MLB Playoff Picture 2024: Orioles Clinch Postseason Berth; Updated Bracket, Standings

Adam WellsSeptember 25, 2024

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

The Baltimore Orioles are heading back to the playoffs for the second consecutive season after clinching a berth with Tuesday’s win over the New York Yankees.

They also prevented New York from clinching the American League East with the victory.

B/R Walk-Off @BRWalkoffTHE ORIOLES ARE HEADED TO THE POSTSEASON pic.twitter.com/b27fpYmsUx

As the MLB playoff picture continues to come into focus, here are the updated matchups in both leagues based on the current standings.

Projected American League Playoff Matchups

First-round bye: No. 1 New York Yankees, No. 2 Cleveland GuardiansWild Card Series: No. 3 Houston Astros vs. No. 6 Detroit Tigers, No. 4 Baltimore Orioles vs. No. 5 Kansas City RoyalsProjected National League Playoff Matchups

First-round bye: No. 1 Los Angeles Dodgers, No. 2 Philadelphia PhilliesWild Card Series: No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers vs. No. 6 Arizona Diamondbacks, No. 4 San Diego Padres vs. No. 5 New York Mets
Current Standings

AL East

New York Yankees (92-65)*Baltimore Orioles (87-70, 5 GB)*Boston Red Sox (80-78, 12.5 GB)Tampa Bay Rays (78-79, 14 GB)Toronto Blue Jays (73-85, 19.5 GB)AL Central

Cleveland Guardians (91-67)**Kansas City Royals (83-74, 7.5 GB)Detroit Tigers (83-74, 7.5 GB)Minnesota Twins (81-76, 9.5 GB)Chicago White Sox (36-120, 54 GB)AL West

Houston Astros (85-72)**Seattle Mariners (81-76, 4 GB)Texas Rangers (74-82, 10.5 GB)Oakland Athletics (67-89, 17.5 GB)Los Angeles Angels (63-93, 21.5 GB)AL Wild Card

Baltimore Orioles (87-70, +4 Games)*Kansas City Royals (83-74)Detroit Tigers (83-74)Minnesota Twins (81-76, 2 GB)Seattle Mariners (81-77, 2.5 GB)Boston Red Sox (80-78, 2.5 GB)Tampa Bay Rays (78-79, 5 GB)NL East

Philadelphia Phillies (93-65)**New York Mets (87-70, 5.5 GB)Atlanta Braves (86-71, 6.5 GB)Washington Nationals (69-88, 23.5 GB)Miami Marlins (58-99, 34.5 GB)NL Central

Milwaukee Brewers (90-67)** Chicago Cubs (81-77, 9.5 GB)St. Louis Cardinals (79-77, 10.5 GB)Cincinnati Reds, (76-82, 14.5 GB)Pittsburgh Pirates (73-84, 17 GB)NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers (93-63)*San Diego Padres (90-66, 3 GB)Arizona Diamondbacks (87-70, 6.5 GB)San Francisco Giants (78-79, 15.5 GB)Colorado Rockies (60-96, 33 GB)NL Wild Card

San Diego Padres (90-66, +3.5 Games)New York Mets (87-70)Arizona Diamondbacks (87-70)Atlanta Braves (86-71, 1 GB)*Denotes clinched playoff spot

**Denotes clinched division

Coming off a 101-win season in 2023, the Orioles upgraded their roster in the offseason by acquiring 2021 NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers.

There wasn’t a team with a more exciting collection of young talent, both in the big leagues and minors, coming into 2024. Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jordan Westburg and Colton Cowser were all entering their age-26-or-younger seasons.

Even with Henderson and Rutschman having graduated to the big leagues since 2022, the Orioles’ farm system entered the year ranked No. 2 in MLB. Jackson Holliday, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 MLB draft, was the consensus top prospect in baseball.

One reason the Orioles had to trade for a pitcher of Burnes’ caliber is because their system was so heavy on position players. They have received solid contributions from Albert Suárez and Dean Kremer, but Burnes is clearly the anchor of the group.

Grayson Rodriguez was having a solid season before a right lat/teres strain sent him to the injured list on Aug. 7. He is working his way back, but it’s unclear if he will be ready in time for the playoffs.

The Orioles are going to be carried in the postseason by their offense. The unit ranks second in MLB in homers and seventh in runs scored with Henderson and Anthony Santander leading the way in the power department.

Baltimore Orioles @OriolesThat ball was CRUSHED. pic.twitter.com/eKLmSQOxSq

This roster was built to grind opposing pitchers into the ground. It’s a formula that allowed the Orioles to challenge for the best record in the AL for the second straight year.

Now, the Orioles will look to earn their first playoff series win since reaching the ALCS in 2014.