As the MLB season heats up, the term “magic number” starts making its rounds among fans and analysts alike. This crucial figure represents the combination of wins your team needs, or losses by its closest competitor, to clinch a playoff spot or division title.
It’s a simple yet powerful way to gauge how close your team is to achieving its ultimate goal. Every team begins with a magic number of 163, which decreases with each win or competitor’s loss.
Typically, you’ll see magic numbers become more significant in August and September, adding an extra layer of excitement as the season winds down.