World Series Staff Predictions: Picking Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks, MVP

The Texas Rangers have waited 12 years to get back here. The Arizona Diamondbacks have waited longer — 22 years — but at least they have a ring from their lone appearance in 2001. The Rangers are still seeking their first. There are definite contrasts here. The D-Backs are more of a small-ball team and the Rangers can slug with the best of them. The Rangers can't be road warriors in this one, as they host four of the seven games. But their offensive explosion in the final two games in Houston leads me to believe, based on this season, that there will be carryover into the World Series.

Prediction: Rangers in 6
MVP: Nathan Eovaldi

The Texas Rangers have been the American League underdog during their run to the World Series. But that really wasn't an accurate portrayal of the team. They were much better than a typical Wild Card team – they would have won more than 100-plus games if it wasn't for 33 blown saves. Scrappy Wild Card team, however, does fit the Diamondbacks. Their Cinderella story ends now. The Rangers will outscore them and win their first ever World Series in five games.

Prediction: Rangers in 5
MVP: Corey Seager

The home-field edge is finally going to mean something, with the Rangers setting the tone for the series in the first two games in Arlington. Not that the Rangers need to win every game at Globe Life Field, but will win most. Nathan Eovaldi and Jordan Montgomery are at the height of their powers this postseason, while Corey Seager and Marcus Semien are going to look like who we think they are.

Prediction: Rangers in 6
MVP: Jordan Montgomery

How refreshing is it to see two new – and up-and-coming – franchises take center stage in the Fall Classic? And yes, this should be a thrilling battle between different approaches to winning. At this point, doubting the D-backs seems foolish since they've continued to defy the odds. But so have the Rangers. Texas has power and exceptional starting pitching. Arizona has resiliency and a damn good bullpen. As fun as the Snakes are -- and will be for some time – it's hard imagining anyone outworking a Bruce Bochy-led roster. The Outlaws of Arlington take it.

Prediction: Rangers in 6
MVP: Corey Seager

The 2023 Rangers remind me a lot of the 2010 Rangers who lost to San Francisco in the World Series. The good news is the Arizona Diamondbacks don’t have the same pitching depth as the 2010 Giants do. It’s time to prepare for the first-ever parade down Randol Mill Road.

Prediction: Rangers in 6
MVP: Corey Seager