MLB Playoff Picture: Can The Mets Make The Postseason?

The MLB playoff picture has really taken shape the last few weeks, but there are still some real postseason races in the AL and NL.

Here's a look at the current MLB playoff picture and a breakdown of some key teams still in contention for the 2024 World Series:

2024 MLB Playoff Picture: American League

AL Playoff Locks (Over 90%)

Other AL Playoff Candidates:

If you're looking for a complete breakdown of current MLB playoff odds and some of my best bets to make the postseason, check out our dedicated MLB playoff odds page.

Detroit Tigers Playoff Chances

The Tigers probably regret selling at the deadline now. Despite trading off Jack Flaherty, this upstart Detroit team is now just a few games out of playoff spot with a 37-26 record since July 1.

The reason Detroit’s playoff chances are so low is because they’re running out of time. They’ll have to play at least four games better than the Twins to sneak into the postseason this year, which is a difficult task with just a few weeks remaining in the season. If nothing else, this run bodes well for the Tigers 2025 chances.

Boston Red Sox Playoff Chances

The Red Sox’s playoff odds may be down at 5.2%, but they're not out of it just yet.

I actually think they Red Sox are in a good spot to make a miracle run. Most of their remaining games come against struggling AL East teams like the Rays and Blue Jays, plus they have a three-game set against the Twins still on the schedule. If Boston can beat up on the bottom feeders and take that series against a Minnesota team they're chasing, the Sox have a shot.

2024 MLB Playoff Picture: National League

NL Playoff Locks (Over 90%):

Other AL Playoff Candidates:

Atlanta Braves Playoff Chances

The Braves have somehow managed to keep their season alive despite the injury losses of Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, and Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley for a while. They have a few weeks to lock down a postseason spot, fighting the Mets for the NL's final position. If there's a positive for Braves fans, the last time they lost Acuna for the entire season, Atlanta ended up earning a playoff spot and going on to win the World Series.

The Mets and Braves meet for a late-September three-game series that will likely decide this playoff race.

New York Mets Playoff Chances

In terms of MLB playoff odds, the Mets are actually my best bet right now. At one point this season, New York's playoff chances were below 10% — now they're over 50%.

The offense seems solid with Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor carrying the load and the pitching has been much better than people though. Sean Manaea, Luis Severino, and Jose Quintana have actually been great this year, but can they keep it up for a few more weeks? The Mets' playoff chances probably rely on those three continuing their 2024 success for the home stretch.