MLB Playoff Predictions: Post Trade Deadline and the Mariners outlook

The 2024 MLB Trade Deadline has come and gone, and while there may have been no superstars switching teams, we saw an active deadline that involved multiple all-stars being traded while the contenders made their moves to get to October. The expanded playoff format that began in 2022 has completely changed the game when it comes to the deadline. While the deadline may not have the same star power movement that we used to see, we have seen many more teams that believe they got a shot. The success of the Arizona Diamondbacks last year and the Philadelphia Phillies the year before (both 6th seeds who made the World Series), have given hope to so many more teams and fans, and it’s great for the game. 

While the majority of the league’s contenders are jockeying for playoff positioning, the Seattle Mariners find themselves in a unique boom-or-bust situation. As they entered their series against the Detroit Tigers, they currently held onto a 1.5-game lead over their hated rival Houston Astros. If they can hold onto their spot, they will win their first division title since 2001, and earn a home playoff series. If they slip and falter, there is likely no wild card to fall back on. It is looking very likely that this race will be a win-or-go-home scenario.

This has created essentially a 50 game sprint between two hated rivals that will likely leave the division winner a home playoff series and the #3 overall seed in the American League. With the AL East and Central division loaded up with teams that are surging and have multiple game leads on Seattle and Houston, the loser of the AL West race could find themselves sitting at home. 

It should be an exciting race to get to the October and the Fall Classic, so today we’re predicting how the regular season will finish based on the trade deadline, and predict who will win the 2024 World Series.