MLB Playoffs: Who benefits from a bubble?

Come October, the MLB playoffs will be played in a bubble. Knowing that, which playoff-contending teams benefit most from this setup?

When it was announced that a bubble was seriously being considered for the 2020 MLB Playoffs, safety was the main priority, as it should be. However, a few other aspects were ignored, which would ultimately benefit some teams more than others.

So, today, we’re going to list a number of teams, broken into three modules who have more to gain from a playoff bubble than other teams.

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Module 1: Injury Riddled Teams

The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins were both slated to win their divisions prior to the start of the season. However, injuries have negatively impacted each team to this point, placing them in second place (Yankees) and third place (Twins) within their divisions.

Luckily, considering how the playoff picture is unfolding, it’s going to be extremely difficult for the Twins and Yankees not to make the postseason. Therefore, considering that home-field advantage is no longer a factor, health should be these team’s number one priority. Once they’re in, if healthy, they have strong enough rosters to compete with anyone in the league.

Module 2: Displaced Teams

So far, only the Toronto Blue Jays have been displaced because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, the team plays out of Buffalo because the city of Toronto wouldn’t allow them to host players from teams around the US.

For this reason, should the Blue Jays, who currently hold the 8-seed in the AL, secure a playoff position, they will have gained the experience necessary to thrive in an environment outside of their home.

Module 3: Teams That Reside Within the Bubble

As it stands, there isn’t a plan hammered out for a postseason bubble. However, considering that MLB games will extend through the end of October, one must consider climate when deciding where to create such an environment.

Thus, if the MLB playoffs is to take place in a bubble, the following four states have enough stadiums to host all 16 teams:

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Arizona
4. California

Depending on where the bubble is, one or more of the following teams could benefit greatly:

• Miami Marlins
• Tampa Bay Rays
• Texas Rangers
• Houston Astros
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Oakland Athletics
• Los Angeles Angels
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• San Diego Padres
• San Francisco Giants