In the midst of fall, there’s one thing on our minds - baseball playoffs! And we’ve got the full scoop on the 2022 MLB playoffs that you don’t wanna miss out on. This year, things are heating up with a new playoff format, so we’re here to share all the details and get you pumped for the games.
First things first - the new format
So what exactly is new this year? Well, for starters, there’s an added Wild Card game in each league. This means that the teams with the two best records that didn’t win their respective divisions will go head to head in a single sudden death game, with the winner advancing to the Division Series.
On top of that, the Division Series format has also changed. Instead of the traditional 2-2-1 format, this year it’ll be a 2-3 format with the higher seeded team playing the first two games at home.
The schedule
The Wild Card games will take place on October 5th and 6th, with the days and times of the games to be announced closer to the date. The Division Series will begin on October 7th and 8th for the American League and October 6th and 7th for the National League. The Championship series will start on October 14th for the AL and October 15th for the NL, with the World Series starting on October 25th.
Who’s in?
As of now, the playoff picture is still unfolding and some of the teams are still duking it out for a spot in the post season. But we do know some of the teams that have already clinched their spot in the playoffs, including:
- San Francisco Giants - NL West division champions
- Tampa Bay Rays - AL East division champions
- Houston Astros - AL West division champions
- Chicago White Sox - AL Central division champions
Of course, things can quickly change as teams fight to secure their spot in the coveted playoffs, so keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground for the latest updates.
Our predictions
Now, we know everyone loves to speculate and make their predictions about who will make it to the World Series. And we’re no exception. Here are some of our personal top picks for who we think could go all the way:
- Los Angeles Dodgers - They’re always a strong contender and after a few years of near misses, they could come out on top this year.
- Toronto Blue Jays - A young, scrappy team with a lot of heart. They’ve already shown they can hold their own against the best of the best.
- New York Yankees - They may not have had the strongest regular season, but they have a history of making big comebacks in the playoffs.
- Tampa Bay Rays - The reigning AL champs, they know what it takes to make it all the way and could do it again this year.
Of course, anything could happen and there are always some unexpected surprises. But we like to think positive and believe that one of these teams could be the one holding the trophy at the end.
Fill out your bracket
Ready to get in on the action and make your own predictions? We’ve got you covered. You can download a fillable playoff bracket online and make your picks for who you think will win each game and advance to the next round.
Just remember, the playoffs can be unpredictable and things can change quickly. So don’t get too upset if your bracket gets busted early on (it happens to the best of us).
Why we love the playoffs
For us, the playoffs are more than just a chance to watch some great baseball. It’s about the excitement and electricity in the air as fans come together to cheer on their team and the energy of the players as they fight tooth and nail for a chance at glory.
The playoffs are a time where anything can happen and the underdogs can rise to the occasion to beat the odds. It’s a time where history is made and memories are forged that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just enjoy a good game, there’s something special about the playoffs that brings us all together and reminds us of why we love the game.
Our final thoughts
We hope this rundown of the 2022 MLB playoffs has gotten you hyped up and ready for what promises to be an exciting month of baseball. Remember to cheer on your team, make your predictions, and enjoy the ride!
And if you’re still not convinced that the playoffs are a big deal, just remember - this is where legends are born and history is made. So get ready for the ride of a lifetime!