ALCS and NLCS Matchups Set to Do Something That Hasn't Happened in Nearly Last 30 Years of Baseball History

The matchups in the LCS between the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, as well as the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies, are set to make baseball history.

The matchups in both the ALCS and NLCS are set to make baseball history by doing something that hasn't been done in nearly the last 30 years.

Per James Smyth of the YES Network on social media:

Astros vs Rangers ALCS 

Phillies vs Diamondbacks NLCS 

This is the first year since 1995 with both League Championship Series featuring matchups that had never happened before in the postseason (CLE/SEA & ATL/CIN)

Astros vs Rangers ALCS

Phillies vs Diamondbacks NLCS

This is the first year since 1995 with both League Championship Series featuring matchups that had never happened before in the postseason (CLE/SEA & ATL/CIN)

— James Smyth (@JamesSmyth621) October 13, 2023

In addition to being historic, these matchups should be very interesting.

In the American League, you have two division rivals going at it. The Rangers have one of the best lineups in all of baseball, complete with depth, power and speed. They also may be able to add to their pitching in this round, as both Max Scherzer and Jon Gray could be activated from the injured list.

As for the Astros, they have playoff experience. This is the seventh consecutive trip to the ALCS for Houston, and they won the World Series just one year ago. Furthermore, they have Yordan Alvarez, the most feared hitter in the game right now - and they re-acquired future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander at the trade deadline to help with moments like this.

In the National League, the Phillies also have experience, having been to the World Series a season ago. Nick Castellanos is coming off a Division Series in which he hit two home runs in back-to-back games, and Bryce Harper is a known big-time performer.

As for the Diamondbacks, they are unbeaten in these playoffs, having gone 5-0. They also have All-Star starter Zac Gallen and likely Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll on the roster.

The ALCS begins on Sunday while the NLCS begins on Monday.

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