Let the quest for the World Series begin.
The MLB playoffs begin Tuesday, Sept. 29 with the wild card rounds, two in each league. The winners will advance to the divisional series and face the teams that earned a bye.
Teams with the top-two records in the National and American leagues were awarded first-round byes, where they wait to see who they will face in the best-of-five Divisional Series.
The wild card series features the Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres.
Here's are the teams in the MLB postseason that were awarded a first-round bye:
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a title favorite, coming off of back-to-back World Series. They
can become the first NL team to three-peat with three consecutive titles. L.A. looks to be a strong opponent and made a clear case to defend its titles, finishing the season 100-62. However, they had the second-best record in the National League.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers believe it's their year. They believe that every year, but after they topped the National League with 103 wins and 59 losses, there's more indication that this actually might be their year. It was the first time the organization has reached 100 wins. They have Cy Young Award favorite Jacob Misiorowski. There's a lot going in their favor.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians are itching to have their "Cleveland! This is for you" moment by raising a World Series trophy. They clinched the AL Central title for the seventh time in the last 11 years. Don't expect a lot of home runs. The Guardians rank 27th in the majors in homers – only Milwaukee hits fewer among playoff teams – and 26th in OPS.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays got used to playing in the wild card round in their last two playoff appearances – 2022 and 2023 – but graduated to a first-round bye this year. After getting bounced in the wild card series those last two appearances, a rest between the regular season and playoffs could bode well for the Rays. One thing's for sure, the need Nick Martinez to play like an All-Star.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which MLB teams have first-round byes into the division series?
