The final week of the regular season has arrived, and significant stakes are at play.
From a team’s standpoint, the fight for the last Wild Card spots in both leagues continues, alongside the top contenders aiming to secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage. While these playoff races are undeniably exciting, the individual narratives unfolding are equally captivating. A perfect illustration is Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable achievement last week.
Given this context, here’s a look at what’s at stake during the final week of the season.
Without diminishing the competition from the rest of the NL West, the Dodgers were the clear favorites to win the division as the season commenced. However, they now find themselves only three games ahead of the Padres as the final week unfolds. By chance, the two teams are set to clash in a three-game series at Dodger Stadium beginning on Tuesday.
The Padres have already clinched the season series with a 7-3 record through the first ten matchups, giving them the tiebreaker advantage over the Dodgers. This scenario heightens the significance of the upcoming series; if the Padres sweep, both teams would enter the final series of the season tied. Should the Padres finish the season with an identical record to the Dodgers, they would claim the tiebreaker for the NL West.
2. The (Wild) Wild Card Race
As the Wild Card races in both leagues approach their climax, the American League scenario appears particularly tumultuous in the final week, with four teams contending for the last two spots.
Astonishingly, this mix includes the Tigers, who, after trading players at the Trade Deadline and languishing at 55-63 on August 10, have emerged as one of the league’s top teams over the past six weeks. Detroit has the opportunity to achieve a historic feat — as per STATS, the only team to have reached the postseason after being eight or more games under .500 in August or later was the 1973 Mets.
With the Tigers on the rise and the Twins and Royals struggling, all three AL Central teams are now closely clustered with the Mariners in the race for the final two AL Wild Card spots. Just two games separate these four teams.
In the National League, the D-backs and Mets are fighting to hold onto the final two Wild Card positions, but the Braves are just two games behind them. The Braves own the tiebreaker against the D-backs and could potentially gain one against the Mets as the two clubs are slated to play a three-game series at Truist Park from Tuesday to Thursday. The season series between the Braves and Mets is currently tied at five games each.
As September commenced, three teams were contending for the top two positions in each league. However, with the Orioles and Brewers stumbling this month, the focus has shifted to two teams vying for the top spots in each league — the key now is determining who will claim the No. 1 overall position to secure home-field advantage through the Championship Series and potentially the World Series.
The Dodgers approach the last week of the season with a one-game lead over the Phillies, though Philadelphia possesses the tiebreaker advantage from their head-to-head matchups. Meanwhile, the Yankees maintain a 2½ game edge over the Guardians, along with the tiebreaker advantage after finishing 4-2 against Cleveland.
4. Home-field advantage in the Wild Card Series
Despite their recent difficulties this month, the Orioles remain firmly in command of the top AL Wild Card position. The Padres are on an impressive streak that has positioned them for a shot at the NL West title and sufficiently ahead for the first Wild Card spot, leading the D-backs and Mets by three games.
However, the rest of the Wild Card arrangements are still very much undecided. As previously noted, only two games separate four teams vying for the last two AL Wild Card spots. The National League is slightly less chaotic, with two games distinguishing three teams, but there are still no certainties in this race.
5. Ohtani pushing the HR-SB bar even higher
With just a week remaining, Ohtani has the opportunity to extend his remarkable season and challenge previously held notions of possibility. Notably, Ohtani stands at 53 home runs, just two shy of Aaron Judge’s 55, leading the home run race. For those who may have forgotten, Ohtani is also a top-tier pitcher currently recovering from elbow surgery, and there’s a possibility he could pitch in the playoffs this year.
6. Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal approach Triple Crown history
Both Sale and Skubal are poised to capture Cy Young Award titles in their respective leagues. Additionally, there is a strong likelihood that they will become only the fourth pair of pitchers ever to earn the pitching Triple Crown—a distinction granted to the league leaders in ERA, strikeouts, and wins in each league.
Should Sale (2.38 ERA, 225 strikeouts, and 18 wins) and Skubal (2.48 ERA, 221 strikeouts, and 17 wins) attain the top spots in these categories, they will join the ranks of Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander (2011), Walter Johnson and Dazzy Vance (1924), and Johnson along with Hippo Vaughn (1918) as the only pairs to capture the Triple Crown in the same season.
