By: WSUM Sports Team

The Major League Baseball season concluded Sunday and after just a one-day hiatus, the playoffs begin today with the newly-expanded Wild Card series.

The MLB season delivered this year, and then some. Faster game times, more offense, less errors, the most accurate umpiring season ever (they missed only a little over 20,000 ball/strike calls this year!), and also some crazy surprises.

The MLB's three largest spenders (New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres) all did not qualify for the field of 12 and five of this year's field of 12 is different from last year. The Baltimore Orioles turned a 100-loss season into a 100-win season and a number one seed in the AL in two years and the St. Louis Cardinals went from best to basement in the NL Central in a year.

But, as the old saying goes, once you get to the postseason, everything gets tossed to the wayside. So, who was the biggest surprise? Who are the dark horses? Who's your pick to win it all (less than half of us picked the Braves…)? Find out below in WSUM Sports' most crowded roundtable yet.

Which team surprised you by making the playoffs?

The Miami Marlins were a mess last year and all the underlying metrics screamed that they were due for regression this year. Add in injuries to Sandy Alcantara and Luis Arraez and they felt destined for a post All-Star Break drop off. Despite that, the Fish weathered the storm and are playing non-COVID playoff games for the first time since 2003. -Vince Hesprich

I love the Marlins' pitching staff, but I didn't think the lineup would be mature enough or skilled enough for them to get this far. They'll be a team to look out for next season once their important rotation pieces Sandy Alcantara and Eury Perez as well as up-and-comers Max Meyer and Trevor Rogers are all healthy. -Max Kappel

At the start of the season, I would not have pegged the Arizona Diamondbacks as a playoff team. Heading into the regular season, they were overshadowed by both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the NL West. With the Padres having a let down season, the Diamondbacks were on top of the division right up until the All-Star break. After that, they spiraled. On July 1, they were 50-34, but they then fell to 60-60. It seemed at this point the early season success of the Diamondbacks was a charade, but they were able to gather themselves and finish 84-78, getting the final wild card spot in the National League. The success of the Diamondback's season, or the surprise of it, can be pinned on rookie Corbin Carroll.-Jon Green

No one that made the playoffs was necessarily shocking, so the Chicago Cubs' downfall in August was the biggest stunner to me. But, also objectively hilarious. Same with the Cincinnati Reds, considering how hyped up rookie Elly de la Cruz was. -Joey Bonadonna

Not necessarily making the playoffs, but I am surprised the Orioles won their division. With the youth surrounding the team, most would think they would not be in contention for 2-3 more years, yet here they are holding the #1 overall seed in the AL. -Nick Steiert

It feels weird to say this about a team that is the number one seed in the AL, but the Baltimore Orioles were probably the biggest surprise for me. There's no denying that they were on the up-and-up last season, but this team is two years removed from a 100+ loss season. To turn it around drastically, and this soon, is very impressive – and yes, surprising. -Anthony Winker

The Minnesota Twins are the worst team in the playoffs. To say it was the biggest surprise that they make it would be a stretch, but I thought the Cleveland Guardians would come away with the AL Central. Sonny Gray was dominant this season, and the lineup was good enough to come away with the worst division. -Evan Epstein

I am super surprised that the Baltimore Orioles are the No. 1 seed in the American League and have been considered a surprising playoff team based on their performance in the recent past. They definitely surprised some by securing the top spot in their league. -Dani Savin

Which player is going to surprise us?

Gerrit Cole deserves AL CY Young, but Kevin Gausman has been a dominant workhorse all year for the Toronto Blue Jays. He had a 2.43 ERA in September and hasn't allowed a run in his last two starts. -Vince Hesprich

Dodgers rookie pitcher Bobby Miller may surprise some. He finished the season at 11-4 with a 3.76 ERA. It was up and down for 24-year-old, but in his two starts against the Braves, he pitched 12.0 innings and allowed two earned runs. He finished off the last month with a 3.19 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. -Jon Green

Jesus Luzardo of the Marlins may not demand attention in Miami the way he could elsewhere, but his stuff is absurd. The lefty averages 97 on his heater and features a slider that batters whiff on half the time they swing. -Max Kappel

