Top 5 series that could make or break post-season hopes ft. Royals at Yankees | September Showdowns 2024

With under one month remaining in the 2024 MLB regular season, several teams know that is do-or-die time. While plenty can still happen, the standings are starting to resemble what could become the eventual playoff bracket.

Looking at the remaining games on the MLB schedule highlights some very interesting storylines. Today, we will be examining five series that will likely have big ramifications for the clubs involved.

Top 5 MLB Must Watch Series in September 2024

5. Yankees vs Royals, September 9-11

The Kansas City Royals have surprised everyone this season. Despite finishing the 2023 MLB season with just 54 wins, stupendous pitching and the otherwordly hitting of Bobby Witt Jr. puts the team in the third and final Wild Card spot.

On September 9, the Royals will play the Yankees for the second series of the season. With the Yankees currently clasping on to the top spot in their division, expect both teams to play their hearts out in the Bronx.

4. Twins vs Guardians, September 16-19

3.5 games currently seperate the Minnesota Twins from the AL Central-leading Guardians as of September 1. By the time the two teams meet for a four-game series on September 16, much could change.

The Twins are fresh off of their first playoff series win since 2004, and full of energy. Meanwhile, the Guardians boast a 2.80 bullpen ERA, which is the best number in baseball. Although Minnesota maintains a playoff spot, they have their sights set on the division. Watch out for Twins manager Rocco Baldelli to try and puncture Cleveland's bullpen during the four-game away series.

3. Braves vs Mets, September 24-26

Age old rivals, both the Braves and New York Mets have taken second place to the Phillies in the NL East this year. However, with Atlanta just one game ahead of the Mets, and in the final NL Wild Card spot, things could get interesting.

"Labor Day NL wild card race update" - SNY Mets

The Mets' 24-18 record since the All-Star break is the sixth-best in MLB. However, much of that work will likely come down to their penultimate series of the season - a three game away series in Atlanta commencing on September 24.

2. Yankees vs Orioles, September 24-26

While the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles have exchanged blows all year, New York currently sits at the top of the AL East, with half a game on the O's.

With 210 and 206 home runs respectively, the Yankees and O's rank first and second in MLB when it comes to long balls. Set to play a three-game series in New York on closing weekend, it is highly likely that the winner will be crowned the AL East champion.

1. Diamondbacks vs Padres, September 27-29

The fact that both the D-Backs and San Diego Padres have among the best records in August has kept the NL West very interesting. While the Dodgers look as though they will carry the division, the second-place team will almost certainly be a Wild Card participant.

"Going into the last day of August, the closest race in the NL is not for a division or Wild Card, but which division winners get the two coveted first-round byes." - Adam McCalvy

Ranking first and second in team batting average respectively, the D-Backs and Padres will have a chance to close out their series against one another. Expect the series winner to advance to October, and the loser to start looking at tee times.