Batting Around: Which disappointing team returns to the playoffs more, the Padres or Phillies?

Throughout the season, CBS Sports’ MLB experts will bring you a weekly Batting Around roundtable that breaks down pretty much everything. Breaking news, a historical question, thoughts on the future of baseball, anything. Last week we debated the best shortstop in baseball. This week we are going to tackle two underperforming teams.

Which team is more likely to make the postseason: Padres or Phillies?

RJ Andersen: I think the Padres. Better differential so far, and I think they have the higher level of talent. That said, I’m not willing to give up either one. We know that both Preller and Dombrowski will be active and aggressive towards the deadline, and my guess is that these rosters will look different in August in a way that will find them all in the hunt for the stretch.

Matt Snyder: I’m going Padres. They have too much potential offensive firepower to continue hitting as poorly as they have as a group. Once Manny Machado returns, there’s still plenty of time for him, Fernando Tatis, Jake Cronenworth and Xander Bogaerts to all come into their own. I know many fans love Juan Soto, but he’s been doing it for the past month. Time for the others to join him and when they do, they’ll get stupid hot. I think the Phillies have a decent chance as well, I just like the Padres’ chances better.

Day Perry: I will lean Padres. I think Manny Machado eventually gets healthy and finds his established level at the plate, and more generally I’m just more confident in the impressive level of talent on the roster. The rotation in San Diego is a bit of a question mark, but it wouldn’t be at all surprising if that need is addressed in a notable way ahead of the trade deadline.

Mike Axisa: FanGraphs gives the Padres significantly higher postseason odds, while Sportsline gives the Phillies significantly higher postseason odds, so they don’t help. My head says Padres because they have so much high-end talent, but my heart says Phillies because they are also very talented, and also because I’ve seen them rally from a big deficit to make it into the postseason. Last year they did! Manny Machado will definitely be on schedule, but so will Trea Turner, and I trust Dave Dombrowski to pull the strings right at the deadline. He could undermine the farm system in the process, but he’ll get the help the Phillies need. I think both teams will rally to make it to the postseason. Make me pick one and I’ll go Phillies.