Mariners Surge; Cardinals Prospect Quinn Mathews

The St. Louis Cardinals' farm system features high-end lefty Quinn Mathews, who after a dominant August (2.27 ERA in 31.2 innings) is viewed as a potential future ace if he can cut a high 6.73 BB/9 rate and either win a rotation spot in spring or refine his command at Double-A Memphis. The Seattle Mariners have surged into contention — winning 14 of 15 late in the season — and are being regarded as legitimate World Series contenders thanks to a powerful September offense, timely pitching and a deep, balanced rotation. Seattle's turnaround has been fueled by unsung heroes and midseason additions such as Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez, positional tinkering with Jorge Polanco, and breakout depth pieces like Dominic Canzone. The club's young players provide longer-term upside: former first-rounder Cole Young, despite limited big-league at-bats and a late slump, is viewed as a candidate for a 2026 breakout or an internal option as veterans test free agency. Meanwhile, the New York Jets' 0-3 start still has a bright spot in rookie defensive lineman Jowon Briggs, who has earned strong PFF grades and is forming a promising interior front alongside Quinnen Williams and Harrison Phillips.