Strengths: Shohei Ohtani made history by becoming the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, finishing with 54 homers and 59 steals. Behind him are former MVPs Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, and Teoscar Hernández, who hit 33 home runs to finish sixth in the National League. This lineup is a force capable of overwhelming any pitching staff.

Weaknesses: The starting rotation struggled with a 4.57 ERA in the second half and is missing veteran ace Clayton Kershaw for at least the Division Series. Rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto, one of baseball’s top young arms, missed three months due to injury and hasn’t thrown more than 79 pitches since June.

Key player: Walker Buehler, once expected to succeed Kershaw, had a tough recovery from Tommy John surgery, posting a 1-6 record with a 5.38 ERA in 2024. If he can’t regain his former form, the Dodgers may struggle in the playoffs.

Strengths: The Yankees’ duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto may be the most intimidating in baseball. Judge had a season reminiscent of Barry Bonds’ prime, while Soto led the American League in runs scored in his first year in New York.

Weaknesses: Outfielder Alex Verdugo had only 12 extra-base hits in the second half. Fans are eager for Jasson Domínguez to replace the veteran, but Domínguez has only 100 MLB plate appearances.

Key player: Relief pitcher Luke Weaver took over the closer role in September, finishing with a 1.50 ERA, four saves, and 25 strikeouts in 12 innings. His dominance stabilized a struggling bullpen.

Strengths: The Phillies are one of the deepest and most balanced teams in MLB. Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper are powerful hitters, and Trea Turner is a dynamic shortstop. Zack Wheeler is a reliable ace, throwing 200 innings and finishing second in the NL with a 2.57 ERA.

Weaknesses: If starting pitchers falter, the middle of the bullpen could be a weak spot. However, the back end is strong.

Key player: Left fielder Brandon Marsh is a defensive anchor with good speed and an excellent eye, often tiring out opposing pitchers in a lineup full of sluggers.

Strengths: Cleveland’s bullpen is elite, with four pitchers posting sub-2.00 ERAs. Closer Emmanuel Clase was dominant all season, with 47 saves and a 0.61 ERA. Offensively, Josh Naylor complements José Ramírez, who could finish top-five in AL MVP voting.

Weaknesses: The Guardians rely heavily on their bullpen, often lifting starters early. The bullpen frequently enters games by the fifth or sixth inning.

Key player: Ramírez nearly became the seventh player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a season. At 31, he remains one of baseball’s most electrifying players.

Strengths: The Padres have a 43-20 record since the All-Star Break, with strong performances from Dylan Cease, Joe Musgrove, and Michael King. Their pitching staff allowed the fewest home runs in the second half, a positive sign for close playoff games.

Weaknesses: The Padres lack depth and will miss shortstop Ha-Seong Kim due to shoulder surgery. If Manny Machado and Fernando Tatís Jr don’t perform, pressure will fall on 21-year-old Jackson Merrill.

Key player: Closer Robert Suárez struggled in September after a dominant first half. If he can regain his All-Star form, the Padres will be a strong contender.

Strengths: The Astros have won a playoff series every year since 2017. Jose Altuve leads active players with 27 postseason home runs, and he, along with Alex Bregman, Yordan Álvarez, and Kyle Tucker, thrive under pressure.

Weaknesses: The Astros have struggled in one-run games and may run out of starting options if Framber Valdez and Yusei Kikuchi falter.

Key player: Yusei Kikuchi was acquired to start big games in October. His dominance since joining Houston makes him crucial for a deep playoff run.

Strengths: The Brewers are a speedy team, finishing second in stolen bases and third in stolen base percentage. Five players stole at least 20 bases, with Brice Turang leading the way with 50.

Weaknesses: Without Christian Yelich, the Brewers lack reliable power. They’ll need to be aggressive on the basepaths to score enough runs.

Key player: Shortstop Willy Adames hit a career-high 32 home runs and finished second in the NL with 112 RBI. He’s a free agent after the season and could lead the Brewers to the World Series.

Strengths: The Orioles boast some of the best young talent in baseball. Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, and Adley Rutschman are key contributors.

Weaknesses: Baltimore’s bullpen has a 4.81 ERA since the All-Star Break, the worst among playoff teams.

Key player: Right fielder Anthony Santander hit 44 home runs, including clutch hits late in the season. His power will be crucial in the postseason.

Strengths: Bobby Witt Jr could win the AL MVP if not for Aaron Judge. He led baseball in hits and batting average, with 32 home runs and 31 stolen bases.

Weaknesses: The Royals have struggled with plate discipline and injuries to key players like Vinnie Pasquantino.

Key player: Witt is a dynamic player and a joy to watch, especially for those who don’t get to see him often due to Kansas City’s smaller market.

Strengths: The Tigers made an improbable playoff run, going 31-13 with a youthful lineup and a strategy heavily reliant on relief pitchers like Tyler Holton.

Weaknesses: The Tigers lack power and plate discipline, making them vulnerable to veteran teams like the Astros.

Key player: Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal is a Cy Young favorite, leading MLB in wins and strikeouts.

Strengths: The Mets surged to the playoffs behind Francisco Lindor’s stellar season. They have a deep lineup of veteran hitters and young power in Mark Vientos.

Weaknesses: The pitching staff surrenders too many walks, and the offense lacks consistency despite impressive power.

Key player: Pete Alonso is one of baseball’s most fearsome power hitters and can carry the Mets if he heats up.

Strengths: The Braves showed resilience despite losing Ronald Acuña Jr and Austin Riley to injuries. Chris Sale and Marcell Ozuna had standout seasons.

Weaknesses: Injuries have forced the Braves to rely on aging veterans, demonstrating their depth issues.

Key player: Center fielder Michael Harris II will need to provide the spark missing due to Acuña and Riley’s absences.