Pro Baseball Recap: The 2023 MLB Season
As the 2023 MLB season recently came to an end, baseball enthusiasts are left with a trove of unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, and awe-inspiring performances to reflect upon. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of a specific team or a casual observer of America’s favorite pastime, this season recap will give a glimpse into the exciting year we had. So, if you’re eager to relive the highlights, unexpected upsets, and monumental achievements, read on to see some of the notable moments of the 2023 MLB season.
American League
AL East
At the beginning of the 2023 season, many baseball fans were excited for the AL East Pennant race. Every team in the division had talent behind the plate and great pitching. As a result, experts predicted the division would be highly competitive, and this was one of the 2023 MLB season predictions that delivered. The Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, and Baltimore Orioles played excellent baseball, and the standings were tight through the end of the regular season. The Orioles won the division for the first time since 2014 with their first 100-win season in over 40 years.
AL Central
The teams in the AL Central played some of the worst baseball in the MLB this past season. Except for the Minnesota Twins, the entire division was plagued by poor pitching and hitting. The Twins look good, but their performance was caused by the poor play of the other teams in their division. The Minnesota Twins were in first place for practically the entire season, but that shouldn’t be impressive considering that the AL Central was perhaps the worst division in the MLB in 2023.
AL West
The race for the AL West crown came down to the wire. The Houston Astros, one of the hottest teams in baseball over the last several years, secured the title and a first-round bye in the playoffs by holding the tiebreaker over the Texas Rangers. The AL West was one of the highlights of the 2023 MLB schedule.
National League
NL East
At the beginning of the season, many experts predicted that the NL East would be one of the most competitive divisions in the MLB. This prediction was one of many 2023 MLB predictions that didn’t come true. The Braves easily captured the NL East crown without much competition from the rest of the division, and finished the regular season with the best record in baseball. However, the entire division played well, and both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Florida Marlins secured wildcard spots in the playoffs.
NL Central
The Milwaukee Brewers led the NL Central for most of the season, while the Cubs and the Reds were neck and neck for 2nd place the whole season. Unfortunately, neither the Cubs nor the Reds qualified for the Wild Card, and the Brewers were the only NL Central team to make the playoffs.
NL West
One of the most popular season predictions was the LA Dodgers winning the NL West. This isn’t surprising, given that the Dodgers have been one of the best teams in baseball over the past decade. This prediction came true as the Dodgers dominated the division. They were among the best teams in baseball, and the upstart Arizona Diamondbacks had to settle for 2nd place in the NL West and a wildcard spot.
2023 American League Playoffs
AL Wild Card
The Wild Card series is meant to deliver a lot of excitement. Unfortunately, this portion of the bracket failed to deliver, with the Minnesota Twins sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays 2-0 and the Texas Rangers sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0.
AL Division Series
The American League Division series featured two dominant performances from the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. The Astros defeated the Twins 3-1, and the Rangers swept the Orioles 3-0.
AL Championship Series
The ALCS was one of the most competitive postseason battles of the 2023 MLB Playoffs. It came down to the wire, but the Texas Rangers pulled through and defeated the Astros 4-3.
2023 MLB Playoffs: National League
NL Wild Card
The National League Wild Card was also not very competitive. The Arizona Diamondbacks swept the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0, and the Philadelphia Phillies swept the Florida Marlins 2-0.
NL Division Series
Like the ALCS, the NLCS was marked by dominant performances by the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies. The Diamondbacks swept the Dodgers 3-0, and the Phillies beat the Braves 3-1.
NL Championship Series
The Championship series was highly competitive, and the NL was a battle between the experienced Phillies and the upstart Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks pulled out a 4-3 series win in a tight series.
World Series
Sporting one of the youngest squads in the MLB, the Diamondbacks consistently defied expectations, surprising both seasoned opponents and seasoned analysts alike. However, their enchanting journey met its end against the seasoned Texas Rangers. In a decisive showdown, the Rangers executed their game plan with precision, securing a 4-1 victory over the Diamondbacks and bringing an end to the underdog’s run. Despite the final outcome, the Diamondbacks’ spirited performance throughout the season remains a testament to the unpredictable and captivating nature of baseball.
How to Bet on Baseball in Las Vegas
There you have it. This 2023 MLB recap has you all caught up with the season. When you’re preparing to make your 2024 MLB season predictions, don’t forget research so you can place your bets on your favorite MLB team when the next season rolls around. Circa Sports is the ultimate sportsbook in Las Vegas for betting on baseball. Stop by Circa Resort, the D, or one of the other Circa Sports locations in Las Vegas to place your bets in person. Can’t make it into the sportsbook? Download the Circa Sports app on iOS or Android to have your bookie right in your pocket.
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