Wild Card No. 1 – Pittsburgh Pirates

The poor Pirates seem like they’re playing in the wild card playoff game every single year. They’ve hosted the game in each of the last three years and have won just once. If they finish in this spot, Pittsburgh will once again play host to the National League’s wild card game.
This team certainly has the lineup depth to make a deep October run, although there are question marks in the rotation, especially with A.J. Burnett leaving the team. Gerrit Cole could take the next step in his career and become a Cy Young award contender.
When it comes down to it, though, the team just can’t match the firepower of the Cubs. Chicago is just as deep, has better pitching and appears to be the hungrier team at this point. A lot can change over the course of the season, but the Pirates look destined to be a tough-luck wild card team once again.
Next: NL West Champion - San Francisco Giants