MLB Network's Mark DeRosa names the Atlanta Braves as the #1 contender for the World Series

Mark DeRosa analysed who has the best chance of winning the World Series and has Atlanta at #1 and a division rival at #5

Now that the trade deadline is in the rearview mirror and MLB's focused on the divisional races and playoff positioning. On MLB Network's MLB Central, analyst Mark DeRosa broke down who should be considered the favorites to win the World Series. 

As expected, our Atlanta Braves took the #1 spot. Here's what DeRosa had to say about the Bravos: 

The Braves are my number one team right now. Their lineup’s ridiculous but Jake Peavy made a very good point on our Zoom call, talking about they’re probably going to clinch quicker than anybody and they’re going to be sitting on their tush for five days and usually that puts an offense to sleep. I don’t think that will be the case with this team, just too many guys can clip you.

It still remains to be seen whether or not Atlanta's going to have a long time to coast once the division is clinched - division rival Philadelphia, who made DeRosa's list at 5, has been one of the better offenses in the second half. They're now projected to have an 89.5% chance to make the postseason, and crucially, not only have seven games against Atlanta left this season but also an easier schedule for the stretch run. Philadelphia still has seven games against the New York Mets, six against the St. Louis Cardinals, and three against each of the Washington Nationals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres, all teams with losing records. 

DeRosa's full list was: 

1. Atlanta Braves
2. Houston Astros
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Texas Rangers
5. Philadelphia Phillies

Watch the full clip here: 

MLB Central, hosted by Robert Flores, Lauren Shehadi, and Mark DeRosa, airs live every weekday morning at 9AM ET and is available on MLB Network.  

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