The excitement of the MLB postseason is at its peak. While some teams have already secured their spot in October, others are still fighting to close their ticket. However, behind every success story there is a crack that could make them fall.
In the American League, several teams have arrived on fire and with strong arguments to dream of the World Series. However, recent history shows that talent alone is not enough in October, a poorly resolved weakness can be lethal. A vulnerable bullpen, lack of offense or extreme reliance on the home run are just some of the factors that could ruin a promising campaign in a matter of days.
Why the Toronto Blue Jays’ bullpen could be their undoing in October
The Toronto Blue Jays have undergone a redemption season, transforming from an inconsistent team in 2024 to a true contender. However, their biggest weakness is on the mound, as their relief is unstable and unreliable. In the playoffs, where every inning counts, not having dominant arms in the bullpen can be a sin.
In addition to being the team with the most walks conceded among the qualifiers, the lack of depth and fire in the late innings can put any lead in jeopardy. In a short series, one bad night in the bullpen can mean the end.
What prevents Yankees, Mariners or Astros from being champions again?
Although the New York Yankees offense has been one of the most explosive since August, the excess of strikeouts is worrying. With a total rate of 26%, New York is among the teams that strike out the most in Major League Baseball. In October, when opposing pitchers step up their game, that vulnerability can leave the Bronx Bombers without a reaction if the ball doesn’t fly out of the stadium.
The Seattle Mariners rotation has been elite whenever they play at home, but their numbers on the road contrast sharply with their dominance at T-Mobile Park. If they don’t secure home-field advantage, their weakness away from home could expose them in a playoff series where travel is inevitable.
The Houston Astros are the team with the worst slugging percentage in the American League since the All-Star Game and are suffering from the low production of their stars such as Altuve, Walker and Diaz. Without Yordan Alvarez at 100%, this lack could bury them prematurely.
Teams in the fight: What can leave them out early?
The Cleveland Guardians have a limited offense with the worst on-base percentage and one of the lowest wRC+ in the league, their success depends almost exclusively on what Jose Ramirez does. In October, relying on just one bat is never a good option.
The Detroit Tigers have had problems in the closing stages, their bullpen lacks a dominant figure and after recent injuries, the group of relievers generates more doubts than confidence. Without a reliable closer, close games could easily slip away.
The Boston Red Sox’s infield corner production problems could be their Achilles’ heel; injuries and poor form to Bregman, along with Nathaniel Lowe’s inconsistent performance, have limited Boston’s offensive impact in key positions.
The MLB postseason is a rollercoaster where every mistake is costly. All of the aforementioned teams have solid arguments to compete, but they also have weaknesses that can be exploited by more complete or better prepared opponents.
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