The Cleveland Indians are the most hyped team in baseball, but they’re not going to win it all.
The Astros are hot enough that they’re on pace to win the World Series.
And now, the next hottest team, the Milwaukee Brewers, will also be in the postseason.
In the next six weeks, the Astros, Brewers, Pirates, Dodgers and Nationals will be on a roll.
They’ll be in a position to take the NL Central crown.
The Brewers have the hottest offense and second-best record in baseball.
Their bullpen has been outstanding, and the bullpen is second only to the rotation in wins.
The Brewers are second in ERA (3.06) and fourth in WHIP (1.74).
They’ve been one of the most dominant offenses in the majors.
The best pitching duo in baseball is also one of their best.
The Pirates have been one-dimensional.
They’ve had a solid lineup for the past three years, but the Pirates have lacked a consistent rotation.
They have an MVP candidate in Giancarlo Stanton, a star-making first baseman in Andrew McCutchen and a promising young shortstop in Jonathan Lucroy.
The Pirates have a starting rotation that has won a World Series and a pennant in each of the past four years.
The Dodgers, with a .333 winning percentage and the best offense in baseball this season, have a better chance to win a World Championship than the Astros.
The Dodgers’ bullpen is the best in baseball and the Dodgers are second only in ERA (.865).
The Dodgers have a young starting pitcher in Zack Greinke, an elite starting pitching prospect in Corey Seager, and an outstanding pitching staff.
The Nationals have the worst record in the National League and have been a mess since June 1, but their defense has been better than the Braves’ and is third in the NL in ERA.
Their rotation is one of baseball’s best.
They’re also second in the AL in ERA and WHIP.
They won’t win it this year.
The Nationals could make it to the playoffs, but there’s no reason to think they’ll be the most compelling team in the playoffs.
This article was produced by NBC News’ Jeff Sharlet.