World Series picks, matchup predictions as MLB playoffs begin

The regular season is over and the expanded postseason begins Friday afternoon. Michael Shapiro, who is now working for the Houston Chronicle, is going to pick the Mets to win the World Series. Claire Kuwana is making her SI predictions roundtable debut. She and her colleagues are picking the 2022 World series winner.

The Dodgers have a bye through the first round and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Freddie Freeman is slashing .340/.427/.538 against right-handed pitching. He is hitting .389 with RISP and has only 18 strikeouts in 197 plate appearances.

Dodgers are going to beat the Astros in a seven-game series. Mookie Betts will be the MVP.

The World Series is a rematch of last year's championship. The Astros are going to win it all. The Braves are a team that has had a good season. They are young and have some key pieces locked in for the long haul. Houston has a better rotation heading into October.

The Braves are better than last year's team that won the World Series. Justin Verlander is in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. The Astros are the favorite to win the pennant.

The World Series starts in six games. Ronald Acuña Jr. is the MVP. The Braves are the defending champions. The Mariners are playing with house money. They haven't met since the trade deadline. Michael Harris and Spencer Strider have improved the Braves' team since June 1.

The Braves are going to win the World Series. They have a loaded lineup with eight players with an OPS+ above 100. The Yankees will not be able to get past Houston and Atlanta in the playoffs.

The 2017 World Series is a rematch between the Dodgers and the Astros. Mookie Betts will be the MVP. The Dodgers are the team to beat.