MLB September predictions: Playoff races, awards, more surprises - ESPN

Welcome to September! We're five months into Major League Baseball's 2024 season and there is plenty of intrigue entering the homestretch.

Which of the current contenders will be headed to the playoffs? How will the division races play out? Who are the favorites to win the MVP and Cy Young awards? And will Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani make history to cap off their incredible 2024 performances?

To discuss what the final month of the regular season might bring, we asked a panel of 18 ESPN baseball experts some of the game's biggest questions, covering September and beyond. We also asked a number of them to explain their answers — particularly those that went against the grain.

Below, you'll find our picks for the postseason, major awards and more, including a few surprising answers and some bold predictions about what's next.

Dodgers: 14
Phillies: 3
Brewers: 1

The Dodgers were the overwhelming pick. Why did you take them?

The Dodgers have a slight lead for the best record in baseball, due in large part to their unreal lineup. The good news for further growth is their lead isn't so big that they'll take their foot off the gas and the pitching staff will get better, possibly soon. Michael Kopech magically improved once acquired and is now the closer while Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto could all return in the coming weeks. The worst performing members of the rotation are Walker Buehler and Bobby Miller, who could revert to frontline form at any point. — Kiley McDaniel

The Dodgers' pitching might have flaws, but their midseason acquisitions of Jack Flaherty and Kopech have been pivotal. With Max Muncy healthy and Tommy Edman strengthening center field, this lineup is MLB's deepest. This team's