MLB Playoffs are set

It's playoff time in the MLB. The expanded 16-team bracket has been set, and here is what you need to know. We'll start in the American League, with the Tampa Bay Rays. They are the number one seed, so they will be facing the eighth seed Blue Jays. These are both young teams that rely on guys that aren't necessarily superstars, but they have that potential. The winner of that will face the winner of the fourth seed Indians and fifth seed Yankees. These two teams are also very similar. They rely on a strong pitching staff and live and die with the long ball. They are powerful teams who have dealt with injuries and drama, but when healthy and focused it will be a clash of titans.

Next is the third seed Twins facing the sixth seed Astros. The Twins fought for their spot, and they earned it. The Astros on the other hand, didn't finish with a record above .500. Only one other team in the playoffs did that. They have stars that can break out at any moment though, making this an unpredictable battle. Finally, the second seed A's will face the seventh seed White Sox. The A's are another team that rely on team chemistry rather than one dominant player. Meanwhile, the White Sox have used their youth to an advantage, as most people did not think they would be in the playoffs yet.

Now to the National League. It starts with a star studded number one seed Dodgers team. They will face the other team with a losing record, the Brewers. The Dodgers dominated all year, meanwhile the Brewers were never above .500 on the season. The winner of that will face the winner of the fourth seed Padres and fifth seed Cardinals. San Diego will rely on their confidence and pitching staff. They are a team to watch, as they believe they are the best team and will do anything to prove that. The Cardinals are working with experience though. They are being led by veterans Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, along with some underrated players who have things to prove themselves.

Then there is the third seed Cubs facing the sixth seed Marlins. The Cubs looked like the best team in baseball at one point, and they will rely on their hot bats. The Marlins are a different story though. They were projected to be the laughing stock of MLB. But they have proved everyone wrong, and they will rely on the hate they have received. They have a chip on their shoulder, and should not be taken lightly. The winner of that will face the winner of the second seed Braves and seventh seed Reds. The Braves have relied on a mixture of stars like Ronald Acuna Jr. and role players like Travis d'Arnaud. They will also be getting back ace Max Fried. The Reds have something no one else does though, Trevor Bauer. He is a potential Cy Young winner and you just never know what to expect from him. If the Reds' bats can get hot and they keep Bauer under control, then this will be a very competitive matchup.

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