AL Wild Card Chase Intensifies as the MLB Regular Season Nears a Close

Drew Thirion|published: Sun 14th September, 06:47 2025

Sep 9, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Michael Helman (24) celebrates with Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Just one week ago, the Astros seemed like they had the AL West wrapped up, and Seattle was looking to pull away with the final Wild Card spot.

Then, Houston stumbled, the Mariners reeled off seven wins in a row, the Rangers rattled off five in a row, and even Cleveland has quietly gone 8-2 in their last 10. Seattle and Houston are now tied for first in the AL West, and despite a 6-1 week for the Guardians, they lost a game in their pursuit of the last Wild Card slot.

Remaining Schedules:

SEA: 2 LAA, 3 KC, 3 HOU, 3 COL, 3 LAD

HOU: 2 ATL, 3 TEX, 3 SEA, 3 A’s, 3 LAA

TEX: 2 NYM, 3 HOU, 3 MIA, 3 MIN, 3 CLE

CLE: 2 CHW, 3 DET, 4 MIN, 3 DET, 3 TEX

Seattle has the most favorable remaining schedule, with some winnable series against the Angels and Colorado, and a chance to clinch the division by going down to Houston for a massive series against a reeling Astros team.

Texas has a very favorable draw as well, with series against Minnesota and Miami, and also getting a shot at an Astros team having some in-fighting within themselves. Then they’ll finish with a series against Cleveland that could be massive.

Speaking of Cleveland, they need some help, and with only a 7% chance at making the playoffs, they’ll need a lot of help. Fortunately, their pitchers are getting hot at the perfect time.

If the Guardians can play well against a Tigers team that might be without Tarik Skubal, and if the Rangers and Seattle can beat up the Astros, the final series of the season at home against Texas could be a chance at the final playoff spot. The Guardians’ offense is an absolute joke, but their starters are going 7–8 innings every other night. So, if they can work their way in three or four runs, that’s going to be enough for them to win games.

From a betting perspective, I love Seattle -125 to win the AL West. They’re the hottest team in baseball, and I trust them the most to emerge from this division.

I’d lean towards Texas to take the final Wild Card spot, but a more exciting bet is Houston +295 to not make the playoffs. If you think either the Rangers or Guardians will secure the last playoff spot, this is the best option instead of betting on Texas at +155 or Cleveland at +950 just to make it to the dance.

We’ve got a great one coming down the stretch, and it’s still anyone’s chance to have an October to remember.