Milwaukee v Dodgers in the NLCS pits grinding depth against star power, with the Brewers leaning on crafty pitching and a late-inning backbone, while the Dodgers ride elite lineup firepower and bullpen resilience. Seattle and Toronto bring high-octane offenses lead by Cal Raleigh and Vlad Guerrero Jr., each team hungry for its first title and capable of sparking a breakout moment. Pete Alonso’s looming contract dialogue colors Mets’ winter talks as the sport weighs payroll against parity.

Seattle surged in Game 1 in Toronto behind Cal Raleigh’s sixth‑inning blast off Gosman and Bryce Miller’s steady six innings, lifting the Mariners to a 3‑1 win as the bullpen cruised. George Springer started Toronto with a first‑pitch homer, but Seattle quieted the Blue Jays afterward. In Milwaukee, Miserowski spun four solid innings, Chad Patrick opened the bullpen parade, and Abner Uribe closed it as the Brewers topped the Cubs 3‑1 to reach the NLCS and set up a Dodgers duel.

Across the NL matchup, the Dodgers’ rotation depth looms large against Milwaukee’s depth and late‑season momentum, while Otani’s murky October wake‑up remains the wild card. The Tigers’ season closed with Tarik Skubal and co. showing grit but insufficient offense, leaving questions about long‑term positioning and the window for Detroit’s next push. The episode also nods to in‑stadium promos like the Mariners’ salmon race that fire up the crowd in crucial moments.

Toronto closed out New York in a bullpen-driven playoff win, with bottom-of-the-order heroes Nathan Lucas, Ernie Clement and Miles Straw delivering clutch hits as the Jays weathered a late Yankee push. Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Aaron Judge provided memorable moments, but Toronto steadied and advanced to the ALCS, riding depth and timely defense.

Across town, the Maple Leafs leaned into depth, Morgan Riley and William Nylander delivering in key spots while Auston Matthews hunted for his shot. The city basked in a rare two-sport surge, with fans feeling the momentum spill from baseball to hockey and hoping the Jays’ resilience can spark the Leafs’ season.

Next up for Toronto: an ALCS berth against Mariners or Tigers, a test of bullpen depth and late-inning grit that could define the franchise’s fall. A big week looms, with two teams feeling like they’re built to weather the grind together.

Bradford and crew recap sleepers, busts, and lessons from a wild fantasy season. Pete Crow-Armstrong flipped from bust to bona fide asset, Bo Bichette stayed productive for Toronto, and Nick Pavetta dazzled after landing with San Diego. Catchers Ivón Herrera and Hunter Goodman emerged as value picks, while Brian Woo’s health and workload cemented a top-tier upside case. Lessons emphasize production over hype and the volatility of top prospects, with A’s/Sox and relievers noted for risk and reward.