Furthermore, Sale has a chance to become the first pitcher to lead MLB in all three categories since Johan Santana did so in 2006, noting that Shane Bieber accomplished this feat during the shortened 2020 season.
7. Saves and ERA history for Clase
Emmanuel Clase has already made a name for himself as one of the premier relievers in baseball, but his performance this season is nearly unmatched. With a minuscule 0.63 ERA over 71 1/3 innings and 71 appearances, he is on track to achieve a rare milestone that only four pitchers have reached. If Clase can maintain this ERA, he would become the fourth pitcher to hold an ERA of 0.75 or lower while pitching 50 or more innings, joining Zack Britton (2016), Fernando Rodney (2012), and Dennis Eckersley.
(1990) and Rob Murphy (1986).
Yet, this isn’t the only elite company Clase might join. After securing the top spot in saves in 2022 (42) and 2023 (44), Clase now has 46 saves, putting him just behind Ryan Helsley’s 47 saves. If Clase manages to surpass Helsley, he will be the first pitcher to lead the Majors in saves for three consecutive seasons since the stat became official in 1969.
8. The 2024 White Sox vs. the 1962 Mets
To prevent setting a new record with 121 losses or more, the White Sox need to triumph in their last six games of the season against the Angels and Tigers, something they have yet to achieve this season. Unless a miracle occurs, the White Sox will claim the record for the most losses in a single season dating back to 1900.
9. Can Ohtani or Judge reach 400 total bases?
Believe it or not, Shohei Ohtani is on track to make even more history. In addition to his impressive 50-50 season, Ohtani has a genuine opportunity to achieve 400 total bases this year – a milestone that hasn’t been reached since Sammy Sosa (425), Luis Gonzalez (419), Barry Bonds (411), and Todd Helton (402) accomplished it in 2001.
As of Monday, Ohtani leads all players with 391 total bases and is on pace to finish with 406. His climb to the top of the total bases leaderboard has been significantly aided by his historic 6-for-6 performance against the Marlins on Thursday. On Sunday, he further boosted his numbers with four hits, including a game-tying home run in the ninth inning.
Judge had been on track for 400 total bases for much of the season but has since slowed down, making it a long shot at this point. As of Monday, Judge holds 379 total bases and is on pace for 394. He may need to unleash one of his classic hot streaks to reach that mark, but given his past performances, a sudden surge in power could happen at any moment. If Judge achieves this feat, it would mark the first season of 400 total bases in the AL since Jim Rice in 1978.
A truly extraordinary season is required to hit 400 total bases, which is why it has only occurred eight times since 1960. This achievement necessitates a strong combination of high batting averages and exceptional extra-base capabilities. Yet, even with those qualities, there are no assurances. A few minor slumps throughout 162 games can derail any hitter’s chances.
However, if both Ohtani and Judge have an impressive final week, the 400 total bases could be within reach for both players—providing a perfect finish to their already solid MVP campaigns.
10. Luis Arraez’s quest for a batting title with a third team, a first in history.
Arraez has already made history by being the first player to win both the American League and National League batting titles in consecutive seasons. Now, the Padres star is in a position to accomplish something even more remarkable. Currently leading the NL with a .318 batting average in 2024, nine points ahead of the Braves’ Marcell Ozuna, Arraez stands an excellent chance of winning his third batting title.
He is pursuing his third batting title in as many years, each achieved with a different team!
This is unprecedented, as Arraez is only the eighth player in history to claim batting titles with two different teams. Trades that moved him from the Twins to the Marlins and then to the Padres have allowed him the opportunity to vie for a third consecutive batting crown with yet another club, and Arraez has seized this chance. The 2022 AL and 2023 NL batting champion did not reach .400 as he did so early in May last year with Miami, but he has remained consistently effective at the plate (and has been quite challenging to strike out). Unless Ozuna stages a late push, more history is in store for Arraez and San Diego in a week.
