As the MLB postseason fervor sweeps across the league, fans are eager to know which team will emerge victorious in the 2023 World Series. With a dozen teams vying for the coveted Commissioner’s Trophy, each franchise carries a unique belief and strategy into the October showdown. From reigning champions, the Astros, seeking a repeat, to underdogs like the Rangers and the Rays, aspiring to etch their names in baseball history, the field is ripe with potential champions.

In anticipation of the thrilling and unpredictable postseason, we turned to the beat reporters covering each of the playoff-bound teams. We asked them to provide one compelling reason why the respective clubs they follow could emerge as the ultimate champions. Here’s a glimpse into their perspectives.

ORIOLES: The Orioles boast a well-rounded roster, featuring a lineup led by emerging stars like Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, a starting rotation anchored by promising aces Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez, and a bullpen teeming with quality arms. However, their standout attribute is their resilience in the face of adversity. The Orioles haven’t suffered a multi-game series sweep in 91 consecutive attempts, dating back to May 2022. Their remarkable ability to bounce back swiftly from losses sets them apart as formidable contenders.

RAYS: Despite significant injuries decimating their starting rotation, including Shane McClanahan, Jeffrey Springs, and Drew Rasmussen, the Rays maintain a wealth of pitching talent. With standouts like Zach Eflin and Tyler Glasnow and a formidable bullpen featuring Pete Fairbanks, Robert Stephenson, Colin Poche, Shawn Armstrong, and Jason Adam (if healthy), the Rays have the capability to shorten games effectively. If their offensive contributors, such as Yandy Díaz, Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes, Josh Lowe, and Harold Ramírez, deliver, the Rays remain competitive despite their roster’s reshuffling due to injuries.

BLUE JAYS: The Blue Jays’ strength lies in their commitment to “pitching and defense,” a combination often heralded in postseason success. Sporting one of baseball’s premier rotations, a solid bullpen, and exceptional defense, Toronto is well-prepared to excel in tight, low-scoring playoff encounters. Their transformation from a hit-centric team to a well-rounded contender over the past year demonstrates their readiness for October’s challenges.

TWINS: Uncharacteristically, the Twins head into the postseason with a formidable pitching staff, boasting depth from Pablo López at the rotation’s helm to Jhoan Duran closing games out of the bullpen. Simultaneously, their rookie-heavy lineup is surging, ranking first in batting WAR and seventh in pitching WAR (per FanGraphs) for September. This Twins team, unlike their earlier-season counterpart, presents a more potent and promising postseason contender.

ASTROS: The Astros’ unparalleled postseason experience sets them apart. Having competed in an astounding 92 playoff games since 2015, more than any other MLB team, they bring a wealth of playoff wisdom to October. With veterans like Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, Martín Maldonado, Kyle Tucker, and Yordan Alvarez, who boast extensive postseason appearances, the Astros are unfazed by high-pressure moments. Although they face challenges in their starting pitching, their solid offense and bullpen, combined with invaluable experience, make them a formidable playoff force.

RANGERS: The Rangers wield an offensive arsenal capable of rivalling any team in baseball. Anchored by AL MVP contender Corey Seager, the streaky Adolis García, and an elite catching duo in Jonah Heim and Mitch Garver, Texas possesses the American League’s most potent offense, leading in all three triple slash categories. Furthermore, they share the AL home run lead with the Twins this season and rank third in MLB. While their bullpen has been inconsistent, and the rotation plagued by injuries, the Rangers’ ability to strike at any moment with their formidable offense keeps them in contention.