The MLB postseason is quickly approaching, and with fewer than 10 days left in the regular season, every team aspiring for a World Series title still has plenty at stake.
Let’s examine the current state of the MLB standings and how the playoff picture looks as of now.
Who has clinched a spot in the playoffs?
This past Wednesday, the Brewers secured the NL Central title; however, they have yet to finalize their playoff seed. The Brewers clinched the division following the Chicago Cubs’ 5-3 loss against the Oakland A’s.
On the same day, the Yankees earned the AL’s first postseason berth by defeating the Mariners 2-1 in extra innings. Despite their achievement, the Yankees still need to secure both the AL East division title and their postseason seating.
Then on Thursday, the Guardians punched their ticket to October with a thrilling 3-2 walk-off win over the Twins in the 10th inning. However, they have not yet secured the AL Central title or their playoff position.
Also on Thursday, the Dodgers celebrated their 12th consecutive postseason appearance after overwhelming the Marlins with a score of 20-4. Ohtani showcased an extraordinary performance, contributing to a historic milestone—the first 50-50 season in MLB history. Nonetheless, the Dodgers still need to claim the NL West division title and finalize their postseason seating.
On Friday, the Phillies celebrated their third straight playoff appearance following a dominant 12-2 win against the Mets. They have yet to clinch the NL East title or their postseason seed.
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Who can clinch next?
The Orioles are projected to have at least a 99% likelihood of making the postseason, according to FanGraphs. The Astros
The Padres, Royals, and Diamondbacks are all currently enjoying postseason probabilities exceeding 90%. Meanwhile, the Twins and Mets are keenly focused on the playoffs but still face challenges ahead.
With their postseason positions effectively secured, the Phillies, Dodgers, Guardians, Astros, and Yankees are poised to claim their respective divisions, provided their leads remain intact. Notably, the Phillies, Dodgers, Yankees, and Guardians are set to receive byes through the wild-card round.
What’s still on the line?
After a team clinches its postseason berth, there’s much left to compete for. While most division leads are stable, playoff positioning could still be contested down to the season’s final weekend.
The top two seeds in each league will belong to the division champions with the best records. These teams will enjoy byes through the wild-card round and will have the right to host games in the division series.
The third seed will be awarded to the third division winner, which will then host a three-game wild-card series against the No. 6 seed, designated for the third wild-card team. The top wild-card team will receive the No. 4 seed and will host the No. 5 seed in the wild-card round.
The higher seed secures home-field advantage in the championship series, once that stage is reached.
What would the playoff bracket look like if the season concluded today?
The playoff landscape can still shift considerably before the deadline of Oct. 1. (Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports)
American League
Wild card: No. 6 Minnesota Twins vs. No. 3 Houston Astros
ALDS: Wild-card winner vs. No. 2 Cleveland Guardians*
Wild card: No. 5 Kansas City Royals vs. No. 4 Baltimore Orioles
ALDS: Wild-card winner vs. No. 1 New York Yankees*
National League
Wild card: No. 6 New York Mets vs. No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers*
NLDS: Wild-card winner vs. No. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers*
Wild card: No. 5 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. No. 4 San Diego Padres
NLDS: Wild-card winner vs. No. 1 Philadelphia Phillies*
(*clinched playoff spot)
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The pursuit of the 2024 postseason has begun. (Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports)
What tiebreakers are in place?
Teams will no longer participate in a Game 163 to resolve tied records at season’s end. The first method of determining tiebreakers is by comparing head-to-head results, followed by intradivision records if necessary.
Below are the relevant tiebreakers:
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The Yankees have secured the tiebreaker against the Guardians.
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The Guardians have secured the tiebreaker versus the Orioles.
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The Phillies have locked in the tiebreaker against the Dodgers.
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The Twins have obtained the tiebreakers against both the Tigers and Royals.
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The Mets have clinched the tiebreakers against the Padres and Diamondbacks.
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The Orioles possess the tiebreaker over the Yankees, with three games remaining.
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The D-backs have the tiebreaker against the Padres, with three games left to play.
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The Mets own the tiebreaker against the Braves, with three games still to contest.
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What is the schedule for the wild-card and division series?
