to back them here, especially after they jumped all over the Dodgers early in their 7-3 win in Game 2. And yet, L.A.'s combination of star hitters and a red-hot pitching staff—prior to Game 2, Dodgers pitchers had thrown 33 consecutive scoreless innings—still feels too great for even this New York team to overcome.
Even with Freddie Freeman fighting a bone bruise and sprained ankle, the trio of him, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts is as good as it gets, even if this series hasn't yet shown it. Expect the Dodgers to get just enough contributions from their star sluggers and the pitchers they still have standing to narrowly escape this series.
World Series Prediction: Yankees Top Dodgers, 4-2
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A Yankees-Dodgers tussle in the championship round would be a dream for baseball ratings.
It should also be one heck of a good series.
Both teams have stars. Both have pitchers capable of taking over games. Both have bullpens capable of delivering under the bright lights. A head-to-head collision could be an all-time classic.
In the end, though, the Yankees would come out on top. Their star hitters are playing better this postseason, and their pitchers are healthier. They have enough to punctuate this playoff run with a title.
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