{
  "id": 10411963,
  "title": "MLB playoff power rankings: All 12 teams by chances to win World Series",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/mlb-playoff-power-rankings-all-12-teams-by-chances-to-win-world-series",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-28T09:31:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mlb-playoff-power-rankings-12-093112923.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "1. Los Angeles Dodgers\nThe Dodgers' ace duo of Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to dominate the playoff series. In addition, Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell have been performing well. Teoscar Hernandez, Mookie Betts, and Kyle Tucker have been performing at an exceptional rate in the September OPS rankings. Their three-peat appearance would be less dependent on Shohei Ohtani's contributions.\n\n2. Tampa Bay Rays\nWhile the Rays had a challenging playoff history in the past, they have advanced beyond the wild-card round and are now set to face the winner of the Red Sox-Yankees series. Their strong performance against both teams in the season series could be their toughest challenge for entering the World Series. Questions remain regarding their ability to translate their performance on the home turf and their offense's effectiveness against stronger pitching.\n\n3. Milwaukee Brewers\nThe Brewers have shown significant improvement this season, making it their eighth postseason in nine years. Jacob Misiorowski, an impending Cy Young Award winner, is ready to make an impact from the first game. The team's pitching staff, from 2 through 13, will play a crucial role in determining the success of their 103-win season. Their young players, including Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana, will need to hold up under the pressure of the playoffs.\n\n4. New York Yankees\nFor the Yankees, the pitching rotation may be their strongest suit, with four deep starters. Cam Schultzer, Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, and Carlos Rodón are expected to lead the way, followed by Will Warren. Aaron Judge is unlikely to be available during the wild-card round, or any stage of the playoffs, making the pitching staff even more critical. The bullpen's effectiveness in multiple appearances will be crucial for their success.\n\n5. Cleveland Guardians\nUnlike their competitors, the Guardians have a first-round bye in the playoffs. Their pitching staff is their backbone, and they will need it as they face the survivor of the White Sox-Astros series. The Guardians have a solid lineup, but their home run and OPS rankings indicate room for improvement. Their young players, Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana, may need to step up under playoff pressure.",
  "summary": "Can the 103-win Brewers down the Dodgers? Who's the team to beat in the AL?",
  "key_points": [
    "Los Angeles Dodgers dominate with ace duo Skubal and Yamamoto",
    "Tampa Bay Rays face toughest challenge from strong season series performance",
    "New York Yankees' pitching rotation critical for postseason success"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Does failing to win the World Cup or Champions League hurt Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or chances?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/does-failing-to-win-the-world-cup-or-champions-league-hurt-harry",
        "published": "2026-09-28T05:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}