MLB Playoff Race: Tough Schedules and Standings Update
As the MLB regular season passes its quarter mark, teams face increasingly challenging schedules. Playoff contenders are being evaluated based on their remaining games and current standing, with FanGraphs providing schedule strength and playoff odds.
Key takeaways
- MLB teams are at the quarter mark of the regular season, with playoff contenders being analyzed.
- Playoff odds and schedule strength data from FanGraphs are being used to assess teams.
- The Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox are among the teams with high playoff odds.
- Upcoming schedules for contenders include challenging matchups and potential divisional series.
What Happened
Major League Baseball teams are approaching the quarter pole of their regular season, prompting an assessment of playoff contenders and their remaining schedules. FanGraphs data is being used to evaluate playoff odds and strength-of-schedule metrics for teams with at least a 10 percent chance of reaching the postseason.
Key Facts
- The Tampa Bay Rays hold a 100 percent playoff odds with a .507 strength of schedule. Their remaining August schedule includes series against the Athletics, Orioles, Blue Jays, and Padres.
- The New York Yankees have a 99 percent playoff odds with a .497 strength of schedule. Upcoming games in August are against the Mariners, Blue Jays, Orioles, Astros, and Red Sox.
- The Boston Red Sox have a 95.2 percent playoff odds with a .503 strength of schedule. Their August slate features matchups with the Blue Jays, Pirates, Diamondbacks, and Giants.
- Winning percentages and playoff odds were updated through Sunday afternoon.
Background
This analysis is part of an annual "Schedule Watch" segment, with further check-ins planned for August 31 and September 14. The upcoming weeks feature makeup games, doubleheaders, the Field of Dreams game, and the Little League Classic.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
