The Demain Playbook #1: MLB Postseason

October is in the air, and so is the scent of postseason baseball. The playoff bracket is beginning to take shape, with the Milwaukee Brewers—the “Brew Crew”—clinching early, soon followed by the Philadelphia Phillies. Over in the American League, the Blue Jays sit at the top, trailed closely by the Tigers, Yankees, Mariners, and Red Sox. If the season ended today, the Wild Card would feature three AL East and West powerhouses: Boston, New York, and Seattle. 

The Yankees have hit their stride at just the right time, posting a 7–6 record over their last 13 games—all against playoff-bound opponents—showing they’re battle-tested and unafraid of any challenge. 

Meanwhile, the Red Sox have discovered a surprise ace in rookie Connelly Early, who fanned 11 batters in a scoreless gem. Pair him with Cy Young candidate Garrett Crochet and shutdown closer Aroldis Chapman, and Boston suddenly looks like a team built for October. 

Seattle’s strength comes from behind the plate, where Cal Raleigh is putting together one of the most historic seasons ever by a catcher. With 56 home runs, he not only leads the league but also sets records as both a catcher and a switch hitter, passing Mickey Mantle to set the record as a switch hitter. 

Meanwhile, in the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies' offense is led by Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, who recently hit a historic four-home-run game. The Dodgers are still searching for depth, but are seeming to find their way. With the league’s highest payroll of $348 million, they still struggle to find consistency. Shohei Ohtani has 17 steals this season, down from last year’s 50-50 campaign. The Cubs, Padres, and Mets retain the Wild Card spots, but a key series between the Mets and Padres could cause major shifts. 

Players to watch in the AL MVP race include Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh, while in the NL, Shohei Ohtani looks poised to take home the honor once again. The AL Cy Young race features Garrett Crochet and the injured Tarik Sukbal. In the NL, contenders include Freddy Peralta of the Brewers, Christopher Sanchez of the Phillies, and the strong arm of Paul Skenes. 

Rookie of the Year in the NL goes to Cade Horton or Drake Baldwin, while in the AL, Nick Kurts appears set to win, with Roman Anthony likely finishing in second place. 

As the regular season comes to its unforgettable end, every game carries added weight. Rivalries, breakout stars, and historic performances have set the stage for a memorable postseason. Whether it’s the powerhouse offenses of the Phillies and Blue Jays, the dominant pitching of the Brewers and Red Sox, or the historic feats of players like Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber, fans are dying to see what this postseason looks like, a postseason that will be remembered for years to come.