The final week of the 2024 MLB regular season has officially begun, and there’s plenty of excitement left to unfold.
The competition for the last two playoff spots in the National League is tightening, with the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves set to kick off a pivotal three-game series on Tuesday night. Having recently joined the 50/50 club with one of the greatest individual performances in MLB history, Shohei Ohtani still has six games left to enhance his impressive statistics.
Which series and individual milestones should you keep an eye on as we approach the season’s exhilarating climax? Our MLB experts highlight the key storylines to follow as the season draws to a close.
The long-awaited Mets-Braves series kicks off Tuesday. Who emerges victorious and why?
Jeff Passan: We’ve seen this scenario before, back in 2022. The Mets faced the Braves from games 156-159, with Atlanta sweeping the series, winning the division, and the Mets falling short in the wild-card round. This time, things are different. While the Braves may still boast significant talent, injuries have significantly impacted their performance this season. Conversely, the Mets have been performing exceptionally well. Since June 3, New York has posted a record of 62-34—the best in MLB—whereas Atlanta has struggled to remain above .500. The Mets recognize that a series victory will secure them a wild card, and that’s exactly what they’ll achieve.
Jesse Rogers: The Braves are finished, while the Mets already possess some playoff momentum. Does that clarify things? The fact that Atlanta has persisted this long speaks volumes about the organization’s character. However, the magic that the Braves experienced in 2021 has shifted to their opponents. The Mets will take the series and clinch a wild-card spot.
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David Schoenfield: I’m not willing to place any bets against Chris Sale: The Braves have triumphed in the last eight games he has started. It seems logical that the two teams will split the other two contests—though the Mets won’t have Sean Manaea pitching against the Braves—resulting in Atlanta winning the series. Since the two teams have split their encounters this season, this would grant the Braves the tiebreaker advantage should they end up with the same record as New York.
Alden Gonzalez: Despite the Braves’ injuries and deficiencies this season, they still possess a distinct strength: their starting pitching. Therefore, I’m counting on the trio of Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale, and Max Fried—combined with a passionate home crowd—to secure two of three wins, giving Atlanta the tiebreaker and leaving them one game behind heading into the final weekend. However, there’s a catch: The Braves will close out their regular season against the Kansas City Royals, who may still be competing for a wild-card spot, whereas the Mets will face the Milwaukee Brewers, a team that has already secured their division and is likely to rest players for October.
Which other series are you most eager to follow in the final week?
Passan: There are numerous thrilling matchups. Orioles-Yankees. Padres-Dodgers. Mets-Brewers. Royals-Braves. But I’m particularly excited about the Seattle Mariners facing the Houston Astros. Seattle has lingered near the wild-card race enough to potentially stir up some excitement. At one point this season, they held a remarkable 10-game lead in the American League West. Absent a major meltdown, Houston will win the division; however, a sweep by the Mariners could position them well for a wild-card chance. Regardless of the outcome, this series promises thrilling pitching duels: Bryce Miller vs. Hunter Brown, Logan Gilbert vs. Framber Valdez, and George Kirby vs. Yusei Kikuchi. It’s hard to ask for a better matchup than that.
Rogers: It would be quite interesting if the Chicago White Sox could avoid setting a record for the most losses in a single season by winning games against the Detroit Tigers this weekend—while also preventing the Tigers from reaching the postseason. If the reverse occurs and Detroit sweeps, they would finish with a staggering 12-1 record against the White Sox this season—matching the records that the Royals and Minnesota Twins hold against Chicago. The White Sox’s struggles have kept the entire AL Central in the playoff hunt, affecting the postseason prospects of other AL teams, including the Boston Red Sox.
Mariners. Unfortunately, the Sox find themselves just one loss away from setting a new record; however, this doesn’t mean they can’t disrupt the Tigers’ plans this weekend.
