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Both No. 1 Seeds Are From Smaller Markets. Will that Matter in the Playoffs? Or in the Labor Fight? – WTOP News
Milwaukee and Tampa Bay reached the postseason’s top seeds, strengthening arguments that small-market clubs can still win under MLB’s current system.
The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays secured top seeds in the National League and American League, marking a significant postseason shift for smaller-market franchises.
Milwaukee finished the regular season with a franchise-record 103 victories, winning their final five games this week to cement their position atop the National League standings.
Cleveland also clinched a postseason spot with a first-round bye in the American League, highlighting success for teams ranked near the bottom of the collective bargaining agreement's market score.
Playoff performance may influence upcoming labor negotiations between the union and management, as observers watch whether small-market success alters baseball's competitive balance narrative.
Milwaukee pitcher Jacob Misiorowski enters the postseason as a must-see attraction, potentially filling the star-power void while Shohei Ohtani is not currently pitching.