Early MLB Playoff Predictions 2022

After more than two months of work stoppage, a brief strike, major offseason moves, and new rule changes, today marks Opening Day for baseball in 2022. Among the notable changes this offseason was the implementation of a new playoff format. For the first time in a full season, there will be six playoff teams in each conference with the two best teams having first round byes while the other four teams will compete in a best of three wild card series. With these additions likely to have a significant impact on this season, here are my predictions.

American League: 

Wild Card
​#3 Toronto Blue Jays over #6. Boston Red Sox
#4 New York Yankees over #5 Tampa Bay Rays

Division Series
3. Toronto Blue Jays over 2. Houston Astros
1. Chicago White Sox over 4. New York Yankees

Championship Series
3. Toronto Blue Jays over 1. Chicago White Sox


National League:

Wild Card
#3 Atlanta Braves over #6 San Fransisco Giants
#4 New York Mets over #4 St. Louis Cardinals

Division Series 
#1 Los Angeles Dodgers over #4 New York Mets
#2 Milwaukee Brewers over #3 Atlanta Braves

Championship Series
#1 Los Angeles Dodgers over #2 Milwaukee Brewers


World Series:
#1 Los Angeles Dodgers over #3 Toronto Blue Jays