MLB Contenders’ Remaining Schedules: Easier Roads and Tougher Trails

As the 2024 MLB season nears its climax, the standings reflect only part of the picture. What the standings can't show us is the strength of each team's remaining schedule. This crucial detail can make or break a playoff run, and understanding which teams have an easier or tougher path ahead is essential for predicting the postseason landscape.

Let’s delve into the teams with the most favorable and least favorable schedules as they approach the final stretch of the season.

Teams with the Easiest Schedules

1. Chicago Cubs The Cubs are poised to benefit from a relatively easy schedule, ranked 30th in terms of strength of schedule (.479). Having already finished their series against the White Sox with a perfect 4-0 record, they now face several teams struggling at the bottom of their divisions. With upcoming series against the Blue Jays, Athletics, Rockies, and Marlins, plus seven games against the Nationals, the Cubs have a golden opportunity to make significant strides. Only nine of their remaining 40 games are against teams with winning records, providing a clear path to potentially secure a Wild Card spot.

2. New York Yankees The Yankees, with a remaining strength of schedule ranked 29th (.486), also have a relatively smooth path ahead. Although their rivals, the Orioles, have a similarly manageable schedule, the Yankees have the advantage of facing the Rockies, Athletics, Tigers, Nationals, and White Sox multiple times. A key series against the Orioles from September 24-26 could be pivotal in determining the AL East champion. Overall, the Yankees’ schedule should help them maintain their strong position in the division.

3. Atlanta Braves Despite a season marred by injuries to key players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, the Braves are in a favorable position with the 27th ranked remaining strength of schedule (.490). They will face 17 games against teams currently out of playoff contention, including eight games against division rivals Washington and Miami. Although they still have challenging series against the Phillies and Dodgers, the majority of their remaining matchups are against lower-tier teams, which should help them secure a postseason spot.

Teams with the Toughest Schedules

1. Cleveland Guardians The Guardians, with the third toughest remaining schedule (.510), are in for a challenging finish. Their path includes series against the first-place Astros, Brewers, and Dodgers, as well as critical matchups against the Yankees. Moreover, the Guardians have tough games against division rivals, the Twins and Royals, who will be looking to close the gap. This challenging schedule will test their ability to hold onto their lead in the AL Central.

2. Kansas City Royals The Royals face a difficult stretch with the fourth hardest remaining schedule (.509). Their upcoming games include series against the Guardians, Yankees, Phillies, and Astros, as well as additional matchups with the Twins and a season-ending series in Atlanta. This gauntlet of games against high-caliber teams will make it tough for the Royals to maintain their current Wild Card position.

3. St. Louis Cardinals The Cardinals, with the sixth toughest remaining schedule (.508), have a daunting road ahead. After their current series with the Reds, they will face teams either fighting for playoff spots or already secure in the hunt, including a difficult stretch against the Reds, Blue Jays, Pirates, Guardians, and Rockies. The intensity of these matchups could be a significant obstacle for the Cardinals, who need to navigate these challenges to stay in contention.

In summary, as the regular season winds down, the strength of each team’s remaining schedule will play a critical role in shaping the playoff picture. While some teams enjoy a smoother path, others face a formidable road to October. Keep an eye on these matchups as they could very well decide who makes it to the postseason and who falls short.