2025 MLB Playoff Picture: Wild Card Races Heat Up

As the 2025 Major League Baseball regular season approaches its conclusion, the playoff picture is becoming increasingly competitive. With less than three weeks remaining, several teams are vying for the coveted wild card spots in both the American League (AL) and National League (NL). The regular season ends on September 28, with the wild card series commencing shortly thereafter.

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In the AL, the Seattle Mariners currently hold the final wild card position with a record of 76-68, closely followed by the Texas Rangers at 75-70 and the Kansas City Royals at 73-70. The Mariners have struggled recently, going 9-15 in their last 24 games, which has opened the door for the Rangers and Royals to make a push for the playoffs. The Rangers are just 1.5 games behind the Mariners and are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the NL Central, in a crucial series. The Rangers cannot afford to finish tied with the Mariners, as Seattle holds the tiebreaker due to their superior head-to-head record.

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The NL wild card race is equally intense, with the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets all in contention. The Cubs currently lead the wild card standings with a record of 81-63, while the Padres and Mets are closely trailing at 79-65 and 76-68, respectively. The San Francisco Giants are also in the mix, sitting 4 games back of the Mets. The Cubs' magic number to clinch a wild card berth stands at 11, and they are looking to secure home-field advantage in the postseason.

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The upcoming schedule will be pivotal for all teams involved. The Cubs are set to face the Atlanta Braves, while the Padres will continue their series against the Cincinnati Reds. The Mets, on the other hand, are in a critical series against the Philadelphia Phillies, who lead the NL East. Each game carries significant weight as teams fight for their playoff lives.

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Carlos Mendoza, manager of the New York Mets, expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure a wild card spot despite recent struggles. "We gotta play better. We got to fight. What's in the past is in the past," he stated, emphasizing the need for improvement as the season winds down.

Mets’ Carlos Mendoza not worried amid growing NL Wild Card threat

Critics have pointed out the inconsistency of the Mets, who have dropped crucial games recently, allowing teams like the Giants to close the gap. The pressure is mounting as the Mets aim to avoid a repeat of last season's disappointment, where they missed the postseason despite being in contention.

Mets’ Carlos Mendoza not worried amid growing NL Wild Card threat

With the playoff race heating up, teams will need to capitalize on every opportunity. The Mariners, Rangers, Cubs, Padres, and Mets all face critical matchups that could determine their postseason fates. As the regular season draws to a close, the intensity of the competition is set to escalate, promising an exciting finish to the 2025 MLB season.

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