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The first half of the season is in the rearview mirror and there are a lot of middle-of-the-pack squads looking to make the MLB playoffs this season. Check out our MLB odds coverage, for more betting content on Major League Baseball.
The 2022 format is different than in years past. Instead of the usual single Wild Card game, there will be an extra team added who will play the 3-seed in a 3-game series. The top two Wild Card teams will play each other per usual, but instead in a 3-game series all at the higher seed's field. The top-two seeds will essentially have a first-round bye.
This makes it a bit more competitive as more teams would feel as if they have a shot to make the postseason. Three of those teams who will be listed below all may have a shot if they have a successful second half.
Here are the MLB odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: To Make The 2022 Playoffs
Baltimore Orioles: Yes (+1120) / No (-3000)
Chicago White Sox: Yes (-142) / No (+116)
Miami Marlins: Yes (+1500) / No (-5000)
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Why The Orioles Will/Won't Make Postseason
The Baltimore Orioles finished the end of the first half of the season on fire. They won eight of their last 10 after going on an incredible 10-game winning streak in early July. The Black Birds can keep on rolling to the postseason if they keep finding ways to score runs. The team still has a (-7) run difference but scored four or more runs in nine of their final 13 games. Nobody predicted the Orioles to see any type of success this season with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. Maybe that is what is motivating them to win all these games. The Orioles are (46-46) on the season and are just 3.5 games out of a potential Wild Card appearance.
The reason why it will be a longshot for the Orioles to make the postseason is none other than the toughest division in baseball. Because of the Orioles' success in July, it really shows how elite all five squads are. The Yankees are winning just about every series they play in and the Orioles will take on the Yankees to start the second half, followed by the Tampa Bay Rays. Those seven games might determine how the final stretch of the season unfolds for Baltimore. The rotation lacks solid starting pitching depth and that might hurt them in September.
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Why The White Sox Will/Won't Make Postseason
Some if not many of you might be wondering why the White Sox are on this list. Yes, the Sox are just three games out of the AL Central lead, but they have some teams ahead of them in the Wild Card race if they don't take the division.
The White Sox are (46-46) on the year, right level with the Orioles. This team has the talent to make the playoffs with ease but they just haven't seen the success they hoped to see in the first half. The second half of the season is going to need to see a different White Sox squad because they were not great at home at just (19-25). Tim Anderson started the All-Star Game at SS for the American League, and Liam Hendricks represented the Sox in the bullpen. With Luis Robert, Jose Abreu, and Andrew Vaughn all hitting well, this team should get back to its winning ways.
Cleveland is just one game ahead of the White Sox and the Twins seem to be the favorite to win the division. It will be a battle between those three in the second half to see who takes the division, and whoever doesn't might miss out on the postseason altogether. With the rise of the Orioles and Seattle Mariners, the Sox are now behind those two in the conference standings. Chicago also has a (-14) run differential so far on the year.
Why The Marlins Will/Won't Make Postseason
The Marlins have the starting pitching to help them inch closer to being contenders. With Sandy Alcantara proving he is one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, he could be a huge reason for their success. Pablo Lopez is also dealing this year and the bullpen has some elite depth. If Trevor Rogers can get back on track, that trio of starters is dangerous. Miami is just 5.5 games out of a potential playoff appearance. Winning their division is pretty much out of the question, but if they get on a winning streak now then they can pass the Philadelphia Phillies for that final playoff seed. There is a long way to go until the postseason, so the Marlins have plenty of time to fix their offensive issues.
The offense is the biggest gut-wrencher for the Marlins. The team saw Garrett Cooper in Los Angeles for the All-Star Game, but outside of him and Jazz Chisholm, they aren't very elite on offense. The roster is young and will need more experience before they can take the next step. But don't forget, the Marlins made the 2020 playoffs when the league extended the format. However, they likely won't see that same success playing in a tough NL East Division.
Final 2022 MLB Playoffs Prediction
Now, I'm not telling you to put down $3-5k on a bet. However, I do not believe any of these teams will make the postseason. Three “No's” across the board could all be added to a parlay of some sort. However, putting a small amount of doe down on the Orioles and the Marlins to make the postseason would be a great payday.
Final 2022 MLB Playoffs Prediction: Orioles – No (-3000), White Sox – No (+116), Marlins – No (-5000)
