MLB 2023 Playoff Picture: Projections & Postseason Odds

In seemingly no time, we are already well into September. Now, fewer than three weeks remain in the MLB regular season.

And as the calendar moves closer to October 1, the final day of the regular season, the playoff picture continues to become clearer by the day.

The Atlanta Braves have clinched a playoff berth and will soon clinch the NL East, and they have established a healthy lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the NL.

But things also look favorable for the Dodgers, Orioles, Rays, and Twins, to name a few.

Current Projected Seedings & Bracket for the 2022 MLB Playoffs

As of Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

American League

• 1. Baltimore Orioles (AL East champion – bye to the ALDS)
• 2. Houston Astros (AL West champion – bye to the ALDS)
• 3. Minnesota Twins (AL Central champion)
• 4. Tampa Bay Rays
• 5. Toronto Blue Jays
• 6. Texas Rangers

On the outside looking in: Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees

As it stands, the two wild-card series would see the Twins face the Rangers and the Rays face the Blue Jays. The winner of the Twins-Rangers series would face the Astros in the ALDS, while the winner of the Rays-Blue Jays series would face the Orioles in the ALDS.

National League

• 1. Atlanta Braves (NL East champion – bye to the NLDS)
• 2. Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West champion – bye to the NLDS)
• 3. Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central champion)
• 4. Philadelphia Phillies
• 5. Chicago Cubs
• 6. Arizona Diamondbacks

On the outside looking in: San Francisco Giants, Miami Marlins, Cincinnati Reds

As it stands, the two NL wild-card series would see the Brewers face the Diamondbacks and the Phillies face the Cubs. The winner of the Brewers-Diamondbacks series would meet the Dodgers in the NLDS, while the winner of the Phillies-Cubs series would meet the Braves in the NLDS.

How might things shake out down the stretch? Below, find the playoff odds for a number of the teams hoping to play some extra baseball after the regular season ends on October 1.

Odds to Make the 2023 MLB Playoffs

Odds are via BetUS as of Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

American League

Seattle Mariners Playoff Odds

• Yes -180
• No +150

After moving into first place in the AL West at the end of August, the Mariners ran into a tough ten-game road trip and have come crashing down to earth.

But the AL West is still in play, and a wild-card spot is as well. However, they need to arrest their current slide quickly with little time to tackle a turnaround.

Texas Rangers Playoff Odds

• Yes -200
• No +160

It looked like the Rangers were trying to play their way out of the postseason race, but a timely little surge has moved them back into a positive position.

Toronto Blue Jays Playoff Odds

• Yes -325
• No -270

The Blue Jays are off to a strong start in September, and for now, they are in line for an invitation to the MLB postseason party.

If they can manage at least a split in their home series with the Rangers, it will only help their hopes of being able to finish the job.

National League

Arizona Diamondbacks Playoff Odds

• Yes -110
• No -120

The Diamondbacks currently hold an advantage over the Giants and Marlins for the final NL wild-card spot, but they will face a real battle to hold on to it.

After they wrap up a road series against the Mets, Arizona’s next two series at home against the Cubs and Giants. Win both series, and the franchise’s first playoff berth since 2017 will be within reach.

Miami Marlins

• Yes +200
• No -260

The Marlins continue to hang around in the MLB playoff race, but how long will they be able to? In order to give themselves a chance, they need to make the most of an upcoming nine-game homestand that consists of series against the Braves, Brewers, and Mets.

San Francisco Giants Playoff Odds

• Yes +230
• No -290

After finishing up a home series with the Cleveland Guardians, the Giants will hit the road for a ten-game swing that might prove to be decisive.

On this trip, they will start with four games against the Rockies, stop in the desert for a pivotal two-game set with the Diamondbacks, then wrap it up with four against the rival Dodgers.

Unfortunately, this is the part where it must be mentioned that the Giants have fewer wins in their last 23 road games (four) than they had in their first five road games after the MLB All-Star break (five).

Where to Bet on MLB Playoff Odds

Many top online sportsbooks offer a wide variety of MLB odds throughout the season.

In addition to being able to make daily MLB picks on games from Opening Day until the final game of the Fall Classic, you can also bet on the other major awards (MLB MVP, Cy Young Award, and MLB Rookie of the Year) and World Series odds.