MLB playoff picture: Clinching scenarios, tiebreakers and more on Sunday, September 29

A look at the MLB playoff race heading into the final weekend and final days.

The 2024 MLB playoffs are happening this 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 writing this, the American League slate of teams is set, although there may be movement in terms of seeding there. In the National League? The Wild Card is still dramatic, with three teams jockeying for two spots behind the San Diego Padres.

Let’s talk about the teams who have something to play for as we get set for some baseball on Sunday, and we’ll update again tomorrow:

American League playoff teams

New York Yankees (93-68): They’re the No. 1 seed in the AL officially since they own the tiebreaker with the Guardians.

Cleveland Guardians (92-69): They’re the No. 2 seed in the AL.

Houston Astros (88-73): They won the AL West and the No. 3 seed.

Baltimore Orioles (90-71): They’re the top Wild Card team.

Detroit Tigers (86-75): They’ve clinched a Wild Card spot, but their spot is still undetermined because the Royals own the tiebreaker with them.

Kansas City Royals (85-76): They’ve clinched a Wild Card spot and now battle to be better than the Tigers.

National League

Los Angeles Dodgers (97-64): They’re the top seed in the NL.

Philadelphia Phillies (94-67): They’re locked into the No. 2 seed right now and have the tiebreaker over the Brewers.

Milwaukee Brewers (93-68): They’re the No. 3 seed.

San Diego Padres (93-68): They’re the top Wild Card.

Atlanta Braves (88-71): They’re still in a fight for one of the two final Wild Card spots. The Braves have the tiebreaker advantage over the Mets right now.

New York Mets (87-72): See above. It’ll probably all come down to Monday’s doubleheader with the Braves.

Arizona Diamondbacks (88-73): See above. If the three teams are tied after Monday, the Mets and Braves have the tiebreaker over the D-Backs. How thrilling!

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