Baseball’s Final Stretch: Division Races, Wild Cards, and Historic Feats

Published: Thursday, September 12, 2024

by Anthony Collins

Postseason baseball is less than three weeks away, and yet many uncertainties remain about how the playoff picture will unfold. With tight division races and teams battling for wild card spots, the march to October applies to many teams this season, offering plenty of meaningful baseball to watch at this time of year.

Starting with the most competitive division in baseball, the AL East, two World Series contenders—the Yankees and the Orioles—are in a tight race, with the Yankees holding a 1.5-game lead. Both teams have battled all year and will face each other one last time in a three-game series to determine the division title. I believe the Yankees will find a way to win the AL East with a lineup featuring Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Jazz Chisholm, who has been a huge asset since being acquired at the deadline.

The AL Central comes down to three teams: the Guardians, Royals, and Twins. With the Royals hit hard by injuries—Vinnie Pasquantino out for the season and Michael Lorenzen on the IL—it seems Cleveland should run away with the division. However, when the Royals swept the Guardians in their last series, despite being banged up and with their backs against the wall, it was not only inspiring but also clinched the tiebreaker in the division if they happen to tie with Cleveland. I think this momentum, combined with MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr.'s standout season, gives the Royals the edge to come back and win the AL Central.

The NL Wild Card race has been as intense as it gets, with the Mets and Braves, division rivals, fighting for the last wild card spot. When both teams face off later this season in Atlanta, that could be the ultimate decider in this race. With Francisco Lindor leading the charge, making a stronger MVP case each game, and the Mets' pitching performing lights out, I believe they will make a strong push and take the last wildcard spot from a Braves team that has been plagued by injuries lately.

Another huge storyline this season is Shohei Ohtani’s pursuit of history, as he’s on pace to become the first member of the 50-50 club. Only five players have ever reached 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season, and Ohtani had already done this by August, which is unheard of. No one thought it was possible to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, but if anyone can do it, it’s Ohtani.

Aaron Judge is also having a historic season. As if his 2022 campaign wasn’t impressive enough, 2024 might be even better. This year, Judge is batting .320 with 51 home runs and 126 RBIs. Just two seasons ago, Judge broke Roger Maris’ AL home run record of 61, and now it looks like he might surpass that number again.

Anthony Collins can be reached at anthony.collins@student.shu.edu. 

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