MLB Teams Near Playoff Cutoff as Regular Season Winds Down
With the regular season ending in weeks, several American and National League clubs have secured postseason berths while others vie for the remaining spots.
The final weeks of the Major League Baseball regular season are seeing a mix of secured playoff positions and tight races for the remaining berths. The Colorado Rockies became the first team eliminated after a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.
In the American League East, the Tampa Bay Rays have effectively clinched the division title. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are also expected to qualify, leaving the Toronto Blue Jays as the division's primary challenger; a strong finish could return them to the postseason.
The Chicago White Sox are projected to make the playoffs but must continue to outpace the Cleveland Guardians for the AL Central crown, a matchup set for next week that could influence the standings. In the AL West, the Houston Astros have extended their lead, though the Texas Rangers remain in contention and the Seattle Mariners are within striking distance.
Across the National League, the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers have all essentially secured postseason spots. The contest for the final wild-card position is expected to be decided between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres.