The rotation was inconsistent for most of the season but really settled in down the stretch. The best versions of Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Luis Castillo would mean four frontline starters (think 2005 White Sox ). The back-end of the bullpen is great, too, with All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz leading the way.

The New York Yankees have won more back-to-back World Series titles than any other MLB team. Check out which other franchises make the list.

The Mariners are ESPN’s choice to advance to the World Series, also, with a panel-high 14 votes to win the ALCS (the Yankees were second with seven votes). Five voters on the panel picked the Mariners to win it all, second behind only the Philadelphia Phillies from the National League.

Each of the 12 MLB playoff teams can win the World Series, right? Some are expected to, while others are just relieved to reach October. Each team has plenty of reasons as to why they'll be hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy in five weeks' time – and several for why they'll fall short.

Have Fall Classic or bust hopes for the postseason? Here's why your squad could be playing deep into October ... or get sent home next.

Adams Central right-handed pitcher Kowen Rader has made history, becoming the first athlete in school history to commit to a Division I program. The junior anno

"Brandon Woodruff will not pitch in the NLDS, Pat Murphy said. But the good news is that the lat issue is separate from the shoulder repair. Brewers are not ruling out Woodruff pitching later in the postseason if they advance."

This October, some contenders that haven't won it all in decades -- or ever -- have reason to believe this is finally their year.