Dodgers dominate the NLCS early as Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto stitch 17 innings with a single run allowed, signaling a championship-ready pitching core. Milwaukee’s Brewers remain a model of efficiency, doing more with less while chasing a deeper playoff run. Chicago’s Cubs face an identity dilemma, aiming for sustained success without selling out to expensive stars. Jed Hoyer’s end‑of‑season remarks frame a winter of defense, consistency, and market-minded moves as the Cubs seek a clearer path forward.

Hoyer’s emphasis on defense and clean baseball underscores a broader theme: teams want to be competitive every year, not just when star power is abundant. The article also notes rival playoff scripts, including aces delivering deep outings for Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, and Freddy Peralta, illustrating how postseason pitching depth remains the ultimate differentiator.

Gold Glove finalists are announced, with the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays tying for the majors lead with six nods apiece. The selection blends manager/coach voting with 25% defense-metrics input from location-based data and play-by-play accounts. The list spans AL and NL, spotlighting elite glove work and positional versatility ahead of the November 2 reveal.

Standouts range from Dillon Dingler and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to Corey Seager, Julio Rodríguez, and Mookie Betts, highlighting how range, arm strength, and instinct influence fantasy defensive value. The slate primes fantasy and DFS strategies as rosters ready for late-season glovework.

Seattle hosts Toronto in ALCS Game 3 with the Mariners carrying a 2-0 edge. Three player-prop bets shape the night: Shane Bieber under 4.5 strikeouts, George Kirby over 4.5 strikeouts, and Julio Rodriguez over 1.5 total bases. Bieber enters with durability questions after a short ALDS start; Kirby has flashed home-park punchouts; Rodriguez can spark Seattle with power as the lineup looks to carry momentum from the first two games.

Value hinges on bullpen usage, park effects, and each batter's recent playoff track record. A sharp lineup read and a few big hits could swing prop outcomes, so align bets with inning-by-inning leverage and the likelihood of early exit for Bieber if he hits rough patches.

Braves face a pivotal offseason as Raisel Iglesias hits free agency. After a rough year, Atlanta may still look to re-sign him, but price and market volatility complicate a team that traditionally locks up core players early. Iglesias finished strong, reviving his value and keeping bullpen questions alive. The Braves may balance loyalty with youth by considering cheaper internal options. A high-stakes decision looms as the market takes shape.

Insiders note Iglesias’ late-season form could tilt the door toward a reunion, while others caution Atlanta may bow out to preserve flexibility. Either path highlights Atlanta's challenge: secure closing depth without overcommitting in a market that rewards the top closer, and keep internal options primed for 2025.