MLB 2024 Regular Season Close-Out: A Weekend of Decisions

As we approach the culmination of the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season, there are playoff positions to be finalized, seeds to be set in stone, and statistical races to be won. The Chicago White Sox, unexpectedly, are attempting to avoid a more dismal record than the 1962 Mets. Incredibly, we find ourselves potentially extending into Monday due to a packed schedule.

The National League wildcard race is teeming with excitement, with the Arizona Diamondbacks (88-71), the New York Mets (87-70), and the Atlanta Braves (86-71) all vying for two available slots. This race was thrown into further disarray when the final two games of the Mets-Braves series were postponed due to Hurricane Helene’s severe rainfall in Atlanta, resulting in a rescheduled doubleheader for Monday.

Key Series to Watch: New York Mets at Milwaukee Brewers

The Mets have their fate in their hands: a victory secures their spot. However, Mets supporters might recall the disappointment from two years ago when their team, leading by one game over the Braves with six to play, was swept in a three-game series in Atlanta. This resulted in a tie for the NL East title, which the Braves clinched via the tiebreaker, relegating the Mets to a wildcard series, which they subsequently lost.

The doubleheader on Monday also presents a potential logistical nightmare for the Mets. They are scheduled to play the Brewers over the weekend, travel to Atlanta for the doubleheader on Monday, and potentially return to Milwaukee for the start of the wildcard series on Tuesday. This hectic schedule, coupled with a likely worn-out bullpen, adds to their challenges.

Player Watch: Francisco Lindor and Luisangel Acuna

On a brighter note, Francisco Lindor seems set to return to the lineup, which could provide a much-needed boost. Rookie Luisangel Acuna has performed well in Lindor’s absence, but the Mets will be relieved to have their top player back.

Key Series to Watch: Kansas City Royals at Atlanta Braves

The Braves may find themselves out of the running by Monday if the Royals sweep them and the Mets and Diamondbacks keep winning. However, the probability of this outcome is low, and the doubleheader may still occur for seeding purposes for the fifth and sixth wild cards.

Player Watch: Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies

Michael Harris II has been a standout player for the Braves recently with an eight-game hitting streak and five consecutive multihit games. Ozzie Albies, however, has struggled since his return from a two-month hiatus due to a fractured wrist. The Braves currently lead the Mets 6-5 in the season series, keeping the tiebreaker in contention.

Key Series to Watch: San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks are at a disadvantage since they’ve lost the season series to both the Mets and Braves. This means they would lose in both a head-to-head tiebreaker and a three-team tiebreaker.

Player Watch: Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, and Eduardo Rodriguez

Arizona is set to roll out Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, and Eduardo Rodriguez for the final series of the season. However, their big investments in Montgomery and Rodriguez have not paid off as hoped.

Final Look at the American League Wildcard Race

The American League wildcard race is clearer than the National League’s, with the Royals and Detroit Tigers tied for the final two spots and the Twins lagging three games behind.

Battles for the Best Record and Top Seed

In both the National and American Leagues, there are fierce battles for the top seed. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers are leading by one win over the Philadelphia Phillies, while in the American League, the New York Yankees are leading by one game over the Cleveland Guardians.

Shohei Ohtani’s Unstoppable Run

Shohei Ohtani continues to defy odds, reaching 53 home runs and 56 stolen bases, and even recently hitting 400 total bases. His next target? Possibly achieving 100 extra base hits, with his current count standing at 97.

Other Statistical Races at Play

Aaron Judge is eyeing 60 home runs, while Chris Sale and Tarik Skubal aim to clinch the pitching Triple Crown in their respective leagues. Bobby Witt Jr. is hoping to hold onto the AL batting title, while Luis Arraez is aiming for a third consecutive batting title.

Farewells and Possible Retirements

We also bid farewell to Joey Votto, Kevin Kiermaier, and Charlie Blackmon, who have announced their retirements at the end of the season. Several other veterans, such as Matt Carpenter, may be playing their final games, although no formal announcements have been made.

Will the White Sox Break the Losing Streak?

Finally, the burning question remains: will the White Sox break their losing streak? After tying the ’62 Mets with their 120th loss, they defied expectations by sweeping the Los Angeles Angels. If they manage to sweep the Tigers, they would finish 42-120, which would mean the Mets retain their title.