The 2023 MLB playoffs will begin on October 3rd, and run until Wednesday 25th. The World Series will then get underway on Friday the 27th of October, with a potential seven-game series deciding the eventual World Champion.
When do the MLB playoffs start?
- Wildcard Series: October 3rd to October 5th
- Division Series: October 7th to October 14th
- Championship Series: October 15th to October 24th
- World Series: October 27th to November 4th
Who are the defending World Series Champions?
The Houston Astros won the 2022 World Series, marking their second title in six years. Dusty Baker’s Astros took down the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 in the World Series, with shortstop Jeremy Pena winning the World Series MVP.
Houston was one of the most impressive teams in baseball during the regular season last year, winning 106 games under manager Dusty Baker. The Phillies had won 87, but proved to be the weaker opponent in the World Series.
In 2023 the Astros will look to defend their title as one of the best teams in the American League, although face tough competition with both the Mariners and the Rangers looking good in the AL West.
When is the World Series 2023?
The 2023 World Series will begin with Game 1 on October 27th. The winners of the American and National League will clash in a best-of-seven series to decide the champions of the 2023 MLB season.
Houston broke a stretch of three straight years with teams from the National League claiming the title, taking it back to the American League for the first time since the Red Sox won it all back in 2018.
How to watch the MLB Playoffs in 2023
The MLB playoffs will be broadcast on various networks in 2023, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1 and TBS.
The World Series will be exclusive to FOX, with broadcasters Joe Davis and John Smoltz covering the series. Legendary Yankee Derek Jeter will also join the crew as one of the studio analysts this year.
Here is a breakdown of the MLB playoffs in 2023:
Wildcard Series
Matchup
Date Time (EST) Network
AL Wildcard Series 1
October 3rd-5th TBC ESPN
AL Wildcard Series 2
October 3rd-5th TBC ESPN
NL Wildcard Series 1
October 3rd-5th TBC ESPN
NL Wildcard Series 2
October 3rd-5th TBC ESPN
Division Series
Matchup
Date Time (EST) Network
AL Division Series 1
October 7th-14th TBC FOX, FS1
AL Division Series 2
October 7th-14th TBC FOX, FS1
NL Division Series 1
October 7th-14th TBC TBS
NL Division Series 2
October 7th-14th TBC TBS
Championship Series
Matchup
Date Time (EST) Network
AL Championship Series
October 15th-24th TBC FOX, FS1
NL Championship Series
October 15th-24th TBC TBS
Championship Series
Matchup
Date Time (EST) Network
World Series Game 1
October 27th
TBC FOX
World Series Game 2
October 28th
TBC FOX
World Series Game 3
October 30th
TBC FOX
World Series Game 4
October 31st TBC FOX
World Series Game 5
November 1st TBC FOX
World Series Game 6
November 3rd TBC FOX
World Series Game 7
November 4th TBC FOX
Best MLB World Series Champions 2023 odds (subject to change)
Atlanta Braves +275
Los Angeles Dodgers +300
Houston Astros +750
Baltimore Orioles +800
Tampa Bay Rays +900
Texas Rangers +900
Seattle Mariners +1100
Milwaukee Bucks +1800
Philadelphia Phillies +1800
Toronto Blue Jays +2200
World Series Favorites
It’s no surprise that the Atlanta Braves are the current favorites for the World Series in 2023. They’ve been outrageously good offensively all season, with talent like Ronald Acuna Jr, Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies crushing home runs for fun all season.
In fact, the entire starting nine has been consistently contributing, with third baseman Austin Riley also being an integral part of the lineups hitting throughout the year.
Olson is on pace to be a contender for the home run title in 2023, and playing at an MVP level right now as a slugger for the Braves.
The Dodgers are also in the conversation, with one of the most talented rosters in baseball right now. Led by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, as well as exceptional pitching, the Dodgers are going to be tough to beat in the postseason. Baltimore has emerged as one of the most fun teams in the league this year, with the likes of Gunnar Henderson, Ryan Mountcastle, and catcher Adley Rutschman forming a dangerous offense. They have great odds for the World Series this year, and they’re a fun team to watch.
The Tampa Bay Rays surged out in front early in the year, but have fallen off a little as the season has gone on. They’re still a contender, but not looking quite as dominant as they did during the early stages of baseball in April and May.