The Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks square off in the 2023 World Series on Friday in an attempt to claim the title of champion. After defeating the Houston Astros in the ALCS and defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS, the Rangers advanced to this stage. Those two series continued for the entire seven games.
Here at CBS Sports, we have a record of making forecasts that eventually expose our lack of the soothsayer gene. So, below are our staff’s predictions for the outcome of this Fall Classic.
Remember that this is only an exercise for fun, as it usually is.
World Series staff picks for 2023
Anderson, R.J.: Just to shake things up, I’ll choose the Diamondbacks. I may be wrong all the time, so why not add this one more to the list? Even though I believe the Rangers to be the superior club, the postseason isn’t necessarily guaranteed by that. In order to win the team’s second world championship, I could see Lovullo imitating the 2019 Nationals and 2018 Red Sox and fully utilizing Gallen and Kelly. Would that suffice? We’ll investigate. Let’s get into full anarchy mode in the interim. In addition, I believe it would be fantastic for baseball if Corbin Carroll won a significant World Series and established himself as just another exciting young.
Axisa Mike: Even though the World Series isn’t even underway yet, the addition of two new teams has already made me feel renewed. Respectfully, I was starting to get sick of seeing the Astros and Dodgers in the World Series every year. The D-backs’ speed and athleticism give off serious 2015 Royals vibes, and their record of 84-78 during the regular season belies their true potential. Although I believe the Rangers are the superior club overall, especially offensively, I’m going with them despite my concerns about their bullpen. In any case, I anticipate that the World Series will go to extra innings and provide us with a number of exciting games.
PICK: World Series MVP Nathan Eovaldi; Rangers in 7.
Perry Dayn: Based on record run differential, I believe the Rangers are the superior club (even if the D-backs had a somewhat harder schedule in the regular season). I believe Texas has an advantage because their lineup is currently healthy overall. Max Scherzer’s inconsistency makes me concerned about the Rangers rotation, and their bullpen has been a constant source of worry throughout these playoffs. “84 wins” doesn’t really reflect the strength of the D-backs right now, so I think they’ll make this a very tough series. Ultimately, though, I believe Arizona’s pitching finds it difficult to prevent runs from being scored against that potent Rangers lineup.
RANGER MATCHUP: 7; MVP of the World Series: Corey Seager
Matthew Snyder The Rangers would do well to avoid blowing numerous games in the late innings to give the Diamondbacks some leeway, since they have proven to be a formidable opponent. Early leads will be crucial for Texas because Arizona’s back-end relievers are now in a groove. Nonetheless, I think the Rangers will win at least four of the seven games. With two elite throwers at the top of the rotation and plenty of offensive firepower, they are the superior club. Where have we heard that one before, huh?
PICK: MVP of the World Series: Adolis García; Rangers in 7
Why not, in Stephen Pianovich’s opinion? The Snakes won’t be easily contained; they’ve earned their surprising spot in this Fall Classic. On paper, the Rangers make a lot of sense, but these D-backs continue to send more talented teams home with wins. PICK: Gabriel Moreno of the World Series MVP; the Diamondbacks in six.
Feldman, Kate: The entire postseason, I’ve been undervaluing the Diamondbacks. Why not end now? In all honesty, I don’t believe there is an incorrect response in this case—though I’m sure you’ll all tell me that mine is. The Rangers pitch well and have power. The Diamondbacks are a youthful, determined team. Max Scherzer almost certainly can’t do worse than his first two Rangers starts during the playoffs, and Arizona’s bullpen has vastly outperformed expectations. If this were a matchup, I would watch 50 games (and only partially to extend the season). PICK: MVP of the World Series: Adolis García; Rangers in 7