The MLB postseason is approaching quickly, and with under two weeks remaining in the regular season, every team aspiring for the World Series has plenty at stake.
Let’s examine the current MLB standings and playoff scenario.
Who has clinched a spot in the playoffs?
This past Wednesday, the Brewers secured the NL Central title but have yet to confirm their playoff seed. The Cubs’ 5-3 loss to the Oakland A’s allowed the Brewers to clinch the division.
On the same day, the Yankees earned the AL’s first postseason spot by defeating the Mariners 2-1 in extra innings. However, the Yankees still need to clinch the AL East division title and their playoff seed.
Then on Thursday, the Guardians secured their October spot with a 3-2 walk-off win against the Twins in the 10th inning. They are yet to clinch the AL Central title or their playoff seed.
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Who can clinch next?
The Dodgers, Phillies, and Orioles all boast over a 99% probability of entering the postseason, as per FanGraphs. The Astros, Royals, and Padres are above 89%. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks, Twins, and Mets remain in contention but still face challenges to reach the playoffs.
With their postseason spots statistically secured, the Phillies, Dodgers, Guardians, Astros, and Yankees are in strong positions to win their respective divisions, provided their current leads hold. The Phillies, Dodgers, Yankees, and Guardians are also set to receive byes in the wild-card round.
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What’s still up for grabs?
Even after securing a postseason berth, many competitive aspects remain. Most division leaders hold comfortable margins, yet teams might still vie for playoff positioning right up until the season’s final weekend.
The top two seeds in each league will be awarded to the division champions with the best records. These teams will enjoy a bye during the wild-card round and will also have home-field advantage in the division series.
The No. 3 seed will go to the third division champion, and that team will host a three-game wild-card series against the No. 6 seed, which is designated for the third wild card. The top wild-card team will claim the No. 4 seed and will host the No. 5 seed during the wild-card round.
Additionally, the higher seed will gain home-field advantage in the championship series once that stage is reached.
What would the playoff bracket look like if the season ended today?
The postseason scenario can still shift significantly from now until October 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:
The quest for the 2024 postseason has begun. (Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports)
What are the tiebreakers?
Teams will no longer play a Game 163 if they finish the season in a tie. Tiebreakers are now determined first by head-to-head records, and if necessary, by intradivision records.
Below are the tiebreakers that might be applicable:
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The Yankees have secured the tiebreaker against the Guardians.
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The Guardians have secured the tiebreaker against the Orioles.
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The Phillies have secured the tiebreaker against the Dodgers.
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The Mets have secured tiebreakers against both the Padres and the Diamondbacks.
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The Orioles possess the tiebreaker against the Yankees, with three games remaining to play.
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The D-backs have the tiebreaker over the Padres, with three games left on the schedule.
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The Mets hold the tiebreaker against the Braves, with three games yet to be played.
Read more: 2024 MLB offseason previews: What’s next for the White Sox, Nationals, A’s and more?
What’s 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, Oct. 11*
(*if necessary)
MLB Playoff Preview: Current Standings and What’s at Stake as the Regular Season Draws to a Close
Current MLB Standings
As the MLB regular season approaches its conclusion, teams are battling fiercely for playoff positions. Here’s a snapshot of the current standings across both leagues:
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 98 | 54 | .645 |
| Houston Astros | 96 | 56 | .632 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | 95 | 57 | .625 |
| Atlanta Braves | 92 | 60 | .605 |
| New York Yankees | 85 | 67 | .558 |
| San Diego Padres | 82 | 70 | .539 |
Playoff Picture: What’s at Stake?
With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, teams are focused on securing playoff berths and favorable matchups. Here are the key elements currently at stake:
Division Titles
- NL West: The Dodgers are looking to clinch the division title, but the competition remains fierce with the Padres trailing closely.
- AL West: The Astros are in a tight race with the Seattle Mariners, making every game crucial.
- NL East: The Braves are aiming to fend off the Mets, who are determined to make a late surge.
Wild Card Spots
Not every team can secure a division title, making the Wild Card race critical:
- The top three teams in each league will secure a Wild Card spot.
- The competition is heating up among teams like the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Mariners.
- Each game counts as teams jockey for position in this high-stakes playoff scenario.
Home Field Advantage
Securing home field advantage can be pivotal in playoff success:
- Teams with the best records will host the early playoff games.
- The benefit of playing in front of a home crowd can significantly boost a team’s performance.
- Teams like the Dodgers and Astros are eyeing that advantage as they close out the season strong.
Key Players to Watch
As the playoffs approach, individual performances can make or break a team’s postseason aspirations. Here are some players to watch:
Pitchers
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees): His ability to dominate hitters will be crucial for the Yankees’ playoff hopes.
- Max Scherzer (Texas Rangers): Known for his postseason experience, Scherzer can alter the course of games.
- Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers): Kershaw’s performance will be critical in ensuring the Dodgers secure their playoff position.
Position Players
- Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers): His consistency at the plate is vital for the Dodgers.
- Juan Soto (San Diego Padres): Soto’s ability to drive runs will be key in close games.
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves): Acuña’s speed and power can change the dynamics in any playoff game.
Benefits of Following the MLB Playoffs
Following the MLB playoffs not only enhances your baseball knowledge but also provides numerous benefits:
- Increased Engagement: The intensity of playoff games draws fans in, creating a more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Enhanced Understanding: Observing strategies and player performances helps deepen your appreciation for the sport.
- Community Connection: Engaging with fellow fans during playoff season fosters a sense of community and shared excitement.
Practical Tips for Enjoying the MLB Playoffs
Here are some practical tips to enhance your postseason experience:
- Watch with Friends: Gather friends for a game-watching party to share in the excitement.
- Follow the Stats: Keep track of player statistics and team records to stay informed.
- Engage on Social Media: Participate in discussions and follow hashtag trends to connect with other fans.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a long-time MLB fan, attending playoff games has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric, and each pitch feels like a pivotal moment. Watching my favorite team, the Astros, go head-to-head with rivals in high-stakes matchups is a thrill that never gets old. The camaraderie among fans, the tension in the air, and the joy of celebrating a win together create unforgettable memories. If you have the chance, I highly recommend attending at least one playoff game — it’s an experience every baseball fan should not miss!
What Lies Ahead?
As we head towards the playoffs, teams will continue to fight hard for their spot. Each game is crucial, and the drama of the MLB postseason is just around the corner. It’s an exciting time for baseball fans, as teams strive to make their mark and chase the ultimate prize: the World Series championship.
