After 162, or some cases, 163 games, October Baseball is finally here and in less than a month, the 2018 World Series Champion will be crowned.

After the intense games in last year’s postseason, one lasting over five hours, this year’s postseason has high standards to live up to. Between teams having to play an extra game to decide who wins the division and who moves to the wild card slot, predictions for this season have gone through some major changes. After all the hectic games lasting until the day before postseason, this year’s predictions are finally here.

Wild Card Games Predictions

Athletics at Yankees: Wed. at 8 p.m. ET

It’s no surprise that the New York Yankees have made it into the postseason once again. With the help of AL Rookie of the Year, outfielder Aaron Judge, and the new addition of power hitter outfielder and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees were the third team this season to reach 100 wins. After ending the regular season on a hot streak, winning seven out of their last ten games, the Yankees showed that they belong in the postseason.

On the other hand, a team that surprised many this year is the Oakland Athletics. After entering the All Star Break with a 55-42 record, the A’s continued to dominate and even tied the defending World Series Champions, the Houston Astros, for first place in the AL West at one point. Even though they finished six games back from first place in their division, the A’s have shown that they are ready to take on the Yankees.

When it comes to the AL Wild Card game, it all comes down to who has the better starting pitcher and who can score first. The A’s bullpen has been one of the best in baseball this year, but have struggled to find a strong starter. If the Yankees can put some runs on the board first, then they’ll dominate.

Prediction: The Yankees advance to ALDS.

Rockies at Cubs: Tues. at 8 p.m. ET

After both teams having to play a tiebreaker game to decide who was playing whom, it’s no secret that the NL division has been a tight race. After ending a century long drought in 2016, the Chicago Cubs have rebuilt the team into a force to be reckoned with. With possible NL MVP candidate Javier Baez on the team, the Cubs have a good chance at beating the Rockies.

In contrast, with a stronger starting pitcher, the Colorado Rockies have a chance at giving the Cubs organization a run for its money. If starting pitcher Kyle Freeman can go deep into the game and hold the Cubs to minimal or no runs, then the Rockies might be able to walk away with a win. However, due to home field advantage, the Cubs have the upper hand.

Prediction: The Cubs advance to the NL ALDS

Division Series Predictions: Best of Five

American League

Yankees vs Red Sox: Oct. 5

Whether it be the Yankees or A’s, whoever plays the Boston Red Sox will have a tough series to win. If the Yankees do beat the A’s, then the infamous Red Sox-Yankees rivalry will once again be up and running. With the Red Sox leading all of baseball with an impressive 108-54 record, it is no secret that Red Sox have been dominating this year. With possible AL MVP candidate J.D. Martinez on the team, home field advantage and overall a higher batting average and on base percentage over the Yankees, the Red Sox have the upperhand going into the series. Although, if the Yankees slugging can continue into the series, the Yankees might have a chance at advancing to the next round.

Prediction: The Red Sox win in five

Astros vs Indians: Oct. 5

After winning the 2017 World Series, the 2018 season for the Houston Astros has been a roller coaster. With multiple key players being placed on the disabled list, such as reigning AL MVP Jose Altuve, the Astros have had to overcome some serious obstacles. However, during the month of September, the team finally acquired some of its key players back, allowing them to finish out their last ten games 8-2, helping to reach a franchise record of 103-59 for the season. On the other hand, the Cleveland Indians were one of the first teams to clinch a playoff berth and the first place team in the AL Central. With the help of key players such as left fielder Michael Bradley and dominating pitcher Corey Kluber, the Indians could possibly have what it takes to take on the Astros. If the Astros starting pitchers go deep into the game and allow the bullpen to only work minimal innings, the Astros will be successful.

Prediction: The Astros win in four

National League

Cubs and Brewers: Oct. 4

What a year it has been for the Milwaukee Brewers. With the addition of likely NL MVP outfielder, Christian Yelich, the Brewers hold the best record in the NL, 96-67. With a strong bullpen and key batters, the Brewers have a chance to make the Cubs work during the ALDS. If the Cubs can continue to beat the Brewers like they have throughout the year, then the series might get interesting, but as for now, the Brewers stand above the Cubs in this series.

Prediction: The Brewers win in four

Braves vs Dodgers: Oct. 4

After a slow start to the Los Angeles Dodgers season, the Dodgers have managed to make their way into the playoffs once again. With a strong September starting rotation ERA of 2.81, according to Bleacher Report, the Dodgers have a chance at a couple of early wins over the Braves. In contrast, the Atlanta Braves have maintained a respectful .255 batting average since the all star break, according to ESPN. If Atlanta can continue this average into this series, the Dodgers starting pitchers will have to be able to go the distance each game.

Prediction: The Dodgers win in five

League Championships Predictions: Best of Seven

American League

Astros and Red Sox: Oct. 13

The Astros and Red Sox: the two best teams in all of baseball. This scenario would definitely be worth watching. With both teams having strong batters and key pitchers, both teams have presented intense games throughout each series. If the Astros starting rotation can continue to put up strong numbers like they have all season, then they’re golden. On the other hand, if the Red Sox offense can continue to dominate, the Astros pitchers will have to be more precise and not allow runs early in the game.

Prediction: The Astros win in seven

National League

Brewers vs Dodgers: Oct. 12

What are the odds? The Brewers have only made it to the playoffs five times in franchise history, yet the Dodgers have made it six years in a row. Even though the Dodgers pitching has been successful lately, the Brewers defense and the slugging of Christian Yelich will give the Dodgers a run for their money.

Prediction: The Brewers win in six

World Series Prediction: Best of Seven

Astros vs Brewers: Oct. 23

Unless the Brewers slugging percentage can match the Yankees or if the Astros pitching begins to diminish, the World Series is pretty set. Due to the fact that the Astros have a better record and an impressive away record, the Astros have a strong chance of going back to back, with winning the 2018 World Series. It won’t be a sweep, but it won’t be as close as the ALCS.

Prediction: The Astros win in five