Predicting Which Teams Will Clinch the MLB Wild Cards
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
Just Missed: New York Mets
The New York Mets have hung around in the NL wild card race this season, but the competition ahead of them will ultimately win out. Still, expectations weren't exactly playoff or bust for the Mets in 2024. Let's see what they manage to do this offseason.
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1. New York Yankees (AL Wild Card 1)
One of the biggest races left to be decided is which AL East team wins the division, and which ends up as the top wild card. The New York Yankees hold a 1.5-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles entering action today. What this doesn't factor in is both sides remaining schedules. The Orioles have the second-easiest remaining strength of schedule, while the Yankees hold the tenth-hardest. That isn't everything, but it's not nothing, either. We'll ride with the young Orioles to overtake the Yankees.
2. Kansas City Royals (AL Wild Card 2)
After being at the bottom of the league last year, the Kansas City Royals have had a sparking turn around. Led by their young stars, the Royals are looking to head back to the postseason in 2024. They currently boast a 5.5-game buffer, leading us to like their chances down the stretch to get the job done and clinch a berth.
3. Minnesota Twins (AL Wild Card 3)
The Minnesota Twins have gotten the production that they've needed from their rotation to compete in the AL Central, and be a strong wild card contender. Even thought they've dealt with some injuries, the Twins have the experience on this roster to make a run down the stretch and solidify their positioning in the American League bracket.
Just Missed: Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have been a pleasant surprise this season. This roster has certainly overachieved, but they've also unlocked some youthful bright spots to get excited about. The youth on this team will benefit from being in the race come September, even if they fall short.
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1. Arizona Diamondbacks (NL Wild Card 1)
After a slow start to the year, some might call it a World Series participant hangover, the Arizona Diamondbacks have stormed back and sit as the top wild card team in the National League. The Diamondbacks gained some valuable experience in the postseason last year, and they'll find a way to land as the top wild card team in the NL this time around.
2. San Diego Padres (NL Wild Card 2)
Even after some big changes were made this offseason, the San Diego Padres have continued to find ways to win baseball games. With a five-game buffer to play with in September, the Padres should comfortably find themselves in a postseason spot when it's all said and done. Will they play spoiler again this year?
3. Atlanta Braves (NL Wild Card 3)
The Atlanta Braves have dealt with some serious injuries to star players this season. Even with the injury concerns, the Braves will still be a hard out come October. This team has continued to be a postseason presence when dealing with injuries, and we don't expect them to fall out of the race this time around.
Just Missed: New York Mets
The New York Mets have hung around in the NL wild card race this season, but the competition ahead of them will ultimately win out. Still, expectations weren't exactly playoff or bust for the Mets in 2024. Let's see what they manage to do this offseason.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. New York Yankees (AL Wild Card 1)
One of the biggest races left to be decided is which AL East team wins the division, and which ends up as the top wild card. The New York Yankees hold a 1.5-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles entering action today. What this doesn't factor in is both sides remaining schedules. The Orioles have the second-easiest remaining strength of schedule, while the Yankees hold the tenth-hardest. That isn't everything, but it's not nothing, either. We'll ride with the young Orioles to overtake the Yankees.
