September is coming to an end and the pennant race is heating up which means every game matters. Due to the expanded playoffs, 12 teams now make it to the playoffs instead of ten. This new format means more teams have a chance to shock the world.

American League Wild Card 3

Even with their small player payroll, the Tampa Bay Rays have found ways to win. With a 82-65 record as of 9/21, they sit 8.5 games out of first place in their division and 0.5 games out of the first Wild Card spot. With series coming up against the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros, they will have to beat some good teams to rise in the standings. 

American League Wild Card 2

The Blue Jays and their young players have an outstanding future in front of them. However, this year, they haven’t caught fire just yet. They have had some good runs but not enough to be serious contenders. The Jays do have some big series against the Rays and Yankees coming up which will make or break their position.

American League Wild Card 1

The Seattle Mariners have a real chance to turn some heads this year. This exciting team, headlined by superstar Julio Rodruiguez, could pull off some upsets in the playoffs this year. The Astros have won the American League West so the best they could do is finish first in the Wild Card. However, the rest of the teams they play this year have a winning percentage of below .500, so they are pretty much locked for the first Wild Card spot.

American League East

While the Yankees have had their recent struggles, they are still the Yankees. They have Aaron Judge in the middle of his historic season, where he is chasing the all time single season home run record in the AL. Aroldis Chapman will be back soon, and Giancarlo Stanton should return to normal form. I have no doubt that they will get past their recent struggles and will still be the team to beat this year in the AL. 

American League Central 

The Cleveland Guardians have enjoyed breakout seasons from Andrés Giménez and Triston McKenzie and the usual awesomeness from José Ramírez have propelled them to the lead of the AL Central. With series coming up against the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins, as long as they can win those they will be set to win the central. 

American League West

Justin Verlander’s amazing season has propelled the Astros to clinch the AL West. Verlander, along with Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve, will look to capture another World Series title. They will continue to dominate as always.