This isn’t a matchup that many likely saw coming in March but here we are. The Arizona Diamondbacks have a chance to win their second World Series title, while the Texas Rangers can end their drought and win one for the first time. Here’s our preview of the 2023 World Series.
Related: Who were the finalists for the 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards?
Probable Starters and Start Times
- Game 1: Zac Gallen vs. Nathan Eovaldi (10/27 at 8:03 PM ET)
- Game 2: Merrill Kelly vs. TBA (10/28 at 8:03 PM ET)
- Game 3: Max Scherzer vs. Brandon Pfaadt (10/30 at 8:03 PM ET)
- Game 4: TBA vs. TBA (10/31 at 8:03 PM ET)
- Game 5: TBA vs. TBA (11/1 at 8:03 PM ET)
- Game 6: TBA vs. TBA (11/3 at 8:03 PM ET)
- Game 7: TBA vs. TBA (11/4 at 8:03 PM ET)
Odds
- Diamondbacks: +115
- Rangers: -135
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook. As of October 30, 2023.
A Look at the Offenses
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 746 | 881 |
| Home Runs | 166 | 223 |
| OPS | .730 | .790 |
| Whiff% | 22.6% | 24.4% |
| Hard Hit% | 38.2% | 41.6% |
The Diamondbacks would not have been able to defy the odds without a lineup that rounded in form during the month of October.
Obviously, it’s a small sample size. But, the D-Backs have outpaced their regular season numbers in both HR/G (1.5) and OPS (.741) during the MLB Postseason. And, Arizona’s wreaked havoc on the basepaths. The Diamondbacks ended the NLCS with 16 stolen bases in 12 games.
Outfielder Corbin Carroll paced the Diamondbacks in Game 7, while 2B Ketel Marte hit .387/.406/.581 with five extra-base hits in seven NLCS games. Alek Thomas, Gabriel Moreno, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Geraldo Perdomo are among the other notable contributors.
The Rangers, meanwhile, come into the World Series with a significant advantage on paper. Texas’ offense in October, much like in the regular season, has been a force.
Outfielder Adolis Garcia torched the Astros throughout the ALCS, while veterans Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, as well as youngsters Josh Jung and Evan Carter will provide a challenge for Arizona’s pitching staff.
Now, let’s move on to the pitching portion of our 2023 World Series preview.
A Look at the Pitching
| | |
|---|---|---|
| Starters’ ERA | 4.67 | 3.96 |
| Relievers’ ERA | 4.22 | 4.77 |
| Strikeouts | 1,351 | 1,351 |
| Opponents’ AVG | .251 | .245 |
| Chase% | 29.2% | 29.7% |
Arizona will send Zac Gallen out for Game 1 of the World Series. The D-Backs’ ace has had a turbulent postseason, much like his second half. He pitched well in the first two rounds but gave up nine over 11 innings in the ALCS.
Gallen will be followed by Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly did struggle in his first NLCS start but rounded into form for Game 6. Pfaadt delivered two quality outings against the Phillies.
But if the D-Backs will win it all, they’ll need their bullpen to come through. It has thus far, as Arizona relievers have pitched to the tune of a 2.94 ERA in the playoffs and opposing hitters have hit .223.
The Rangers will push out Nathan Eovaldi for Game 1 and will need him, Jordan Montgomery, and company to deliver. Both Eovaldi and Montgomery have been terrific and the Rangers’ bullpen has been good too.
Opposing hitters have hit just .216 this postseason against Rangers relievers.
Our Predictions
This has been a brutal postseason for predictions but we think the Rangers will get the job done.
Texas has the depth both on the mound and at the dish to close the deal. We’ll take the Rangers in six.