The Final Stretch: A Nail-Biting Conclusion to the MLB Regular Season

By Mirek Zastavnyi

The final week of the 2024 MLB regular season is upon us, and the race for playoff spots is more intense than ever. While some teams have already secured their postseason berths—such as the Brewers, Dodgers, Guardians, Phillies, and Yankees—there are still multiple spots left open, creating suspense for fans and teams alike. As the playoff picture takes shape, more than half of the 12 available spots remain up for grabs. Teams are not just focused on getting in; those already assured a spot have additional concerns, including securing first-round byes, home-field advantage, and configuring their pitching rotations. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most critical series in the final week of the regular season, where the stakes are as high as ever.

Mets vs. Braves

One of the most exciting matchups to watch is the Mets facing the Braves. For the Mets, this is a chance to maintain their playoff position, as the Braves are currently just 1.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives in a tight race. The Mets’ rotation is lined up perfectly, with Luis Severino, David Peterson, and Sean Manaea taking the mound. On the other hand, the Braves will counter with Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale (a Cy Young favorite), and Max Fried. This series will likely bring back memories for Mets fans, as just two years ago, they were swept by the Braves in a similar scenario, which cost them the division lead.

Padres vs. Dodgers

Another highly anticipated matchup is between the Padres and the Dodgers, where the NL West division title is at stake. The Padres, boasting a strong pitching lineup with Michael King, Dylan Cease, and Joe Musgrove, are looking to clinch the division. The Dodgers, who have led the division all season, find themselves in a precarious position. If the Padres manage to sweep the Dodgers, it would force the Dodgers into a Wild Card position, a shocking turn of events for a team that has dominated the division for most of the year.

Rays vs. Tigers

The Tigers have been one of the hottest teams in baseball since early August, clawing their way back into playoff contention. Now tied with the Royals for a Wild Card spot, Detroit is determined to make the postseason for the first time in years. Their ace, Tarik Skubal, will take the mound in the opening game against the Rays. With a favorable final stretch, including a series against the struggling White Sox, Detroit has a real chance to secure a playoff spot if they can take care of business in this series.

Royals vs. Nationals

Kansas City is in a dire situation, having lost seven straight games. They desperately need to snap their losing streak as the Wild Card race tightens, with only two games separating the Royals from their closest competitors. Despite this slide, they have two of their best pitchers, Cole Ragans and Michael Wacha, lined up to face the Nationals, a team that has already been eliminated from playoff contention. The Royals will need to perform under immense pressure if they hope to hold onto one of the final Wild Card spots.

Marlins vs. Twins

Like the Royals, the Twins have struggled in September, going 8-13 and falling out of a playoff spot. However, they still have a slight advantage in potential tiebreaker scenarios. This series against the Marlins offers them a chance to regain momentum, but with other Wild Card contenders also fighting hard, the Twins need to win a few key games if they want to avoid missing the postseason entirely.

Orioles vs. Yankees

At one point, this series was expected to be the decider for the AL East title. However, the Orioles have faltered in recent weeks, and now they are six games behind the Yankees with only six games left to play. While it’s still mathematically possible for the Orioles to win the division, it’s highly unlikely. The Orioles will be focusing on securing home-field advantage in the Wild Card Series, while the Yankees are close to clinching home-field through at least the ALCS. Though it’s no longer a nail-biter, this matchup remains one to watch as both teams finalize their postseason plans.

With so much on the line in this final week, baseball fans are in for some thrilling action as teams battle for playoff spots and positioning. Each game could have major implications for October.