3 teams the Mariners fans need to root for to secure a postseason spot

The Baltimore Orioles could open up the wild card for the Mariners

One of the teams the Mariners could potentially square off in during the first round of the playoffs may be the biggest contributor (and easiest path) to Seattle playing postseason baseball. The Orioles possess one of the best offenses in the game and after an offseason acquisition of Corbin Burnes, they look like one of the most complete teams in the American League. They currently have a comfortable five-game lead in the wild card but sit just three games behind the Yankees for the AL East title. With a three-game series against the Yankees next week, they could position themselves well going into that series, and at the same time, help the Mariners make a late push for a wild card spot.

While the Orioles begin a three-game series at home against the Giants, the Mariners will take on the current AL East leaders, the New York Yankees. In the next seven days, both teams could really help each other out, as a series win for each would put the Orioles just one game back, as they head to New York. After three against the Giants, the Orioles will host the Tigers in a prime spot to kick the Tigers out of wild card contention and propel a Twins versus Mariners battle for the final spot.

Speaking of the Minnesota Twins and the final wild card spot, the Orioles have a chance to really lock down the final wild card spot for the Mariners (assuming Seattle handles their business of course). After a very important three-game series in New York, Baltimore will head to Minnesota to close out the year. While Mariners fans don't care who wins the AL East, they should hope that Baltimore is still within range of the AL East title, when they head to Minnesota. This could end up being the deciding factor for Seattle clinching that final wild card spot.