After more than 2000 games, the 2023 MLB season is in its final furlong, and while some teams are already turning their attentions to next year, a select few franchises have their hopes set on a trip to the World Series. However, before high-performing sides can start dreaming of hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy in early November, they first need to secure a place in the MLB Postseason.
At present, 12 teams qualify for baseball’s famous playoff tournament – 3 division winners and 3 teams with the next-best records from both the American League and National League. With all 12 places still up for grabs, here’s a rundown of some of the biggest regular season series yet to be played – high-stakes battles where every win could be vital:
Seattle Mariners v Texas Rangers ( 28 Sep, 29 Sep, 30 Sep, & 1 Oct)
The Texas Rangers were one of the top teams in baseball before the All-Star Break, but have since fallen to second place in the AL West. The Rangers’ loss has been the Seattle Mariners’ gain and the 2 teams now find themselves fighting it out for a Wild Card spot. The Rangers will visit Seattle’s T-Mobile Park for their final series of the regular season in 2023, with the winners likely heading to the playoffs.
Milwaukee Brewers v Chicago Cubs ( 29 Sep, 30 Sep, & 1 Oct)
The National League Central is always a hotly contested division and just 3 games separate the top 2 sides at this late stage of the season. These teams – the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs – will go head-to-head in one more series to round out proceedings between 29 September – 1 October 2023. It’s a clash between rivals with Postseason implications, and is set to be one of the must-see series of the remaining schedule.
Tampa Bay Rays v Toronto Blue Jays ( 22 Sep, 23 Sep, & 24 Sep)
The tussle for the top in the AL East has never been tougher, but the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays have stayed the course and are both in with a chance of making the playoffs. Tampa, all but guaranteed a Wild Card spot, are hoping to usurp the Baltimore Orioles and win the division outright. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays will know that a strong run could ensure them a Wild Card spot and prevent a nervy final week of September. The 2 teams square off at Tropicana Field between 22–24 September.
Arizona Diamondbacks v San Francisco Giants ( 19 Sep & 20 Sep)
The Arizona Diamondbacks have outperformed many pundits’ pre-season expectations in 2023 and now find themselves on the brink of a playoff spot. However, in-division rivals the San Francisco Giants are just 2 games behind, so the short series between the 2 sides on 19 & 20 September could be pivotal in deciding which team from the NL West wraps up a Wild Card berth.
Houston Astros v Baltimore Orioles ( 18 Sep, 19 Sep, & 20 Sep)
The Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles have been 2 of the best teams in baseball this year and find themselves top of their respective divisions. While both sides can feel fairly confident that they will be making a Postseason appearance in 2023, a 3-game meeting between 18–20 September could go a long way to deciding whether the Astros and Orioles finish the season as division winners, as well as who secures the coveted #1 seed.
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