MLB playoff predictions: Who will win the 2021 World Series? Our experts have a favorite
Complete postseason schedule, TV times
Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ MLB staff sees the postseason ending:
Bob Nightengale – @BNightengale
Brewers over White Sox in 7: Titletown, USA? The Milwaukee Bucks won their first NBA in 50 years, and now it could be the Brewers winning their first World Series in their 53-year franchise history. The Brewers DNA is pitching with Cy Young favorite Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and David Peralta, along baseball’s best closer in Josh Hader.
Gabe Lacques – @GabeLacques
Dodgers over Astros in 6: From 1 to 25, nobody can touch this roster. Nor the combo of Walker Buehler , Max Scherzer and Julio Urias.
Scott Boeck – @ScottBoeck
Rays over Dodgers in 6: It’s a repeat of 2020 World Series, this time with the defending AL champion Rays defeating the Dodgers. The Rays ride the success behind their pitching staff – which had the AL’s best ERA (3.67) and bullpen (3.24) – to overcome the powerful Dodgers.
Steve Gardner – @SteveAGardner
Rays over Dodgers in 7: The Rays’ incredible roster depth helps them reverse last year’s World Series result. Rookie shortstop Wander Franco becomes the 2021 version of Randy Arozarena and wins MVP honors, but it’s truly a total team effort.
Chris Bumbaca – @BOOMbaca
Brewers over Rays in 6: The midtown Manhattan office won’t be happy (buh-bye ratings). The Rays are the class of the American League and gained valuable postseason experience in 2020. The Brewers have the pitching depth necessary to make a deep run.
Jesse Yomtov – @JesseYomtov
Brewers over Rays in 7: Milwaukee has the arms and manager Craig Counsell has proven adept at pushing the right buttons in the postseason over the past few years. The Brewers are probably the worst matchup possible for the Rays, who will come up short in the World Series for a second year in a row.