October is getting closer, and the MLB playoff race is starting to become absolute chaos.
With the regular season entering its final weeks, several teams remain firmly in the hunt for a Wild Card spot. Every game is becoming more important, and a single winning or losing streak could completely change the postseason picture.
The American League Is Getting Crowded
The New York Yankees currently have the strongest position among the AL Wild Card contenders, sitting at 81-62 and four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East.
Behind them, the Boston Red Sox are right there at 80-65. Boston is only two games behind New York for the top Wild Card position, creating another important division race within the playoff race.
The Cleveland Guardians are also hanging around at 73-72, while the Toronto Blue Jays remain within striking distance at 72-73.
Toronto’s position became even more important after Kansas City defeated the Blue Jays on Sunday, dropping Toronto one game behind Cleveland for the AL’s third Wild Card position.
The National League Is Just as Wild
The NL Wild Card race may be even more unpredictable.
The Chicago Cubs currently sit in the best Wild Card position at 81-64 after taking over the top spot earlier in the week.
Behind them, the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres are both firmly in the postseason conversation.
The Cardinals are trying to stay alive as well, but Monday’s heartbreaking 5-4 loss to San Francisco was a major setback. St. Louis fell to 72-73 and now sits five games behind Arizona for the final NL Wild Card position.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati is still fighting at 69-75.
The Braves and Phillies Are Fighting for More Than a Wild Card
One of the biggest stories in the National League is happening at the top of the NL East.
Atlanta currently leads the division, but Philadelphia is refusing to go away.
The Phillies just split a four-game series with the Braves after Jesús Luzardo threw a complete-game shutout Monday. Kyle Schwarber’s 43rd home run provided the only run in Philadelphia’s 1-0 victory.
That result kept Philadelphia firmly in the division race while also giving the Phillies an important cushion over the rest of the NL Wild Card field.
Every Game Matters Now
At this point in the season, there is nowhere to hide.
The Yankees and Red Sox are battling for position in the AL. Cleveland and Toronto are fighting to stay alive. Chicago is trying to hold onto the top NL Wild Card spot, while Arizona and San Diego are attempting to create separation.
And with more than two weeks still remaining, everything can change.
The MLB postseason picture is far from settled.
The Wild Card races are tightening, the pressure is rising, and every game from here on out could be the difference between October baseball and an early offseason.
October is coming and the race to get there is getting wild.
