Ranking the Best 2024 MLB Division Races: Playoff Drama Unfolds
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
1. National League West
The National League West is the most thrilling division race, with the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the San Diego Padres by just 3 games and the Arizona Diamondbacks by 4.0 games. The Dodgers, despite a slew of injuries, are clinging to their lead, while the Padres and Diamondbacks have been surging since the All-Star break. San Diego’s 21-7 record and Arizona’s 22-8 mark since the break set the stage for a high-stakes finish.
The final week of the season could be pivotal, with San Diego facing both Los Angeles and Arizona. The pressure is on, and this race promises to deliver down-to-the-wire excitement.
NL West Odds on FanDuel
-Dodgers: -600
-Padres: +600
-Diamondbacks: +1200
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
*All Odds, Standings and Stats as of 7:30 PM ET on August 22
5. National League Central
The National League Central race seems all but decided as the Milwaukee Brewers hold a commanding 10-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals, with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs trailing by 10.5 and 11 games, respectively. FanGraphs gives Milwaukee a 98.7% chance of clinching the division, making a Brewers victory nearly inevitable.
Despite injuries to key players like Christian Yelich and losing Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles, the Brewers have quietly dominated under first-year manager Pat Murphy. While the race might lack suspense, Milwaukee’s performance and potential as a World Series contender will be the story to watch as October approaches.
Brewers Odds to Win World Series on FanDuel: +2000
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4. National League East
The Philadelphia Phillies are battling to maintain their 7-game lead over the Atlanta Braves and an 8.5-game lead over the New York Mets. Despite a rocky 12-17 record since the All-Star break, Philadelphia remains the favorite to win the division, with a 91% chance according to FanGraphs.
The Phillies’ remaining schedule is challenging, with a .501 combined winning percentage. However, their battle-tested roster makes them a strong contender to hold off their division rivals, even as the Braves face setbacks like the injury to Austin Riley. This race still holds intrigue, but Philadelphia’s experience might just see them through.
NL East Odds on FanDuel
-Phillies: -1900
-Braves: +1200
-Mets: +8500
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3. American League West
The Houston Astros are heating up, leading the Seattle Mariners by 5.0 games and the Texas Rangers by 10 games. With an 89.2% chance of winning the division, Houston looks poised for another postseason run.
The Astros have been hot, losing just three in their last 10 games, and could become even stronger with key players like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker returning. Seattle’s chances of making the postseason are slim at 16.2%, making it a tough climb to challenge Houston. The Astros are motivated after last year’s ALCS loss, and their momentum makes them a formidable.
AL West Odds on FanDuel
-Astros: -800
-Mariners: +500
-Rangers: +13000
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3. American League Central
The American League Central is shaping up to be a nail-biter, with the Cleveland Guardians holding a slim 2.0-game lead over the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals. Cleveland has a 49.9% chance of winning the division, but the Royals’ surprising resurgence and Minnesota’s strong odds create an unpredictable race.
Injuries have plagued the Twins, but the potential return of stars like Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa could shift the balance. A crucial six-game series in Kansas City in early September will likely play a decisive role in determining the division champion. This race is far from over and promises plenty of drama.
AL Central Odds on FanDuel
-Guardians: -150
-Twins: +200
-Royals: +500
2. American League East
The American League East is set for a thrilling finish, with the New York Yankees holding a razor-thin 1.0-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles and a 7.0-game cushion over the Boston Red Sox. A crucial three-game series between the Yankees and Orioles in late September could very well determine the division champion. Will the Yankees withstand the pressure and clinch the division, or will Baltimore's young stars propel them to a second consecutive AL East crown?
This race could come down to the final game, making it one of the most compelling division battles in baseball.
AL East Odds on FanDuel
-Yankees: -195
-Orioles: +155
-Red Sox: +8500
1. National League West
The National League West is the most thrilling division race, with the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the San Diego Padres by just 3 games and the Arizona Diamondbacks by 4.0 games. The Dodgers, despite a slew of injuries, are clinging to their lead, while the Padres and Diamondbacks have been surging since the All-Star break. San Diego’s 21-7 record and Arizona’s 22-8 mark since the break set the stage for a high-stakes finish.
The final week of the season could be pivotal, with San Diego facing both Los Angeles and Arizona. The pressure is on, and this race promises to deliver down-to-the-wire excitement.
NL West Odds on FanDuel
-Dodgers: -600
-Padres: +600
-Diamondbacks: +1200
For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
*All Odds, Standings and Stats as of 7:30 PM ET on August 22
5. National League Central
The National League Central race seems all but decided as the Milwaukee Brewers hold a commanding 10-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals, with the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs trailing by 10.5 and 11 games, respectively. FanGraphs gives Milwaukee a 98.7% chance of clinching the division, making a Brewers victory nearly inevitable.
Despite injuries to key players like Christian Yelich and losing Corbin Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles, the Brewers have quietly dominated under first-year manager Pat Murphy. While the race might lack suspense, Milwaukee’s performance and potential as a World Series contender will be the story to watch as October approaches.
Brewers Odds to Win World Series on FanDuel: +2000
Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
