Mariners: What would happen in a tiebreaker? How Crazy could it get?

First things first. The Mariners are still technically alive to win the division. The Astros are five games up with six games left. If the Mariners win out, and Houston either loses out or wins just one game, they could still win the division. That would actually lead to a one-game playoff to figure out who gets the division title, but I’m not gonna go down that road today. It’s possible, but it’s the most unlikely thing we’re looking at today.

Instead, I want to look at what would happen if there was a giant tiebreaker that occurred, with as many teams as possible tying for the Wild Card spots. I’m sorry Oakland, but you’re out. For the Mariners to catch up and tie, you aren’t going to be able to be a part of this tie party.

So, let’s explore how crazy a Wild Card tie extravaganza could get if the Mariners make it.

Honestly, this is my hope. I want chaos and craziness. It would be like finals week, with stress all over the place, fans over-reacting by the hour, and losing their collective minds. Let’s build up to it and see exactly what could happen for the Mariners.

Mariners Chaos: A two-way tie for the second spot

There’s a scenario where the Mariners could end up tied for the two wild-card spots with just one other team, but the only tiebreaker there is their head-to-head record for home field. So, that’s no fun. However, if they tie for the second wild-card spot with another team, they would play a play-in game against that other team for the right to play whoever the first wild card team is, which would be another play-in game. Two play-in games, that’s a good way to start.

Mariners Chaos: A three-way tie for both spots

This is the craziest one to me. If there is a three-way tie for both spots, then everyone receives an A, B, C designation based on head-to-head records. A hosts B, with the winner moving on. The loser plays C, and the winner of that game goes to the wild card as well. Each spot has their perks, but A&B seem to be the best. Win one of two games, and you’re in. You could end up playing two play-in games just to get to the wild card. It’s starting to get wild. I like it.

Mariners Chaos: A three-way tie for the final spot

Teams would once again get A, B, C designations. This time, team C is the preferred spot. A play B, and the winner goes on to play C, but at home for the winner of A/B. Whoever wins that second play-in game gets the final wild-card spot. Not quite as exciting as a three-way for both spots, but still fun.

Mariners Chaos: A four-way tie for one spot

There could be a lot of games here, and it’s starting to get funky. A, B, C, D designations, with A&B playing, C&D playing, and the winners playing each other to get that final spot. Imagine. And yes, I’m including Oakland here actually cause it’s still possible,

Mariners Chaos: A four-way tie for both spots

OH, BUDDY. Actually, this is a lot less crazy than you think. Just like above, A and B play, as do C and D. Winners get the wild card spots, and then home field is determined by their record against each other.

Bear with me. This is the crazy one.

Okay. So if the mariners could somehow tie Houston while at the same time finishing with the same record as two or three of the AL East teams, that’s when it gets confusing. It’s very unlikely, but still fun to know what would happen.

Houston and Seattle would play to decide who wins the division. Then the scenarios from ago I’ve come into play. Imagine the three teams for one spot scenario. If the loser of the Seattle Houston game for designated A or B, they could play that game. Then, they would go play team C. All of that just to get the wild card, where they would play one more game to try and make the actual playoffs.

It would be incredible and insane. I would hate to see it happen to Seattle, but it would amazing to watch. There’s a ton of scenarios out there, and as a long-suffering Mariners fan, I’d love to get a part of any of them.