As September comes to a close, Major League Baseball’s (MLB) playoff picture has begun to take shape, with several teams securing their postseason spots. This year, the bracket will feature many familiar mainstay contenders along with some newer fresh faces. But which teams have been the strongest on the stride to October?

The Tampa Bay Rays:

After 2 straight losing seasons, the Rays are set to make their first playoff appearance since 2023. Unlike prior squads, this Tampa Bay team sits atop the American League East and claims the No. 1 seed for the first time since their World Series run in 2020.

The Rays have specialized in efficient plate production, tied for the league’s highest batting average (BA) and sixth-highest on-base percentage. Statistically, when this lineup gets on base, they take advantage of the opportunity, currently among the top 3 teams in the league in stolen bases. They haven’t had a lack of slugging either, supplemented by standout seasons from third baseman Junior Caminero and designated hitter Yandy Diaz.

Tampa Bay has utilized a solid staff of pitchers who have had the lowest opponent on-base percentage in MLB. The pitching rotation is anchored by sub-3 earned run average (ERA) seasons from Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez.

The Milwaukee Brewers:

Since 2022, the Milwaukee Brewers have been a fixture in October baseball but haven’t capitalized, falling short of the World Series. This season, the team looks to make a deep playoff run after posting its best record in franchise history to earn a playoff bye.

This squad has found much of its success coming from an elite rotation headlined by a potential Cy Young season from breakout star Jacob Misiorowski. Misiorowski has led the league in several of its pitching categories, including strikeouts, ERA and opponent BA. The rotation also features stability coming from rookie Logan Henderson, who has posted a sub-3 ERA this regular season.

Additionally, the Milwaukee offense has found success with a lineup bolstered by career-best seasons from the likes of left fielder, Jackson Chourio, and first baseman, Jake Bauers, along with consistency from catcher William Contreras’ bat.

The Los Angeles Dodgers:

The Dodgers enter their twelfth MLB postseason in the last fourteen years seeking to be the first 3-peat World Series winner since the New York Yankees of 1998-2000. The team holds the second-highest winning percentage in the National League, clinching their division title and a playoff berth.

In previous seasons, the Dodgers rotation has been touted as one of the best in the league, headlined by stars such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell. Especially after their acquisition of 2-time National League Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal, this season presents yet another star-studded lineup. Together, the Dodgers pitching staff has the lowest opponent batting average of any MLB team according to Statcast.

The reigning champions have used a lineup of established stars like first baseman, Freddie Freeman and 2-way player, Shohei Ohtani, but have also gotten results from their young talent such as outfielders Andy Pages and Josue De Paula.

However, the team faces significant challenges on the path to a third consecutive championship, with questions about the health of Shohei Ohtani and Blake Snell, who have recently been placed on the injured list. Whether the Dodgers can repeat their success from prior years remains to be seen.

Beyond these top contenders, 9 other teams will compete for the commissioner’s trophy this fall. Fans of these teams will be able to tune in to this year’s competition starting with the first game of the Wild Card series on Sept. 29, with the World Series set to begin Oct. 23.