Decoding the Final Chapter of 2024 MLB Regular Season

As we approach the closing stage of the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season, certain squads are already setting their sights on October. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Philadelphia Phillies are at the forefront in the National League. Simultaneously, the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Cleveland Guardians are confident about their postseason chances, although they’re still in tight divisional races.

This article examines the current state of play, discusses potential playoff matchups, and highlights key games to watch. With the regular season reaching its climax, let’s delve into everything you need to know about the playoffs.

Who’s Poised to Secure a Postseason Spot?

The Dodgers, Phillies, Brewers, Orioles, Yankees, and Guardians are all almost certain to make the playoffs, boasting over a 99% probability.

Current Playoff Matchups

In the American League Wild-card round, we have the (6) Twins at (3) Astros and the (5) Royals at (4) Orioles. This is followed by the AL Division Series (ALDS) featuring Twins/Astros vs. (2) Yankees and Royals/Orioles vs. (1) Guardians.

The National League Wild-card round sees the (6) Mets at (3) Brewers and the (5) Diamondbacks at (4) Padres. The NL Division Series (NLDS) has Mets/Brewers vs. (2) Dodgers and Diamondbacks/Padres vs. (1) Phillies.

Understanding the Tiebreakers

In the case of a tie for the best record between L.A. and Philadelphia, the Phillies would land the top seed due to their superior head-to-head record against the Dodgers this season. Cleveland holds the tiebreaker over Baltimore but not New York in a two-team tie for the best record in the AL. The Orioles would claim the AL’s top seed in a three-way tie, thanks to their intradivision record among the three clubs.

Crucial Division Races

In the AL, the Yankees and Orioles are vying for both the AL’s No.1 spot and the AL East title, with the Red Sox clinging to AL wild-card race hopes. Meanwhile, the Guardians are aiming to maintain their early dominance in the AL Central, and the Astros are looking to distance themselves from the Mariners in the AL West race.

Over in the NL, five teams have pulled away at the top, with the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets competing for the final playoff spot. The Phillies and Brewers seem to be coasting to division titles, while the Dodgers are leading the NL West race.

MLB Postseason Schedule

The Wild-card series consists of three games, all taking place at the better seed’s stadium. The Division series includes five games, and the League Championship series is a best-of-seven affair. Finally, the World Series is also a best-of-seven series, starting on Friday, October 25th, unless both League Championship Series end by October 19th. If that’s the case, the World Series will kick off on Tuesday, October 22nd.