Which MLB playoff contenders can win the 2023 World Series? - ESPN

The stretch run is here, and the MLB playoff field is slowly narrowing (good night, Red Sox). The National League wild-card race remains a free for all for the final spot, and the American League West and wild-card races are suddenly dealing with dueling slumps from the Rangers and Mariners — but at least one of them will make it in.

So, which teams are the real World Series contenders?

This is admittedly a snapshot in time, and sometimes we can overrate how well a team is playing in the moment and miss the big picture. For the most part, however, teams that reach the World Series do play well the final month — although, not always. Since 2016, three of the 16 World Series participants had a losing record the final month (the 2022 Phillies were 14-17, the 2017 Dodgers were 13-17 and the 2015 Royals were 15-17). The other 13 teams were an average of eight games over .500 the final month.

All in all, playing well right now is an important consideration. Let's take a look at every postseason contender and rate them on their World Series potential.

Why they can win the World Series: You know why. Power and more power and a little more power after that. The Braves already have four players with at least 33 home runs, including Matt Olson with 48, and Ozzie Albies is one away from making it five. Two others also have at least 20, and that doesn't even include Michael Harris II, who is hitting .291 (and .325 over his past 90 games after a very slow start). The rotation features the most dynamic starter of 2023 in Spencer Strider plus Max Fried, who is 7-1 with a 2.70 ERA in his 12 starts. Charlie Morton is still striking out 10 batters per nine innings, and Bryce Elder was an All-Star. The bullpen is fifth in the majors in win