The October Classic has come back around and appears to be as competitive as ever, especially in the American League. Now that the one-game wild card spots have both been settled, the four-division series matchups are now set. Taking a look at each of these compelling matchups, I’ll give my opinions on who to watch in each series.
American League: 
For the first time since the unbelievable 2004 comeback, the Boston Red Sox will square off against the New York Yankees in the postseason. The rivalry is finally renewed, something baseball fans have long been waiting for. Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez are the key players for the Red Sox, if they can continue their MVP-like play then the Red Sox should like their chances. The problem for them is that the Yankees will counter with both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, perhaps the most dynamic pair of power hitters the MLB has to offer. If Chris Sale is healthy and ready to go, it will be tough for the Yankees to stand a chance, because he would be able to pitch in game one and game five; which most likely would be two automatic Red Sox victories.
The reigning World Series Champions, the Houston Astros, will host the Cleveland Indians in the other American League series. The Astros enter the postseason with much of the same potent lineup; however, some of their players have emerged into superstars. Of course, Jose Altuve and George Springer will still post respectable numbers, but Alex Bregman has played himself into being a top-10 player in the entire league. On the other hand, the Indians bring the best coach in baseball to the table along with a lethal bullpen. With Terry Francona calling the shots and with arms like Andrew Miller and Brad Hand, it should make for a tough battle between the two teams.
National League:
The Milwaukee Brewers will take on the surprise Colorado Rockies, as both teams took an interesting route to the postseason. Less than a week ago, it appeared the Brewers would be playing in the one-game wild card fighting for their season, but after beating the Chicago Cubs in a tiebreaker game, they acquired the number-one seed in the National League. The Rockies lost their tiebreaker but then took down the Cubs in the wild card game. The Brewers are scary not only because of their lineup, but because they have a true MVP candidate in Christian Yelich. He came within one RBI and two home runs shy of the triple crown, which speaks for itself and confirms the fact that the Brewers must be taken seriously. Meanwhile, the Rockies’ lineup can score runs in the blink of an eye, thanks in large part to Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story, and Charlie Blackmon.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting the Atlanta Braves in a series that does not look all too competitive. The Dodgers went to the World Series last season, but have basically improved their roster this year. They traded for Manny Machado and have had Yasiel Puig back to hitting consistently. Max Muncy has become their best power hitter, while Cody Bellinger and Joc Pederson have hit their fair share of home runs themselves. It goes without saying, but it also does not help opponents that the Dodgers also has one of the most reliable pitchers across the league, Clayton Kershaw. The Braves have gotten great production out of both Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna Jr. this season and will rely on them heavily if they want any shot at advancing. Their pitching staff is suspect, and this is widely viewed as the most one-sided matchup in the playoffs this year.