Brandon Belt #ForeverGiant. -Annika Bereny

Tyrone Taylor is hot. I expect him to keep manning center field as Garrett Mitchell, activated by the Milwaukee Brewers at the end of the regular season, works his way back from injury. Keep an eye on him in the Wild Card series. -Joey Bonadonna

Since most of us are picking from our hometown squads, I'll go with Max Kepler from the Minnesota Twins. Sure, Carlos Correa might be the easier choice and I expect him to have a good postseason. Royce Lewis has snatched headlines down the stretch with his knack for hitting lots of grand slams. But underrated in the Twins second-half surge is the resurgence of Kepler, who was hitting below the Mendoza line to begin the year. I think he'll have a great postseason and that would surprise plenty of people outside of Minnesota. -Anthony Winker

Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros will be the best pitcher in the playoffs. Over his last two starts, he has given up 1 run over ten innings. While his fastball velocity is down this season, he has pitched much better with the Astros than with the Mets. While he may not be eight or nine inning threat anymore at this stage of his career, he will be a consistent 5-7 inning threat that will give up minimal runs. -Evan Epstein

I'm super excited to see Mookie Betts because of the fantastic season he has had and he is clearly excited for the opportunity to earn a third ring. I believe he may pull out some surprising moves in the playoffs. -Dani Savin

Who's the dark horse on each side of the bracket?

The injury to Brandon Woodruff is devastating, but the Brewers still have the pitching staff to compete against the best. Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta are unhittable at their best and deadline addition Mark Cahna has been a clutch contributor down the stretch. They aren't my pick to win it, but Milwaukee definitely has a chance. On the AL side, the Texas Rangers still have the offensive firepower to stack up against elite pitching. Corey Seager was the best pure hitter this season and the pitching staff was great before being ravaged by injury. If the Rangers can capture some of their May magic, they can turn this season from a productive one to a legendary one. -Vince Hesprich

The Philadelphia Phillies can surprise again out of the National League. Like last year, they had a rough start, but they were able to turn things around. Over the last two months of the season, they finished 34-23. A key piece of this has been Trea Turner. Up until August 18th, the shortstop had an OPS below .700. Since then, and a standing ovation from his team, the 30-year-old has been on fire with an OPS of 1.067. It's safe to say the 2023 free agent acquisition has finally come alive. Out of the AL, the Minnesota Twins are candidates as well. In a postseason format that often deals with teams that get hot at the right time, and over their last 28 games they won 18. Their best player has arguably been Sonny Gray, despite an 8-8 record. He finished the season as an AL Cy Young candidate with a 2.79 ERA. Minnesota must win a playoff series, let alone a playoff game eventually… right? -Jon Green

Assuming Royce Lewis and Carlos Correa will return from their injuries, the Twins are the perfect dark horse. Pablo López and Sonny Gray are AL Cy Young finalists, and the youngish duo of Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober have perfectly crafted analytics-based approaches. Typical starter Kenta Maeda worked well out of the bullpen as a Dodger, so his incorporation into a bullpen that already holds fireballers Jhoan Duran and a finally healthy Brock Stewart only adds to their ability. Plus, Louie Varland and Chris Paddack will finally get to really pull back for more velocity, with both of them capable of touching 97+ mph. Their young lineup was third best in terms of OPS after the All-Star break, ahead of the Dodgers, Phillies and Rangers. -Max Kappel

I got the Rangers as my dark horse. Yes, they're on the road against a good Tampa Bay Rays team but they are 4-2 against them on the season and the Rays seem to have coasted to the playoffs after their incredible start. Rangers have the bats to compete in the playoffs and the playoff experience with a healthy Corey Seager leading the charge. Give me the Rangers beating the Rays and a must watch series against the Orioles, in which the Rangers could prevail against a young Orioles roster. -Nick Steiert

I don't really like any of the Wild Card teams this season. All of the series will be fun to watch but I expect the divisional series to be practically chalk. Too much starpower in the top two seeds on both sides of the bracket. -Joey Bonadonna

The dark horses on each side of the bracket are the two teams part of our resident border battle – the Twins and the Brewers – for the same reason. Both have very good pitching staffs from top to bottom, which is what you need in order to make a deep playoff run. Plus, young, but talented, offenses who could very well break out. Both teams are also playing very good baseball right now. If the offenses can carry their weight, I can see both of these teams in their respective league championship series. -Anthony Winker