Schoenfield: The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to host the San Diego Padres to kick off the week. If the Padres manage to sweep the Dodgers, the final weekend in the NL West will become quite intriguing, with the Dodgers facing Colorado and the Padres taking on Arizona. Therefore, advantage goes to L.A. Additionally, the season-ending matchup between the Royals and Braves is significant, as the Royals’ miraculous season is now in jeopardy, while Atlanta is scrambling to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Gonzalez: The Royals vs. Braves series could bring a lot of excitement as we head into the final three days of the regular season. The Royals have only a one-game lead over the Twins and are tied with the Tigers for a wild-card spot in the AL (they currently hold the tiebreaker over the Tigers but not the Twins). Meanwhile, the Braves are just one game behind in the NL. There is nothing more thrilling than a crucial final series, and that’s exactly what these two teams could deliver starting Friday.
Now that Shohei Ohtani has surpassed the 50/50 mark, what will his final home run and stolen base totals be?
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Passan: I’ll predict 56 home runs and 58 stolen bases. When Ohtani gets hot, he can accumulate numbers rapidly. Every time he reaches base, be it through a hit or a walk, he should steal — albeit cautiously, with the postseason looming, but with determination, as this may be his last chance to pitch, hit, and steal bases simultaneously. If we only have a week left of Ohtani showcasing his stolen base prowess, his finale should epitomize his remarkable season.
Rogers: My unscientific estimate is that he might ease off on the bases as he gets ready for the postseason. An injury at this stage would be catastrophic. However, I predict he will hit two more home runs and swipe three additional bases — not exceeding that. So, I’ll go with 55/58 as my prediction.
Schoenfield: Initially, I thought he might slow down on the bases after hitting 50, but that hasn’t been the case. Considering he could potentially hit, say, half a dozen home runs during the final series in Colorado, I’m tempted to predict 60/60. Nonetheless, I’ll settle on 56 home runs and 60 stolen bases.
Gonzalez: My forecast — assuming the Dodgers will likely secure a bye and will make every effort to keep their players fresh for the division series, considering the past two years — is that Ohtani will participate in all remaining games. If that happens, he will face the Padres, who are adept at preventing stolen bases, followed by three games in Colorado, a paradise for powerful hitters. Therefore, I’ll predict he’ll hit four more home runs and steal two more bases, resulting in a final tally of 57/57. As a side note: If you don’t think he’s keeping an eye on the home run race with Aaron Judge, then you haven’t been paying close attention to Ohtani’s journey.
Which other individual player achievement are you watching most closely this week?
Passan: Can Judge sneak in for the Triple Crown? He is set to claim the AL home run title. He will likely win the AL RBI title and is on track to become the first player in 15 years to reach at least 140 RBIs. However, batting average poses a challenge. He currently trails Bobby Witt Jr. by 11 points and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as well. Judge is the AL MVP, regardless of whether he nails this particular accomplishment, but achieving it would further enhance his already extraordinary season.
Rogers: Call me old school — or just old — but is the NL really going to
Could it be that only one batter reaches .300 or better this season? Despite all the recent rule adjustments, such as the removal of the shift and the implementation of a pitch clock to expedite pitchers, MLB still faces significant hitting challenges. If Marcell Ozuna (.306) falls below .300 and Trea Turner (.298) fails to surpass it, Padres superstar Luis Arraez could end up being the sole .300 hitter in the NL. What a letdown.
Schoenfield: Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal are both edging closer to achieving the pitching Triple Crown — wins, ERA, and strikeouts, a feat last achieved in a full season in 2011 by Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw (Shane Bieber completed it during the shortened 2020 season). The races for strikeouts are fierce: Sale is ahead of Dylan Cease by five, while Skubal leads Cole Ragans by four. That would be exciting. But let’s return to Ohtani for a moment: He has accumulated 383 total bases, giving him a strong chance to reach 400. The last players to achieve this milestone did so in 2001, and prior to the 1997-2001 PED era, Jim Rice reached it back in 1978.
Gonzalez: I’ll take a small shortcut and mention that there are actually three players I’m closely monitoring as we head into the final week: Jackson Merrill, Jackson Chourio, and Paul Skenes. Yes, the NL Rookie of the Year race remains incredibly tight. While Chourio might currently sit in a distant third, the fact that he’s only 20 and has significantly contributed to a Brewers offense that shouldn’t be performing this well might earn him some recognition from voters. Meanwhile, Merrill and Skenes could find their fates decided in the final days.
The Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers, and Guardians have all secured playoff positions, but what are your expectations for their final week of regular-season play?
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Passan: I’m curious about how teams will configure their postseason rotations. Apart from Gerrit Cole, who will the Yankees field for Games 2 through 4 of the division series? Zack Wheeler is unquestionably the Phillies’ ace. How will manager Rob Thomson choose to arrange Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sanchez (whose performance varies tremendously between home and away games), and Ranger Suarez? After Freddy Peralta, will the Brewers opt for Tobias Myers over Frankie Montas and Colin Rea? If they find themselves in a three-game wild-card series, which of those three won’t get a start? Tanner Bibee is set to pitch Game 1 for Cleveland, but beyond him, Ben Lively has shown the most consistency throughout the year, Gavin Williams has the most impressive stuff, Matt Boyd presents the best metrics, and Joey Cantillo has been the top performer in the past two weeks.
Rogers: In a season filled with remarkable parity, securing a bye and home-field advantage has become more crucial than ever. Any slight edge could potentially determine outcomes in October. This week will reveal how these teams manage these priorities while also ensuring their pitchers are healthy and prepared for the upcoming week, making for compelling viewing.
Schoenfield: Among these teams, the Dodgers are the most intriguing: Who will occupy the playoff rotation beyond Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto? Manager Dave Roberts is eagerly waiting to see a solid showing from Walker Buehler or Landon Knack. This highlights why it’s vital for the Dodgers to bypass the wild-card series: They need one of their top pitchers ready to start Game 1 of the division series and would greatly benefit from a fresh bullpen for that round.
Gonzalez: The issue for the Dodgers isn’t limited to starting-pitching depth; their two presumed reliable options, Flaherty and Yamamoto, have been underwhelming recently. Flaherty has conceded a total of seven runs on 10 hits and six walks over nine innings against the Braves and Miami Marlins in his last two outings. Meanwhile, Yamamoto failed to progress into the fourth inning during his appearance against the struggling Colorado Rockies on Sunday, managing only nine outs while allowing…
eight baserunners. Each pitcher will have one more opportunity to go through the rotation before the intensity ramps up.
Which player from a non-playoff team are you eager to watch one last time before the season concludes?
Passan: In recent weeks, Oakland Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler has emerged as one of the top five hitters in baseball. Since the All-Star break, he’s consistently ranked among the top 10. It’s disheartening that fans in Oakland won’t witness his growth alongside Brent Rooker, JJ Bleday, Jacob Wilson, Zack Gelof, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, and the soon-to-arrive Nick Kurtz and Henry Bolte. This group has the potential to form a winning core. As Oakland honors the A’s while expressing frustration over their owner this week, it would be wonderful for Butler to leave the fans with positive memories.
Rogers: Personally, I’m keen to see Kyle Hendricks of the Chicago Cubs. After an 11-year career in the majors, he’s likely to make his final appearance with the only franchise he’s ever known. That should happen this weekend against the Cincinnati Reds—most likely on Saturday—before Hendricks enters free agency for the first time in his career. While there may be others in the league comparable to him in terms of kindness and respect towards fans, media, and the game itself, finding someone who exceeds him in these qualities would be a challenge. When he departs, the Cubs will be left without any players from their 2016 championship squad.
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Schoenfield: Skenes pitched on Sunday, reducing his ERA to 1.99, and he will get one final start to conclude his impressive rookie season. However, the game I’m particularly eager to follow will be the Athletics’ home finale on Thursday afternoon. Fans in Oakland deserve a better conclusion after so many years filled with rich baseball history and unforgettable moments—including four World Series championships—so let’s hope the A’s can secure one last victory in Oakland.
Gonzalez: Julio Rodriguez has had a mostly disappointing season for a Mariners team that is barely in the playoff hunt as the final week approaches. However, he is beginning to find his form, posting an OPS of 1.294 and hitting five home runs in his last nine games. While it may be too late for the Mariners to sneak into the playoffs, when Rodriguez is performing at his best, he’s among the elite. We’ve missed witnessing that.
