MLB magic numbers: The latest playoff scenario update as of Friday, September 27 2024

The MLB playoffs are very much starting next week, which is wild but true. What a season it’s been, right?

And that means we’ve got some teams who have clinched spots in the 2024 postseason and others who are fighting to extend their seasons for bonus baseball.

So, what are the magic numbers as we get set for action on Friday, September 27? We can help with that and explain what a magic number is, because it’s vital to teams who are in the possible postseason mix.

So let’s dive in, and if you need the up-to-the-day Wild Card Standings, click here.

What is a magic number?

It’s the number that tells you the combination of wins a team can get plus losses by the teams trailing them, and then subtract it from 163. Any number of their wins and losses by a team trailing them means they clinch.

What are the latest magic numbers?

• The Tigers and Royals both have magic numbers of 1, with the Twins trailing. So any wins by them OR a loss by the Twins, and they’re both in.
• The Mets and Diamondbacks are at 4 and 3, respectively, with the Braves trailing.