The dark horse in the American league has to be the Blue Jays. They are the last team that snuck into the playoffs, having played in the best division in baseball this year. They have what could be a dangerous lineup, and an electric pitching staff. Out of the National League, give me the Philadelphia Phillies. While suffering from a World Series hangover, they managed to grab a wild card spot. They are incredibly difficult to beat at home, and have all the same talent from last years team. -Evan Epstein

In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays are definitely a team to watch. Despite their pitching injuries, they have been a very solid all-around team this year. In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies are a potential dark horse, and I think they could reach the World Series again. -Dani Savin

I like the Diamondbacks to shock the country. They started the season hot, had a bit of a cooldown period in the summer and just barely clinched the last wild card, but are entering the postseason with the potential to surprise everyone. I know it's a sin in the state of Wisconsin, but I see them taking down the Brewers and, at the very least, putting up a great fight against Los Angeles. -Annika Bereny

Which team is having a surprisingly early exit?

The Rays were off to one of the best starts in MLB history yet weren't able to take their division. Their deep bullpen and playoff experience won't be enough to stop an upstart Rangers team. -Vince Hesprich

IF the Atlanta Braves' pitching is not healthy, they may suffer an exit prior to the World Series, which would be a massive disappointment. The Braves were the best team this season with 104 wins. Their hitting has been top notch with a league leading team OPS of .845, which was .050 better than the next team. But, with Max Fried and Charlie Morton dealing with injury, it can open up weaknesses on the one of the big favorites. If Atlanta gets past the Phillies or Marlins, they would probably face the Dodgers or Brewers. -Jon Green

Both of the Braves and Rays have had injuries at the worst time. Only Tyler Glasnow is in the playoff rotation for the Rays from Opening Day, and now their lineup takes a hit with the losses of Wander Franco, Brandon Lowe, and Jose Siri. They're not nearly at full strength, which would be a World Series favorite club. The Braves' outlook is also shaky, with Charlie Morton and Max Fried currently out. Spencer Strider's stumbled lately with nearly a 5.00 ERA in his last seven starts while Bryce Elder followed his 2.97 pre-All Star ERA with a 5.11 post. The lineup is of course otherworldly, but there's questions about pitching. -Max Kappel

The Los Angeles Dodgers lol. -Annika Bereny

The Minnesota Twins, which isn't necessarily surprising, but I just want to see Minnesota fans' agony (18 straight postseason losses) continue. -Joey Bonadonna

The Atlanta Braves. With how amazing their offense has been this year, their pitching has been phenomenal as well. However, playoff baseball relies on pitching to take another step and The Braves have two starting pitchers on the 15-day IL, Charlie Morton and Max Fried. Depending on their status, this could potentially end their season quicker than expected. -Nick Steiert

The Baltimore Orioles. It's tough, but what made them so exciting and such a fun story is also their biggest October weakness. They have so little experience in big playoff moments and I think that will show in their opening series against either the Rays or Rangers. Plus, the loss of hulking, dominant closer Felix Bautista looms large as well, putting a lot on the rookie Yennier Cano (Twins legend), who's struggled down the stretch. I would love to see this team in the ALCS, but a young team will have to grow up fast to do so. -Anthony Winker

The Orioles will drop their divisional round to the Tampa Bay Rays. As much as the orioles are a young and talented team that's fun to watch, they have little to no postseason experience. Nonetheless, this will still be a successful season for the Orioles, who will without a doubt be a World Series contender next season. -Evan Epstein

While the Houston Astros have been perennial contenders in recent years, they are mentioned as being more vulnerable in the American League this season. I am concerned most about their pitching and how they will hold up against a hot opponent with their pitching struggles. -Dani Savin

Who's taking it home this year?

