MLB · 1 year ago

2024 MLB Postseason: 1st Round Bye Contenders Ranked by Strength of Remaining Schedule

Sportsgrid Staff

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1. Milwaukee Brewers – Toughest Remaining Schedule
Record: 83-62 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .548

The Milwaukee Brewers face the toughest schedule among the playoff contenders. They still have seven games against the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, as well as tough series against the Phillies and Mets. Milwaukee has a comfortable lead in the NL Central, but surpassing the Dodgers or Phillies for a first-round bye will require wins against some of the best teams in the league. Their final three games against the Mets could be particularly challenging, especially if New York is still fighting for a playoff spot.

Odds to Earn NL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: +10000

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First-Round Bye Battles
With less than three weeks left in the MLB regular season, the race for a first-round bye is heating up. In both the National League and American League, several teams are battling for the coveted divisional round spots. The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers lead the way in the NL, but the Milwaukee Brewers and other teams are close behind. In the AL, the Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Kansas City Royals are all within striking distance of securing a bye. With teams tightly packed, the next few weeks will determine who can pull away.

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*Records and odds taken before play on Sept. 12.
9. Los Angeles Dodgers – Rounding into Form
Record: 87-59 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .448

The Los Angeles Dodgers have the second-easiest schedule in the league, mostly thanks to six games remaining against the struggling Colorado Rockies. They also face the Miami Marlins and have three key matchups against the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres. With an impressive second-half performance and key players returning from injury, the Dodgers are in prime position to claim a third straight NL West title. They are looking to enter the postseason at full strength and secure a first-round bye with relative ease, thanks to their soft schedule.

Odds to Earn NL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: -130
8. San Diego Padres – Surging at the Right Time
Record: 82-65 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .481

The San Diego Padres have hit their stride at the perfect time. With the second-best record in MLB since the All-Star break, they hold a solid Wild Card spot. Their remaining schedule is relatively easy, giving them a clear path to secure their postseason berth. However, catching the Los Angeles Dodgers for a first-round bye remains a long shot. The Padres’ biggest challenge will be their final three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which could decide playoff seeding and home-field advantage. If the Padres continue their momentum, they could be a dangerous team come October.

Odds to Earn NL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: +20000
7. Kansas City Royals – Easiest Remaining AL Schedule
Record: 80-67 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .495

The Kansas City Royals have the easiest schedule remaining among AL contenders, with upcoming series against weaker teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and San Francisco Giants. Despite being 4.5 games back in the AL Central, the current Wild Card Royals have a prime opportunity to make a late push. After navigating a difficult stretch of 20 games against playoff-bound teams, the Royals are looking to capitalize on their favorable schedule to overtake the Guardians for a first-round bye.

Odds to Earn AL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: +20000
6. New York Yankees – Pushing for a Division Title
Record: 84-62 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .500

The New York Yankees are in the heat of a tight race for the AL East title with the Baltimore Orioles. Their upcoming schedule is favorable, with games against the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Pittsburgh Pirates. However, the series to watch will be their three-game set against the Orioles from Sept. 24-26. That series could decide whether the Yankees secure a first-round bye or are relegated to the Wild Card round. Despite a recent power slump from Aaron Judge, the Yankees' rotation has stabilized, making them well-positioned for a strong playoff push. This final stretch could make or break their postseason positioning.

Odds to Earn AL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: -170

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5. Cleveland Guardians – AL Central Leaders
Record: 84-62 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .509

The Cleveland Guardians have bounced back in September after a rough August, and they are firmly in control of the AL Central race. With a solid 4.5-game lead over the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland’s path to a first-round bye seems straightforward. The Guardians have key matchups against the Houston Astros and Minnesota Twins left on their schedule, but if they maintain their form, they should lock down the division and secure a spot in the ALDS. With standout performances from players like Josh Naylor and Andrés Giménez, the Guardians are ready to make a deep postseason run.

Odds to Earn AL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: +180
4. Arizona Diamondbacks – Staying in the Hunt
Record: 82-64 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .517

The Arizona Diamondbacks are surging at the right time, posting one of the best second-half records in MLB. They currently hold a Wild Card spot and are competing fiercely with the San Diego Padres for playoff positioning. Their schedule isn't easy, with tough matchups ahead, including a season-ending three-game series against the Padres. That series could have major implications, as both teams will likely be fighting for Wild Card seeding or a slim chance at catching the LA Dodgers. The D-backs are playing with confidence, and their late-season push makes them a team to watch as October approaches.

Odds to Make Playoffs at FanDuel: -2800
3. Baltimore Orioles – Battle for the AL East
Record: 83-64 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .526

The Baltimore Orioles are in a tight race for the AL East title, and with the playoffs approaching, every game matters. Their remaining schedule includes tough matchups, particularly a pivotal series against the New York Yankees that could determine who wins the division and secures a first-round bye. While the Orioles' bullpen has been shaky, their lineup remains dangerous, and they will need key players to step up. If Baltimore can manage to stay strong in these final weeks, they have a real shot at the AL East crown and a deep postseason run.

Odds to Earn AL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: +480
2. Philadelphia Phillies – Poised for a Bye
Record: 88-58 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .527

Despite facing one of the toughest schedules down the stretch, the Philadelphia Phillies are inching closer to securing a first-round bye with their impressive performance in recent weeks. Having won 14 of their last 20 games, the Phillies are aiming to run away with the NL East. However, their toughest remaining games include a 10-game stretch against the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers. With the Phillies already leading the NL in wins, surviving these matchups could solidify their spot in the NLDS.

Odds to Earn NL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: -130

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1. Milwaukee Brewers – Toughest Remaining Schedule
Record: 83-62 | Remaining Strength of Schedule: .548

The Milwaukee Brewers face the toughest schedule among the playoff contenders. They still have seven games against the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, as well as tough series against the Phillies and Mets. Milwaukee has a comfortable lead in the NL Central, but surpassing the Dodgers or Phillies for a first-round bye will require wins against some of the best teams in the league. Their final three games against the Mets could be particularly challenging, especially if New York is still fighting for a playoff spot.

Odds to Earn NL No. 1 Seed at FanDuel: +10000

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.
First-Round Bye Battles
With less than three weeks left in the MLB regular season, the race for a first-round bye is heating up. In both the National League and American League, several teams are battling for the coveted divisional round spots. The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers lead the way in the NL, but the Milwaukee Brewers and other teams are close behind. In the AL, the Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Kansas City Royals are all within striking distance of securing a bye. With teams tightly packed, the next few weeks will determine who can pull away.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

*Records and odds taken before play on Sept. 12.

2024 MLB Postseason: 1st Round Bye Contenders Ranked by Strength of Remaining Schedule

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