The 2021 World Series is finally upon us! The Atlanta Braves have bested the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, fighting their way to the franchises’ first World Series since 1999. The Houston Astros, the American League Champions, are looking to regain their reputation as a perennial contender after the sign-stealing scandal that rocked Minute Maid Park. Two teams who have had very different regular seasons are about to lock horns in a best of seven series for the ages. So which team appears more likely to lift the World Series trophy while getting drenched in champagne? We asked our writer’s room and here are their responses.

Kevin Michael Morin

As much as I’d like to see Dusty get one as a manager, I don’t think the Astros will be able to solve Atlanta. This Braves team is on a roll, and despite missing some big pieces, they absolutely have what it takes to go toe to toe with Houston. Their rotation has been stellar this postseason, and sitting the Dodgers down is no small feat. The Astros took advantage of poor umpiring and we’re able to build momentum to get past Boston. But Atlanta is playing for what seems like so much more. They are missing three huge pieces of their roster and yet have managed to get to the big dance for the first time in forever (not a Frozen reference) anyway. Freddie Freeman will go from COVID patient to World Series MVP, and the organization will be lifted by the spirit of Hank Aaron. The Astros have gone full villain, and it’s going to be truly poetic watching this scrappy Braves team go toe to toe with them and ultimately walk away champions.

Braves in 6.

Terry Cudmore

Feels like it’s their year and if they could beat the Dodgers then they can take care of Houston. MVP Pick – Freddie Freeman.

Braves in 6.

Katie Pierce

With McCullers officially out for the World Series, I just can’t see the Astros starting rotation being able to compete with the rotation that the Braves have. Not to mention how lights out Tyler Matzek has been on the back end for the Braves. The Braves have been inching closer to the WS for the last few years and now that they’re here it just feels like it’s their year. To put it simply it’s also just what I want to see happen and that’s the most important thing, right? Do it for the 44 that’s cut into that outfield grass Atlanta.

Braves in 6.

Andrew Mark Wilhelm

Braves in 4. Will this happen? No. Is it the most poetic option with Aaron’s number being 44? Yep.

Joe Danbusky

Truly I’m ambivalent because right now my only concern with regards to baseball is what on Earth the Mets will do to right the ship and start acting like a functional ball club again. That having been said – while I would love to see Dusty don a ring, I can’t bring myself to root for the Astros. If I can’t rep my team on the biggest stage, I can at least rep the NL, even if it is begrudgingly.

Braves in 7.

Justin Colombo

I truly hope this series doesn’t go the distance, but after the last two years, it just seems like nothing can be easy anymore. The Braves have the firepower, but the Astros have the experience. On the other hand, the Braves fought off the Dodgers in 6, and that’s not an easy task. If they can ride that momentum, they could finish this early. Regardless, I think the Astros redemption tour is over, and nature will begin healing with their loss.

Braves in 7.

Think we’re wrong? Have a feeling the Astros are being overlooked due to individual implicit biases? Let us know in the comments! Now, let’s play ball!