The Astros won the AL West despite loads of injuries. Baltimore topped 100 games and appears primed to take over October. The Dodgers are led by the best 1-2 offensive punch in baseball, and so many wild-card teams have both the talent and momentum to become the Hollywood underdog story. Braves in five. -Vince Hesprich

Over the last two months, the Dodgers have had the best record in the majors, going 41-17. Their offense is led by two MVP candidates in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, both of whom are part of the five Dodgers who hit at least 20 home runs. The postseason starting rotation is lining up to consist of Clayton Kershaw, Bobby Miller, and Lance Lynn as the main three. Additional arms are Emmet Sheehan and Ryan Pepiot. If they elect to go to three starters, they have three starters with an ERA below 3.20 over the last month. They may also opt to go with openers and primaries. Assuming the offense stays to course and the pitching can remain steady, the Dodgers can have a successful postseason. -Jon Green

The Phillies have star power in every facet of the game, and while I love depth, I think their stars will do enough to win the NL. I'd like to pick the well-balanced Orioles to win, but it's a tough choice. Either of those two. -Max Kappel

Braves in 5 over Baltimore. I like Baltimore to have a magical pennant run, but despite having a 100+ win team but I'm not sure anyone is touching Atlanta this year. -Joey Bonadonna

The Braves is the boring pack, and I can't in good conscience pick the Dodgers or the Astros. So, I'll go with the Rangers, who very well could get bounced by the Rays in the first round. Hey, I'm on the record at the beginning of the year saying the World Series would be Cardinals-Blue Jays and we know how that turned out. Clearly, I have no shame and no issue with being wrong. Let's be fun again. -Anthony Winker

The Atlanta Braves take it home. They have both the best pitching staff and lineup in my opinion. They are a fun team to watch with a lot of power. They are the most talented team in baseball and look to win their second championship in 3 years. -Evan Epstein

The Braves will take it all home. If not, it will be the Rays or honestly the Phillies but in a game like baseball, anything can happen. -Dani Savin

I know the Braves is the easy pick, but I am genuinely confident in the Orioles to get to the World Series this October. I think if they can battle through the American League, few teams in the National League will make for an interesting matchup. Of course, I will find a way to make any win that's not the Dodgers about the San Francisco Giants. It's basically my own annual Immaculate Grid. -Annika Bereny

Bonus: What's your ideal world series matchup?

I am a die-hard Brewers fan and the Twins might be the worst team playing in October so a border battle World Series is best case scenario for me. -Vince Hesprich

Rangers and Braves would be an absolute slugfest, but I'd be happy to see Twins and Brewers as well. -Max Kappel

I have two. Braves versus Orioles is one. These are two young teams that seem poised to have continued success for years to come. The Orioles have emerged from the deep depths of being one of the worst teams in the league. Their prospects have blossomed, but can they come up big in their first experience of the MLB postseason? Another matchup that I would enjoy would be Dodgers vs Astros. This is sort of self explanatory due to past trash can festivities. -Jon Green

Orioles-Dbacks with the Dbacks taking it home. Really anyone but the dodgers. -Annika Bereny

Despite me saying Twins will have an early exit, we need a Border Battle World Series. Gimme Brewers/Twins. -Joey Bonadonna

Ideal matchup for me would be Orioles versus Phillies and I do not care who takes it home. I am a big fan of the story surrounding Trea Turner and how the city of Philly rallied around him during his uncharacteristic early-to-mid-season play. Since then he has turned it on and I am all for the Trea Turner story. -Nick Steiert

I would love a border battle series between the Twins and the Brewers. The teams played four really competitive and fun games this season and this rivalry could use some juice again. Plus, national media would absolutely melt down if they had to talk about those two teams for a whole week or two and couldn't make it about Houston or Atlanta or whatever. There's the biased answer. As far as outside of that, I would say the Orioles against the Diamondbacks, like Annika. Two teams who are both young and easy to root for. Sure beats the Dodgers again. -Anthony Winker

Give me a 2021 rematch with Braves-Astros. 2 immensely talented teams with postseason experience, both have incredible starting pitching. This series would be a heavyweight battle with the potential to go the distance. -Evan Epstein

I'd love to see the Braves face either the Astros or the Rays. Both would have incredible plot lines with exciting post season games. -Dani Savin

Contibutors: Vincent Hesprich, Jon Green, Joey Bonadonna, Anthony Winker, Dani Savin, Nick Steiert, Annika Bereny, Evan Epstein, Max Kappel.