The 2023 Major League Baseball season will feature an expanded Wild Card round for the seventh consecutive year. Since 2012, MLB has utilized a one-game Wild Card playoff to determine the final teams advancing to the Division Series from each league. In 2022, MLB expanded the Wild Card format again to include three games per league between the top two Wild Card teams, while keeping the one-game playoff for the third Wild Card team.
This expanded format adds intrigue and excitement for more teams fighting for playoff spots down the stretch. It also provides additional revenue for MLB and television partners who can broadcast an extra game. The current format is scheduled to remain in place for the 2023 season and beyond, so fans can expect another high-stakes Wild Card weekend next October.
2023 Wild Card Format
In each league, the top three Wild Card teams will be seeded based on their regular season records. The team with the best record of the three Wild Card clubs will be seeded #1, second best #2, and third best #3. The #1 and #2 seeds will then face off in a best-of-three series, with the #1 seed hosting the first two games. If a third game is necessary, it will be played at the lower seeded #2 team’s ballpark.
Meanwhile, the one-game Wild Card playoff will feature the #3 seed hosting the #6 seed from their respective league. The winners of the best-of-three and one-game playoffs will then advance to the Division Series round. Home-field advantage throughout the LDS and subsequent rounds is still determined by regular season record.
2023 American League Wild Card Predictions
In the stacked American League, the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Angels are virtual locks for the top three Wild Card spots barring major injuries. This would make for a tantalizing best-of-three series between the Yankees and Astros, two perennial powerhouses.
Both teams are built for October with stacked rotations fronted by Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander. The lineups are also formidable, headlined by Aaron Judge, Jose Altuve, and Mike Trout. This series could realistically go the full three games and feature plenty of late-inning heroics. Ultimately, the Astros’ experience and depth gives them a slight edge to advance.
In the one-game playoff, the Seattle Mariners are projected for the #3 seed. With stars like Julio Rodriguez and Cy Young contender Luis Castillo, Seattle has the talent to knock off the #6 seed Toronto Blue Jays. While Toronto will be dangerous behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Alek Manoah, the Mariners’ balanced roster and home field advantage should propel them into the ALDS.
2023 National League Wild Card Predictions
Out West, the Los Angeles Dodgers are primed for another NL West crown. The NL Wild Card race looks wide open beyond them. The Atlanta Braves are a safe bet to return to the postseason as a top three seed after winning it all in 2021.
From there, the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals all have a legitimate shot at the remaining spots. The Brewers’ pitching staff led by Corbin Burnes gives them an edge to take the #2 seed over San Diego. That would set up a fun NL best-of-three between the Braves and Brewers.
Despite losing Freddie Freeman, Atlanta’s lineup is still formidable with Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson, and Matt Olson. Their experience in close games prevails and they outlast the Brew Crew in two tight contests. Over in the one-game playoff, the Cardinals get the nod as the #3 seed thanks to strong starting pitching. They dispatch the Padres to complete the NL Wild Card bracket.
2023 should bring another October of thrilling do-or-die baseball under the expanded Wild Card format. With so many talented contenders, accurately predicting the final six seeds and winners is difficult. Expect the best-of-three series to be instant classics that live up to the magnitude of the games. The single elimination matchups will also undoubtedly produce upsets and memorable walk-off victories. Another exciting Wild Card weekend is on the horizon.
