With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, it’s pretty clear who will be making the playoffs out of the American League. But almost every position in the National League is still up for grabs, creating the potential for some MLB playoff drama down the stretch.
Each team has about a dozen games remaining heading into Tuesday night’s action, and while the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians will win their divisions, plenty of other races are still hanging in the balance.
AL Playoff Picture Almost Set in Stone
In the American League, the only remaining question is who will win the AL West. The Houston Astros (94-56) have the clear edge, but the Oakland Athletics (90-60) have put together a blistering second half to hang around in the race.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s almost certain that both teams will make the playoffs. The AL West runner-up and the New York Yankees (91-58) appear likely to grab the two wild card positions, with the Rays (83-66) and Mariners (83-67) likely too far back at this point to make any noise even if they won out to finish the season.
Nothing is nearly that clear in the National League. Yes, the Atlanta Braves (83-67) appear to have a hold on the NL East, as the Phillies (76-73) and Nationals (76-75) are probably just a bit too far back to make up enough ground at this point. But the other divisional races and the wild card chase could easily come down to the final day of the season or a one-game playoff.
Three Way Races in NL Central, West
In the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs (88-62) hold a 2.5 game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers, who have refused to go away all season long. Also hanging around are the St. Louis Cardinals (83-66), though they’ll need to finish the season red hot to have any chance of catching Chicago.
Milwaukee has improved their playoff position as of late, winning 13 of their last 18 games, including an 8-0 thrashing of the Cincinnati Reds on Monday.
“We really need wins as a team,” outfielder Christian Yelich said after hitting for the cycle for a second time this season against the Reds. “Every win is huge for us. Obviously, we didn’t finish that Pittsburgh series up like we would have hoped, and it’s best to come out tonight and get this series off to a good start.”
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers (83-68) hold a slim half-game lead over the Colorado Rockies (82-68) atop the NL West. The Dodgers retook the divisional lead with an 8-2 win over the Rockies at home on Monday night, with two more critical games between the two teams coming up tonight and Wednesday.
“We’re playing well right now,” Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson said after hitting two home runs in the team’s Monday night win. “It’s just a good day I guess, you know? We’re back in first place.”
The NL wild card race is also extremely tight. Milwaukee and St. Louis would currently earn those spots, but Colorado is just a half-game behind them, with the Arizona Diamondbacks (78-73) on the edge of contention, five games back in both the NL West and wild card races.
“This is a grinding time right now, there’s no doubt about it,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo told reporters after a 5-1 loss to the Cubs Monday. “We still have life, and I want these guys to know that I believe in them.”
While any of these teams could get hot and make a World Series run, oddsmakers are favoring the squads that have been dominant all season long. William Hill lists the Red Sox (10/3) as the favorites to win the World Series, with the Astros (7/2) right behind them.