Final Week Drama: Key MLB Storylines as the Regular Season Concludes
Overview of the Final Week in MLB
The final week of the MLB regular season is always a thrilling time filled with drama, surprises, and crucial moments. As teams vie for playoff positions, every game counts. This year is no different, and we are witnessing some compelling storylines that could shape the postseason landscape.
Playoff Races Heating Up
As the regular season draws to a close, several teams are locked in intense playoff races. Here are some of the key narratives to watch:
- Wild Card Battles: Multiple teams in both the American League and National League are fighting for the coveted wild card spots.
- Division Showdowns: Critical division rivals face off in matchups that could determine the final standings.
- Historic Win Totals: Some teams are on the brink of achieving historic win totals, which could add to the excitement.
Key Player Performances
The final week often highlights standout player performances that can make or break a team’s playoff hopes. Here are a few players to keep an eye on:
- Star Pitchers: Ace pitchers will be crucial as teams try to secure wins. Look for players like [Pitcher Name] who can set the tone for the postseason.
- Budding Stars: Emerging players such as [Player Name] are proving invaluable and could be game-changers in the final stretch.
- Veteran Leadership: Seasoned players often rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments.
Potential Upsets and Surprises
Every year, the final week brings surprises that can shake up playoff predictions. Keep an eye on potential upsets:
| Team | Current Standing | Last 5 Games | Playoff Chances |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Team A] | 2nd in Division | 3-2 | 85% |
| [Team B] | Wild Card Contender | 4-1 | 75% |
| [Team C] | Eliminated | 0-5 | 0% |
| [Team D] | 1st in Division | 5-0 | 95% |
Impact of Injuries on Playoff Push
Injuries can dramatically impact a team’s performance in the final week. Here’s how injuries might influence playoff outcomes:
- Key Injuries: Teams like [Team Name] are facing challenges due to injuries to star players.
- Return of Injured Players: The comeback of players such as [Player Name] could provide a much-needed boost.
- Depth Players Stepping Up: Role players may need to step up in the absence of stars, making their contributions vital.
Fan Engagement and Postseason Fever
As the MLB regular season wraps up, fan engagement reaches new heights. Here are some ways fans are getting involved:
- Social Media Buzz: Fans are flooding social media with opinions and predictions about their teams’ chances.
- Merchandise Sales: Team merchandise sales often spike as playoff hopes rise.
- Watch Parties: Many fans are organizing watch parties to cheer on their teams during this crucial time.
Historical Context: Final Week Moments
The final week of the MLB season has a storied history filled with memorable moments. Here are a few historical highlights to reflect on:
- 1986 New York Mets: The Mets famously clinched the NL East in the final days of the season.
- 2011 St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals’ comeback to secure a playoff spot in the final week is legendary.
- 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers clinched the NL West title in dramatic fashion during the last game of the season.
Benefits of Following the Final Week Drama
Engaging with the final week of the MLB season offers numerous benefits:
- Heightened Excitement: The stakes are high, making every game thrilling to watch.
- Insight into Playoff Dynamics: Understanding how teams are performing helps fans gain insights into potential playoff matchups.
- Community Building: Fans come together to celebrate or commiserate, fostering a sense of community.
Case Studies: Teams to Watch
In the final week, certain teams are capturing attention for various reasons. Here are notable case studies:
Case Study 1: The [Team Name] Surge
After a rough start, the [Team Name] has made a late-season push, winning crucial games. Their ability to rally has shifted perceptions and made them a dark horse in the playoff race.
Case Study 2: The [Team Name] Collapse
Conversely, the [Team Name] has faced a series of losses that have jeopardized their playoff hopes, showcasing how quickly fortunes can change in the final week.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
Fans have shared their thoughts on the intensity of the final week:
- “Every pitch feels like it could determine our season!”
- “I can’t remember the last time I was this nervous watching my team play.”
- “The atmosphere in the stadium is electric right now!”
Final Week Predictions
As we approach the end of the regular season, here are some predictions based on current trends:
| Team | Projected Outcome | Key Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| [Contender 1] | Clinching Playoff Spot | [Team A] vs. [Team B] |
| [Contender 2] | Wild Card Spot | [Team C] vs. [Team D] |
| [Contender 3] | Division Title | [Team E] vs. [Team F] |
