As the 2023 MLB season enters the final week, uncertainty has formed in some teams that looked like a lock to get in, while others are strolling along waiting to see who they draw in the playoffs. The race is hot in both the American and the National Leagues. Let’s dive in with the outlook for the last five to seven games that remain.
American League
East
Baltimore Orioles (97-59): A true Cinderella story is unfolding in the division.
Tampa Bay Rays (95-62): Secured a wild card spot, but still have a chance to win the division.
Toronto Blue Jays (87-69): The Blue Jays are within striking distance, but finish up against the Rays.
New York Yankees (79-77): Miss playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Boston Red Sox (76-80): Done.
Central
Minnesota Twins (83-73): Clinched division.
Cleveland Guardians (74-83): Done.
Detroit Tigers (73-83): Done.
Chicago White Sox (60-96): Done. 3-3 avoids 100 losses. Good luck!
Kansas City Royals (54-102): Eliminated, but huge bright spot in Bobby Witt Jr.
West
Texas Rangers (87-68): Slid into first during Astros horrendous September.
Houston Astros (85-71): Choking. Swept by Royals this weekend. 1-5 vs Royals and 1-2 vs. A’s in September. Huge three-game series against Mariners may be make-or-break.
Seattle Mariners (84-71): Still in the mix. Huge three-game series against Astros may be make-or-break. Oh yeah, then they have to finish the final three vs. Rangers. Exciting!
Los Angeles Angels (70-86): Done, as usual. Need to get back Ohtani in free agency.
Oakland Athletics (48-108): Done. Back-to-back 100-loss seasons.
National League
East
Atlanta Braves (100-56): Only team with 100 wins. World Series favorite.
Philadelphia Phillies (87-69): Wild card clinch shortly.
Miami Marlins (81-75): Still in the wild card mix, will Mets try to play spoiler?
New York Mets (71-85): Eliminated. The biggest underperformer of the season.
Washington Nationals (69-88): Done. They bounced back rather nicely from a 107-loss season.
Central
Milwaukee Brewers (88-68): Will clinch division shortly.
Chicago Cubs (82-74): In the wild card mix but last six are at the Braves and Brewers.
Cincinnati Reds (80-77): In the mix and could slide in with easy final games all on road.
Pittsburgh Pirates (74-82): Done. The Pirates had a great season coming off back-to-back 100 loss seasons.
St. Louis Cardinals (68-88): Eliminated. Another team with high hopes underperforming.
West
Los Angeles Dodgers (96-59): Clinched division. Have the best record since the All-Star break.
Arizona Diamondbacks (82-74): Wild card spot in reach, but final three vs. Astros.
San Diego Padres (77-79): Three games against Giants to stay alive. Doubtful.
San Francisco Giants (77-79): Three games against Padres to stay alive. Doubtful.
Colorado Rockies (56-99): Done. Need to go 7-0 to avoid 100 losses. Good luck!
Final week drama is unfolding on the road to the playoffs. This year’s playoff race promises to deliver intense battles as teams vie for postseason positions.
Thank you for reading my MLB article. Head to my Belly Up Sports Page. Follow me on Twitter. For more articles on the MLB and all other sports go to Belly Up Sports. Featured image credit Doug Pensinger/Getty Images.
