The moment has arrived. The last week of the 2024 regular season is here. Get ready for some excitement.
While several playoff spots have already been secured—the Brewers, Dodgers, Guardians, Phillies, and Yankees all booked their tickets—more than half of the 12 postseason slots remain available. Additionally, making it to the playoffs is just the beginning. Even teams already assured a place in October still have a lot at stake, including first-round byes (which go to the top two seeds in each league), home-field advantage, and adjustments to pitching rotations.
Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that teams facing uncertain fates often provide the most thrilling late-season entertainment. With that in mind, here’s a ranking of the six most pivotal series starting on Tuesday—you won’t want to miss these matchups.
(Two other series with significant playoff consequences kicked off on Monday, where the Mariners disrupted the Astros’ opportunity to secure the AL West for at least a day, and the Giants defeated the D-backs, who currently occupy the third Wild Card spot but are just half a game behind the Mets for second place.)
For the Mets, it must feel gratifying to enter this final week with the Braves trailing behind them. However, holding on to their lead will not be easy. Following the exit of the NL Central teams from the Wild Card race, four clubs remain in contention for three playoff spots. The Padres sit just ahead with a 3.5-game advantage, followed by the Mets and D-backs, and then the Braves, who find themselves 1.5 games back from the postseason.
This scenario might resonate painfully with New York fans. Just two years ago, during their second-to-last series of 2022, the Mets faced the Braves under similar conditions—holding on to a one-game lead in the NL East—and were swept decisively. Are we about to witness another heartbreaking final week? Only time will tell, but it’s worth noting that the Mets have set their rotation perfectly for this critical series: Severino, David Peterson, and Sean Manaea are lined up to pitch. All three have performed well in recent appearances, but the Braves will counter with their own outstanding trio: Schwellenbach, NL Cy Young Award contender Chris Sale, and Max Fried.
This series may determine the outcome of the NL West, and in a surprising twist, the first-place Dodgers find themselves in a precarious position. The Padres have a significant advantage in pitching, which they aim to exploit this week with scheduled starters King, Dylan Cease, and Joe Musgrove for their crucial final regular-season matchup. In contrast, the Dodgers will respond with rookie Knack, Jack Flaherty, and a somewhat erratic Walker Buehler.
Adding to the woes for the regular NL West champions, the Padres only need to tie to clinch the division, having already secured the season series (7-3) before a single pitch is thrown on Tuesday. Put simply, if the Padres manage to sweep the Dodgers in three games, it would mean the Dodgers—who have maintained first place throughout the 2024 regular season—would officially find themselves as a Wild Card team.
Essentially, this represents the Dodgers’ final opportunity to dictate their own fate, while the Padres see this as one last chance to make a mark.
An enormous upset that has been anticipated for quite some time.
Despite their efforts, the American League playoff frontrunners could not shake off the Tigers. As of August 4, Detroit was trailing by 10 games for a playoff position, but since then, they have posted a 29-14 record and now face the Rays while holding a playoff spot. The Tigers are currently tied with the Royals and have a one-game advantage over the Twins for the final Wild Card position. (The Twins, in turn, have a one-game lead over the Mariners.) This situation is certainly not comfortable, particularly since Detroit would lose any potential tiebreaker against those competitors mentioned earlier. However, having Skubal take the mound in their series opener against the Rays should alleviate some concerns. If the Tigers can perform well here, they will have another advantage: The 120-loss White Sox are visiting over the weekend to finish the regular season.
A sense of urgency has arisen in Kansas City as the Royals have now lost seven consecutive games. Over the weekend series against the Giants, they managed to score just one run across three games (that’s a total of one run). While the Nationals’ season may be effectively done, the damage inflicted by the eliminated Giants makes Washington’s poor record of little solace, especially with the Twins, a significant threat to the Royals’ first postseason appearance since 2015, set to face the NL-worst Marlins this week.
Regrettably, the Royals have limited time to rectify their issues. The AL Wild Card race now includes four teams—Kansas City, Detroit, Minnesota, and Seattle—which are all within two games of each other, constantly reshuffling for the second and third spots. Presently, the Royals occupy one of those positions, but their hold diminishes daily, increasing the pressure. The silver lining is that they have two of their top pitchers scheduled to start in this series: All-Star lefty Ragans will take the mound in the opener, followed by Michael Wacha on Thursday.
The Twins are not the only AL Central team that has seen their playoff aspirations take a serious hit in recent days and weeks. They hold an 8-13 record in September after being swept by the Red Sox in a Sunday doubleheader, resulting in a total drop out of playoff contention. However, they would at least have the tiebreaker advantage against other contenders. The matchup against the Marlins (who are 7-13 in September) offers a prime opportunity while the Royals are in Washington and the Mariners face the Astros, yet they must capitalize by securing a few wins.
