The 2024 MLB playoffs are happening next week (!) and so it’s time to see what postseason spots are still open, which teams have a shot at moving up or down and more.
As of right now, all but two playoff teams are left to be decided. There’s jockeying for position in some divisions, and the Wild Card is dramatic, with one spot left in the American League and one in the National League that may come down to the final day of the season.
Let’s talk about the teams who have something to play for as we get set for some baseball on Saturday.
American League playoff teams
Toronto Blue Jays (92-68): They’re in, but they’re trying to grab the No. 1 seed in the AL over the Yankees and Mariners and own the tiebreaker there. So a win and a Yankees loss gets them the top seed.
New York Yankees (92-68): They’re in but trying to grab the No. 1 seed.
Seattle Mariners (90-70): They’re currently the No. 3 seed. They’ll get a bye in the first round.
Boston Red Sox (88-72): They’re in as the No. 4 seed currently and the first Wild Card.
Cleveland Guardians (86-74): If they win and the Tigers lose on Saturday, they win the AL Central.
Detroit Tigers (86-74): If they win, they’re in the postseason. If the Astros lose, they’re also in.
Houston Astros (85-75): They have to keep winning in order to make it.
National League playoff teams
Milwaukee Brewers (96-64): They’re trying to clinch the No. 1 seed but already have a bye. A win or a Phillies loss gets them the top seed.
Philadelphia Phillies (95-65): They have a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed for the moment.
Los Angeles Dodgers (91-69): They’re the NL West winner and the No. 3 seed.
Chicago Cubs (90-70): They’re in and will play the Padres in the first round. A win and a Padres loss and they’ll have home-field advantage.
San Diego Padres (88-72): See above. They’re in and will play the Cubs.
Cincinnati Reds (82-78): A win and a Mets loss and they’re the final Wild Card. They own the tiebreaker over the Mets.
New York Mets (82-78): They have to keep winning.
Current MLB playoff bracket