The MLB postseason is just around the corner. And with two games left in the regular season (Monday’s doubleheader between the Mets and Braves), the picture for the playoffs is finally coming together.
Let’s analyze today’s MLB standings and the playoff spot situation.
Who made it to the playoffs?
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers won the National League West title, the No. 1 seed in the National League Division, and the best overall record in MLB. That means they get a bye in the wild-card round and have home-field advantage for the entire postseason.
Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies won the National League East title and the No. 2 seed in the National League. In other words, they won the National League wild card round and home field advantage with a bye.
Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers won the National League Central Division title on September 18, becoming the first team to win a division championship. They secured the third seed in the National League and will host a wild card series against the sixth seed. .
San Diego Padres: The Padres earned the top wild-card spot in the National League. They will be the No. 4 seed and will host a wild card series against the No. 5 seed.
New York Yankees: The Yankees won the AL East title and the No. 1 seed in the AL. That means they received a bye in the wild-card round and home-field advantage in the American League playoffs.
Cleveland Guardians: The Guardians won the AL Central Division title and the No. 2 seed in the AL. In other words, they won by default due to home field advantage in the wild card round and ALDS.
Houston Astros: The Astros won the AL West title and the No. 3 seed in the AL. They are scheduled to host a wild card series against the No. 6 seed.
Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles earned the top wild-card spot in the American League. They will be the No. 4 seed and will host a wild card series against the No. 5 seed.
Kansas City Royals: The Royals earned a wild card spot in the American League. They will be the 5th seed.
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers earned a wild card spot in the American League. They will be the 6th seed.
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Who still needs to clinch?
Three teams are competing for the final two wild-card spots in the National League: the Mets, Braves, and Diamondbacks.
Following a postponement due to Hurricane Helen, the Mets and Braves are scheduled to play a doubleheader in Atlanta on Monday to determine the National League wild-card spot. Each would need a win to earn a wild card, and if they split the doubleheader, the D-backs would be eliminated. If either team is swept on Monday, that team is eliminated and the D-backs advance.
If the season ended today, what would the playoff standings be?
american league
Wild Card: 6th place Detroit Tigers** vs. 3rd place Houston Astros**
ALDS: Wild Card Winner vs. 2nd Place 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: 6th place New York Mets vs. 3rd place Milwaukee Brewers**
NLDS: Wild Card Winner vs. 2nd Place Philadelphia Phillies**
Wild Card: 5th place Atlanta Braves vs. 4th place San Diego Padres**
NLDS: Wild Card Winner vs. No. 1 Los Angeles Dodgers**
(*Earn playoff berth, **Earn postseason seed)
(Henry Russell/Yahoo Sports)
What is a tie breaker?
If the season ends with a tie, the team will not be able to play Game 163. Instead, tiebreakers will be determined first by head-to-head records and, if necessary, secondly by intradivision records.
Here are the tiebreaks that could take place on Monday:
The Mets won a tiebreaker against the Diamondbacks.
The Braves won a tiebreaker against the Diamondbacks.
The Braves hold the tiebreaker with the Mets with two games remaining.
Read more: 2024 MLB Offseason Preview: What’s next for the White Sox, Cubs, Twins, and more?
What will the schedule be for the Wild Card Series and Division Series?
wild card series
Game 1: Tuesday, October 1st
Round 2: Wednesday, October 2nd
Game 3: Thursday, October 3rd*
division series
Al’s
1st match: October 5th (Sat)
Game 2: Monday, October 7th
Game 3: Wednesday, October 9th
Game 4: Thursday, October 10*
Game 5: Saturday, October 12th*
NLDS
1st match: October 5th (Sat)
Round 2: Sunday, October 6th
Game 3: Tuesday, October 8th
Game 4: Wednesday, October 9th*
Game 5: Friday, October 11th*
(*if required)