Who will be the Braves opponent in the Wild Card Series?

The Braves will host a three-game Wild Card Series next week.

That much we know for certain, but their opponent still remains very much in the air — with the Padres, Phillies, Cubs, and Diamondbacks all jockeying for the final three spots in the National League.

Arizona Diamondbacks (84-74)

Remaining Games: (1) @Colorado, (3) @San Diego

The Diamondbacks are alive in the Wild Card race, but barely. They sit three games behind the Phillies for the sixth seed with just four games to play, making them the least likely of the Braves’ opponents next week.

Philadelphia Phillies (87-71)

Remaining Games: (1) vs. Milwaukee, (3) vs. Tampa Bay

If the season ended today, the Braves would face the Philadelphia Phillies, and what a familiar sight that would be. These two teams met in the postseason in 2022 and 2023, with the Phillies winning in four games both times. An opportunity for some sweet revenge is attractive, but that pitching staff would be hell to face in a three-game series where there is absolutely no margin for error.

Given the Phillies’ remaining four games are against two of the best teams in the league, there’s a very high likelihood they finish sixth in the standings.

Chicago Cubs (87-71)

Remaining Games: (1) vs. Miami, (3) @Boston

The Cubs own the tiebreaker over the Phillies, but the teams are tied in the standings, so Chicago could be the Braves’ opponent, with that three-game set in Boston determining a lot.

San Diego Padres (88-70)

Remaining Games: (1) @Los Angeles Dodgers, (3) vs. Diamondbacks

The Padres currently hold a one-game edge over the Cubs and Phillies, which sets them up for a home Wild Card Series. That’s what all these teams are fighting for over the final week, but their remaining schedule is on the more difficult side, featuring a matchup with the two-time defending champions and a Diamondbacks team that could be fighting for its postseason life.

—

A lot of times, there’s a rooting interest for a team sitting in the Braves’ position, but I’m not quite sure it matters who they end up facing out of these four. All of them have really good aspects that are going to make them extremely difficult to beat. The Padres have been red-hot and have had the Braves’ number. The Phillies are a seasoned team with incredible starting pitching, and the Cubs feature a lineup that can absolutely mash the baseball. If the Braves are going to make it to the NLDS, they’re going to have to do it the hard way no matter who they face.

—

(Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire)