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The Chase for the National League Wild Card

Who will make it? Who will be sent home packing?

Brett Windisch

Sep 20, 2023

Photo Credit: MLB Network

Now that the Braves and Dodgers have clinched the National League East & West divisions, the National League Wild Card race is getting super interesting. The Brewers are on the doorstep of clinching the Central, so we can say it is safe to assume that the divisional winners are wrapped up in the National League for 2023. This allows us to focus on the Wild Card.

Right now we are realistically looking at 5 teams for 3 spots. Those five lucky competitors are the Phillies, Diamondbacks, Cubs, Marlins and Reds. The Giants aren’t mathematically eliminated yet, but I just don’t see them making a run as they are 3 games back with just about 10 games left to play.

Taking a quick look at the five contenders and their remaining schedules to provide my quick take.

Philadelphia Phillies:

Vs. Mets

Vs. Pirates

@ Mets

Should earn a Wild Card spot. There is no excuse to be 1st in the Wild Card and drop out following 10 games against two bad teams. The Mets stink and are 11 games under .500. The Pirates are also 11 games under .500 and are not good. Don’t see any change here in the Wild Card Hierarchy.

Arizona Diamondbacks:

@ Yankees

@ White Sox

Vs. Astros

This is a ROUGH schedule to close out the season on. Diamondbacks definitely have their work cut out for them. Good news is they are right now in the Wild Card so they just need to maintain and not rely on anyone else besides themselves in order to get into the playoffs. White Sox are also not a good team, but this series is on the road and road series are never ideal.

Cubs:

Vs. Rockies

@ Braves

@ Brewers

The Cubbies are looking at a tough schedule as well. Lots of road games and against quality opponents. The good news here is the Cubs are “technically” in as of right now and they get to play a series against a poor Rockies team. Also the Braves clinched so they might not throw their full arsenal of arms at the Cubs in order to give those arms some rest.

Marlins:

Vs. Brewers

@ Mets

@ Pirates

The Marlins are on the outside looking in. Good news is they get to play the Mets and the Pirates in 2 of the next 3 series they play. I don’t have faith in the Miami lineup, but you never know.

Reds:

Vs. Pirates

@ Guardians

@ Cardinals

Last but not least…Cincinnati. The schedule is not terrible but I can see Cleveland or St. Louis winning a series against the Reds. Cincinnati may still be a year away but the core is looking very enticing for Reds fans going forward.

We shall see who emerges victorious here, but this is my take and I think the three teams who are “IN” the playoffs as of today will remain that way. Good luck to the field!