Even as most of the divisions are seemingly decided, the wild-card races in both leagues are set for exciting finishes. Three American League teams are fighting for the two spots, while there are four clubs within four games of the final National League wild-card berth.
Now, with three weeks remaining in the regular season, let’s look at the wild-card contenders facing the most pressure to make the playoffs.
Considering their low payrolls and strong play throughout the year, the A’s and Rays—the two AL wild-card teams entering Monday—were left off this list. A surprising contender for the NL wild-card, Arizona is also not under enough pressure to be included.