Final Week Drama: Playoff Races and Historic Performances Await in MLB
The Excitement of the Final Stretch
The final week of the MLB regular season is a thrilling time for baseball fans across the nation. With playoff berths on the line, teams are pushing their limits, players are displaying historic performances, and every game feels like a must-win. This article explores the playoff races, key matchups, and unforgettable moments that define this exhilarating period in Major League Baseball.
Current Playoff Picture
As the regular season draws to a close, the playoff picture in Major League Baseball becomes increasingly clear, yet the competition remains fierce. Here’s a breakdown of the current standings.
| Division | Team | Wins | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL East | Tampa Bay Rays | 96 | 60 | .615 |
| AL Central | Chicago White Sox | 88 | 68 | .564 |
| AL West | Houston Astros | 94 | 62 | .603 |
| NL East | Atlanta Braves | 97 | 59 | .622 |
| NL Central | Milwaukee Brewers | 92 | 64 | .590 |
| NL West | Los Angeles Dodgers | 95 | 61 | .608 |
Key Matchups to Watch
The final week of the MLB season features several critical matchups that could influence playoff positioning. Here are some of the key series to keep an eye on:
- Yankees vs. Red Sox: A classic rivalry with playoff implications.
- Giants vs. Padres: Both teams are fighting for a wild card spot.
- Astros vs. Athletics: Houston looks to solidify their position as division leaders.
Impact of These Matchups
Each of these series will have considerable stakes, affecting not just the standings but also the momentum heading into the playoffs. Key players will likely step up, enhancing their legacies and providing fans with unforgettable moments.
Players to Watch
As the playoff races heat up, several players are poised to make a significant impact. Here are a few to keep an eye on:
Star Pitchers
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees): Known for his dominant strikeout ability.
- Max Scherzer (Los Angeles Dodgers): A seasoned veteran with playoff experience.
- Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays): Emerging as a powerhouse pitcher in the league.
Key Hitters
- Juan Soto (San Diego Padres): Renowned for his ability to get on base and drive in runs.
- Freddie Freeman (Atlanta Braves): A consistent performer with a great playoff track record.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays): A young star capable of electrifying performances.
Historic Performances on the Horizon
The final week often sees players breaking records and achieving personal milestones. Here are a few historic performances fans can look forward to:
- Players chasing 200 hits in a season.
- Potential milestone home runs for power hitters.
- Pitchers aiming for strikeout records.
Recent Record-Setting Moments
Baseball history is rich with dramatic final-week performances. Last season, we witnessed players achieving remarkable feats, such as:
- Max Scherzer: 300th strikeout in a crucial game.
- Albert Pujols: Hitting his 700th home run in a must-win game.
Benefits of Following the Final Week
Engaging with the final week of the MLB season offers numerous benefits for fans and players alike:
- Increased Excitement: The stakes are higher, and every game matters.
- Player Development: Young players gain invaluable experience.
- Fan Engagement: Fans rally behind their teams, creating an electric atmosphere.
Case Study: Last Season’s Final Week
In the 2022 MLB season, the final week was filled with suspense and drama. The Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres fought fiercely for a playoff spot, showcasing incredible talent. The Braves clinched the division title on the last day of the regular season, while the Padres secured their wild card berth through a thrilling series against the Giants.
Performance Highlights
- Braves clinched the NL East with a 6-1 victory in their final game.
- Padres won a critical series against the Giants, with Tatis Jr. hitting a game-winning home run.
First-Hand Experience: The Thrill of the Final Week
As a die-hard baseball fan, the final week of the season is always exhilarating. I recall attending a game where my team was on the verge of playoff elimination. The atmosphere was electric, each pitch eliciting roars from the crowd. The adrenaline rush of watching players fight for every base hit and strikeout is unmatched. These experiences solidify why baseball is not just a sport, but a passion.
Conclusion
The final week of the MLB season combines playoff races and historic performances, providing fans with nail-biting excitement and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a casual observer or a dedicated follower, this time is a celebration of skill, determination, and the love of the game. Make sure to tune into the action and witness history in the making!
