The trade deadline has officially passed, and teams are gearing up for the final two months of the regular season plus the playoffs.
With moves made and rosters bolstered, it’s time to predict how the postseason picture will look when October rolls around. Exact records will not be predicted, but instead it will just be the top six teams in National League with their positions in the playoff picture.
Division Winners:
1. San Diego Padres — N.L. West
Key Additions: RP Mason Miller, INF Ryan O’Hearn, SP Nestor Cortes
The Padres had one of the best trade deadlines by shocking the baseball world with grabbing Miller from the Athletics. A.J. Preller did a tremendous job of adding to an already talented roster while holding onto Robert Suárez and Dylan Cease. San Diego could easily steal the division away from the Dodgers.
2. New York Mets — N.L. East
Key Additions: RP Tyler Rogers, RP Ryan Helsley, OF Cedric Mullins
The Mets had two big needs heading into the deadline: relievers and a center fielder. They got both and two of the best relievers on the market. With a back-end trio of Rogers, Helsley and Edwin Diaz, the Mets are well on their way to winning the division this season.
3. Chicago Cubs — N.L. Central
Key Additions: RP Taylor Rogers, INF Willi Castro
The Cubs ideally should’ve added a starting pitcher at the trade deadline, but they couldn’t get the deal done. In the meantime, Castro’s versatility will help the organization in the short term and long term. He can slot in at third for now and then anywhere in the infield minus first base if Matt Shaw finds his stride.
Wild Card 1: Los Angeles Dodgers — N.L. West
Key Additions: RP Brock Stewart, OF Alex Call
The Dodgers did just enough to get by at the deadline as they did not want to overpay for players. Bringing in Stewart will help solidify the bullpen while Call’s production can lead to him taking Michael Conforto’s spot in left field. However, Los Angeles did far from enough to win the division.
Wild Card 2: Philadelphia Phillies — N.L. East
Key Additions: RP Jhoan Duran, OF Harrison Bader
Just like the Mets, the Phillies needed bullpen and outfield help. Duran is their big prize as he was arguably the best reliever available. Dave Dombrowski did well there to get him. Bader will be an upgrade over Max Kepler, but it still may not be enough to complement Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.
Wild Card 3: Milwaukee Brewers — N.L. Central
Key Additions: RP Shelby Miller, SP Jordan Montgomery
The Brewers are going to rely on much of their current team to get into the playoffs. Miller will help in the bullpen, and Montgomery can be utilized as needed. Getting Brandon Woodruff back recently is almost like an internal addition, but the organization did just enough to secure a playoff berth.
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