ALCS Predictions 2023: Expert Picks for Mariners vs Blue Jays Pennant Win

The American League Championship Series (ALCS) has arrived, featuring the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners. One team seeks to end a World Series drought dating back to 1993, while the other aspires for its inaugural appearance in the Fall Classic. Experts at Emegypt are split on which team will seize the coveted American League pennant.
Staff Predictions for the 2023 ALCS
Predictions among analysts indicate a close match. Some experts question whether Seattle’s pitching can recover after an exhausting Game 5 in the AL Division Series. Others believe the Mariners embody a strong sense of destiny.
- Jayson Stark (TOR): The Blue Jays excelled against solid pitching in the previous round, scoring 34 runs in 34 innings against the Yankees. Stark sees Toronto’s lineup as an advantage, especially with a history of sweeping the Mariners this season. He predicts a Blue Jays victory in six games.
- Eno Sarris (SEA): Highlighting the Mariners’ power and pitching depth, Sarris suggests they outpaced the competition they faced earlier. He remains optimistic about their chances to reach the World Series.
- Chandler Rome (TOR): With Seattle’s pitching possibly compromised, Rome emphasizes the importance of their offense, which struggled previously. He believes Toronto boasts the stronger lineup, favoring them for the series.
- Chad Jennings (SEA): Jennings is cautious, citing Seattle’s previous performance but remains optimistic about their pitching depth. He foresees a tight series that could last seven games.
- Ian O’Connor (TOR): O’Connor believes home-field advantage and Toronto’s offensive power will be decisive.
- Katie Woo (SEA): Woo acknowledges the Blue Jays’ strength but hints at a unique quality in the Mariners that could lead to a thrilling seven-game series.
- Andy McCullough (TOR): Observing Toronto’s strong performance earlier, McCullough notes the potential strain on Seattle’s pitching staff due to their recent marathon game.
- C. Trent Rosecrans (SEA): Rosecrans emphasizes the significance of pitching and selects the Mariners due to their overall strength in that area.
- Will Sammon (TOR): Sammon points out Toronto’s offensive consistency as a major challenge for Seattle’s defense.
- Maria Torres (SEA): Torres respects the Blue Jays’ recent successes but contends that the Mariners exhibit resilience and are on a mission this postseason.
- Ken Rosenthal (TOR): He reinforces the idea that Toronto is well-rested and performing well, creating a solid case against a fatigued Seattle pitching staff.
- Sahadev Sharma (SEA): Sharma believes the Mariners will manage to leverage their pitching strength through the series.
- Johnny Flores Jr. (TOR): Flores points out the stark difference in strikeouts between the teams, suggesting that Seattle’s struggles may hinder their chances.
- Mitch Bannon (TOR): Bannon indicates that if the Blue Jays exploit Seattle’s tiredness early, they could dominate the series.
This ALCS promises an exciting showdown between two formidable teams, and the predictions reflect a blend of hope, skepticism, and competitive spirit among experts. The outcomes will hinge on performances in pivotal moments, underscoring the intensity of playoff baseball.