For the first time this season, two teams have officially secured spots in the Major League Baseball playoffs. The Milwaukee Brewers, who have held the top position in these rankings since August 4, clinched their postseason berth earlier this week. The Philadelphia Phillies followed suit after an afternoon win by the Los Angeles Dodgers also ensured their entry.
The Brewers’ recent success marks a significant shift for the franchise. While they have now reached the playoffs seven times in the past eight years, prior to that run they had only made four postseason appearances since their inception as the Seattle Pilots in 1969.
For the Phillies, attention has turned to Kyle Schwarber’s pursuit of Ryan Howard’s single-season franchise record of 58 home runs set in 2006. With limited games remaining, matching or surpassing that mark will be challenging, but Schwarber’s power remains a focal point for the team as it heads into October.
The Toronto Blue Jays continue to show resilience with a league-leading 45 comeback victories and nine walk-off wins this year. Their ability to win close games could prove important during the playoffs.
Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers is on the verge of making history by becoming the first player since Alex Rodriguez (2001-02) to hit 50 home runs in consecutive seasons. Aaron Judge is also within reach of that milestone.
Other notable developments include Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers being cleared after experiencing side tightness during his last start. Manager A.J. Hinch said, “It’s all good news. So, obviously, that’s great for us, and great for him, and now we’ll work towards his work week… We’ll get together with him on Monday. He’ll do his normal close-throwing workout that he does, and then we’ll move forward.” Skubal is positioned to become the first American League pitcher since Pedro Martinez (1999-2000) to win consecutive Cy Young Awards.
Yankees player Jazz Chisholm Jr. expressed confidence in his team’s chances: “We’re the best team in the league,” Chisholm Jr. said this week. “Any team that thinks they’re better than us, they should know that when we step on the field, we’re coming with relentlessness. We’re coming to step on necks. We’re not here to play around.”
Elsewhere around MLB, rookie Zach Cole made an impact for Houston by homering on his first pitch at bat: “I blacked out,” Cole said. “I don’t remember it much.” In San Diego, Manny Machado continues to build his legacy as a key figure during one of the Padres’ most successful periods.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks will not return this season due to forearm soreness and described his experience as frustrating: “It’s been a very frustrating year from my point of view, whether it be through the hip, whether it be through the arm, whether it be through anything,” Hendriks said.
Teams like Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Guardians remain locked in competitive playoff races thanks largely to strong pitching performances and winning streaks late in the season.
Voters contributing to these rankings include Nathalie Alonso, Mark Feinsand, Daniel Feldman, Will Leitch, Travis Miller, Brian Murphy, Arturo Pardavila, Andrew Simon and David Venn.