Even when discounting that unlikely scenario, there is still much for both teams to accomplish. The Orioles need to secure a Wild Card berth and home-field advantage in the Wild Card Series, while the Yankees are just four wins combined with Guardians losses away from clinching home field at least through the ALCS. Earning home field advantage for a potential World Series appearance is also very much on the table. Although it may not be as suspenseful anymore, it certainly remains an intriguing matchup.
2024 MLB Regular Season Finale: Key Series That Could Shape the Playoff Landscape
Introduction to the MLB Regular Season Finale
The 2024 MLB regular season is approaching its thrilling conclusion, and the final weeks promise to deliver excitement and drama as teams vie for playoff positions. With several key series on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how these matchups will affect the playoff landscape. In this article, we will explore key series, potential playoff implications, and practical insights into what to expect as the season winds down.
Important Series to Watch
1. Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The National League East rivalry is heating up as the Atlanta Braves take on the Philadelphia Phillies. With both teams competing for a top spot in the division, this series is crucial for playoff positioning.
- Date: September 25-27, 2024
- <strong.Location: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
2. San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The battle for California supremacy will play a pivotal role in determining Wild Card seeding. The San Diego Padres face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a critical series that could have long-term implications.
- Date: September 28-30, 2024
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
3. Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers
As the Central Division race tightens, every game counts. The Chicago Cubs will host the Milwaukee Brewers in a series that could decide who heads to the playoffs.
- Date: September 24-26, 2024
- Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
Playoff Implications of Key Series
Each of these matchups has significant implications for the postseason, affecting seeding and potential matchups. Let’s break down how these series could reshape the playoff picture.
Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies
The Braves currently lead the division, but a strong performance from the Phillies could tighten the race. A sweep by the Phillies could result in:
- Braves losing home-field advantage.
- Phillies gaining momentum heading into the playoffs.
San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
This series has the potential to flip the Wild Card race. A Dodgers sweep is essential for maintaining their lead, whereas a Padres triumph could:
- Push the Padres into a playoff spot.
- Further complicate the Wild Card picture for other teams.
Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers
As the Central Division becomes more competitive, this series could determine which team stays in contention. Key outcomes might include:
- Brewers solidifying their lead in the Central Division.
- Cubs keeping their playoff hopes alive with a strong showing.
Statistical Insights to Consider
Analyzing team statistics can provide deeper insights into how these matchups might unfold. Here are some vital stats to keep an eye on:
| Team | Win Percentage | Runs Scored (Last 10 Games) | ERA (Last 10 Games) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves | .620 | 70 | 3.80 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | .590 | 65 | 4.10 |
| San Diego Padres | .580 | 60 | 4.00 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | .640 | 68 | 3.50 |
| Chicago Cubs | .550 | 55 | 4.20 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | .600 | 62 | 3.80 |
Benefits of Following Key Series
Keeping track of these pivotal series can provide fans with several benefits:
- Informed Viewing: Understanding the stakes can enhance your viewing experience.
- Fantasy League Strategies: Analyzing player performance in critical games can guide your fantasy league decisions.
- Increased Engagement: Knowing which teams are competing for playoff spots increases excitement and engagement.
Practical Tips for Fans
Here are some practical tips for fans looking to enjoy the final weeks of the MLB regular season:
- Watch the Standings: Regularly check the MLB standings to stay updated on playoff races.
- Follow Player Performances: Keep an eye on key players who could influence the outcomes of these series.
- Engage in Discussions: Join online forums or social media groups to discuss series outcomes and playoff predictions.
First-Hand Experience: Fans’ Perspectives
As the intensity of the playoffs approaches, fans share their excitement and predictions:
“I can’t wait to watch the Braves and Phillies battle it out! The energy at the stadium will be electric!” – Sarah T.
“The Dodgers and Padres series is going to be a nail-biter. I think the Dodgers will pull through, but anything can happen!” - Mike R.
Case Studies on Past Finale Series
Looking back at previous seasons, certain finale series have had significant impacts on the playoffs. Here are notable examples:
- 2021: Giants vs. Dodgers – This series determined the NL West champion and set up a fierce playoff matchup.
- 2022: Red Sox vs. Yankees – A classic rivalry that decided Wild Card berths and showcased incredible player performances.
What to Expect Going Forward
As the 2024 MLB regular season finale approaches, expect more intense matchups, strategic gameplay, and perhaps some surprises. The playoff landscape is ever-changing, making every game count.
Conclusion
With key series on the horizon, fans are in for an exciting finish to the 2024 MLB regular season. Keep an eye on how these matchups unfold, as they will undoubtedly impact the playoff picture and shape the journey to the World Series.
