Ranking MLB contenders’ postseason pitching cores for 2023
- Each MLB contender's postseason pitching core is evaluated, consisting of three starters, a swingman, and four relievers.
- Teams like the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles have strengths and weaknesses in their pitching staff, with concerns about command and rotation depth.
- The analysis concludes that the effectiveness of a team's pitching core will significantly impact their performance in the playoffs.
In the lead-up to the MLB playoffs, an assessment of each contender's pitching core reveals a mix of strengths and vulnerabilities. The analysis focuses on the construction of pitching staffs, which include three starting pitchers, a swingman, and four relievers. Teams like the San Diego Padres boast a bullpen filled with closers, yet face command issues that could be detrimental in high-pressure playoff situations. The Baltimore Orioles are noted for their playoff format advantages, but questions linger regarding the back of their rotation. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers struggle with injuries that have severely impacted their rotation, despite having a reliable bullpen. The Cleveland Guardians stand out with the best bullpen in baseball, but their rotation lacks an ace, raising concerns about depth. Other teams, such as the Arizona Diamondbacks and Minnesota Twins, also face challenges, with the former having a trustworthy starter in a down season and the latter grappling with one of the worst bullpens in the league. The New York Mets, while having potential in Kodai Senga, do not instill fear in opposing hitters, which could be a disadvantage. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these pitching cores will be pivotal in determining each team's success in the postseason, as the balance between starting and relief pitching can make or break playoff runs.