Wild-card series
Game 1: Tuesday, Oct. 1
Game 2: Wednesday, Oct. 2
Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 3*
Division series
ALDS
Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 5
Game 2: Monday, Oct. 7
Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 9
Game 4: Thursday, Oct. 10*
Game 5: Saturday, Oct. 12*
NLDS
Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 5
Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 6
Game 3: Tuesday, Oct. 8
Game 4: Wednesday, Oct. 9
Game 5: Friday, October 11
(if required)
MLB Postseason Update: Standings, Clinches, and Playoff Picture Ahead of October
Current MLB Standings
The MLB postseason is rapidly approaching, and teams are jockeying for position as the regular season winds down. Here’s a look at the current standings for both the American League and National League as October draws near:
| Division | Team | Wins | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL East | Tampa Bay Rays | 96 | 61 | .611 |
| AL East | Toronto Blue Jays | 90 | 67 | .573 |
| AL Central | Cleveland Guardians | 83 | 73 | .532 |
| AL West | Houston Astros | 94 | 63 | .599 |
| NL East | Atlanta Braves | 98 | 59 | .625 |
| NL Central | Milwaukee Brewers | 85 | 71 | .545 |
| NL West | Los Angeles Dodgers | 92 | 65 | .586 |
Key Clinches and Playoff Berths
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, several teams have already clinched their playoff spots. Here’s a list of teams that have secured a postseason berth:
- Atlanta Braves - Clinched NL East
- Tampa Bay Rays – Clinched AL East
- Houston Astros – Clinched AL West
- Los Angeles Dodgers – Clinched NL West
- Milwaukee Brewers - Clinched NL Central
Playoff Clinch Scenarios for Remaining Teams
As teams push to secure their positions, here are some potential clinch scenarios for teams still in contention:
- Toronto Blue Jays: Can clinch a Wild Card spot with a combination of wins and losses from the teams below them.
- Cleveland Guardians: Must win their final games and hope for losses from other AL Central contenders.
- New York Yankees: Need to win all remaining games and rely on other teams losing.
Current Postseason Picture
The playoff format has been modified in recent years, giving more teams a chance to compete for the World Series title. The current format includes:
- **Three division winners** from each league
- **Three Wild Card teams** from each league
- **Best-of-three Wild Card Series**
- **Division Series** matches up the winners of the Wild Card Series with division champions
Projected Matchups
Based on current standings, here are the projected matchups for the first round of the postseason:
| Matchup | Location |
|---|---|
| Blue Jays vs. Guardians | Toronto |
| Astros vs. Wild Card Team | Houston |
| Braves vs. Wild Card Team | Atlanta |
| Dodgers vs. Brewers | Los Angeles |
Player Performances Impacting the Postseason
As we approach October, individual player performances are more critical than ever. Here are some standout players who have made significant contributions to their team’s success:
Top Hitters
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves): Leading the league in hits and stolen bases, making him a dual threat.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays): Consistent power hitter with a high on-base percentage.
- Jose Altuve (Houston Astros): Veteran leadership and clutch hitting in crucial moments.
Top Pitchers
- Max Scherzer (Texas Rangers): Dominating performances, especially in high-pressure games.
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees): A strikeout machine, key to the Yankees’ hopes for a Wild Card.
- Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies): Strong second half has solidified his role as the ace.
Benefits of Staying Updated on MLB Postseason
For baseball fans, keeping track of the MLB postseason standings and clinches provides several benefits:
- Enhanced Viewing Experience: Understanding team dynamics can make watching games more exciting.
- Engagement in Discussions: Being informed allows fans to engage in discussions and debates about playoff predictions and team performances.
- Increased Fan Loyalty: Knowing the stakes can deepen your connection to your favorite team as they fight for a championship.
Practical Tips for Following the MLB Postseason
To make the most out of the MLB postseason experience, consider these practical tips:
- Follow Reliable Sources: Stay updated with credible sports news websites and social media accounts for real-time updates.
- Use Apps: Download sports apps that provide live scores, standings, and highlights.
- Join Fan Communities: Engage with other fans through forums or social media groups to share insights and predictions.
First-Hand Experiences from Fans
Many fans have shared their unforgettable experiences during the postseason, whether attending games in person or watching from home. Here are some highlights:
- Attending Playoff Games: The electrifying atmosphere in stadiums during playoff games is unmatched. Fans often describe it as life-changing.
- Hosting Watch Parties: Fans enjoy bringing friends and family together to cheer for their teams, creating lasting memories.
- Online Engagement: Many fans connect through social media, sharing their excitement and reactions in real time.
Conclusion
Stay tuned for more updates as the MLB postseason unfolds. With teams battling for their playoff lives, every game counts, and the excitement is palpable as October approaches!
