2024 MLB Playoff Picture: Phillies clinch postseason; Updated bracket, standings | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

It will be another Red October in the City of Brotherly Love after the Philadelphia Phillies reached their third consecutive MLB playoff spot.

The Phillies secured their place in the postseason with a 12-2 win over the New York Mets on Friday.

As the MLB playoffs continue to unfold, here are the updated pairings in both leagues based on the scores from Friday, September 20.

Expected playoff games of the National League

• First round bye: No. 1 Philadelphia Phillies, No. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers
• Wild Card Series: No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers vs. No. 6 New York Mets; No. 4 San Diego Padres vs. No. 5 Arizona Diamondbacks

Expected matches in the American League playoffs

• First round bye: No. 1 New York Yankees, No. 2 Cleveland Guardians
• Wild Card Series: No. 3 Houston Astros vs. No. 6 Minnesota Twins; No. 4 Baltimore Orioles vs. No. 5 Kansas City Royals

1. New York Yankees (90-64)*
2. Baltimore Orioles (86-68, 4GB)
3. Boston Red Sox (76-78, 14GB)
4. Tampa Bay Rays (76-78, 14GB)
5. Toronto Blue Jays (73-81, 17GB)

1. Cleveland Browns (90-65)*
2. Kansas City Royals (82-72, 7.5GB)
3. Minnesota Twins (81-73, 8.5GB)
4. Detroit Tigers (80-74, 9.5GB)
5. Chicago White Sox (36-118, 53.5GB)

1. Houston Astros (84-70)
2. Seattle Mariners (79-75, 5GB)
3. Texas Rangers (73-81, 11 GB)
4. Oakland Athletics (67-87, 17GB)
5. Los Angeles Angels (62-92, 22GB)

1. Baltimore Orioles (86-68, +5 games)
2. Kansas City Royals (82-72, +1 game)
3. Minnesota Twins (81-73)
4. Detroit Tigers (80-74, 1GB)
5. Seattle Mariners (79-75, 2GB)
6. Boston Red Sox (76-78, 5GB)
7. Tampa Bay Rays (76-78, 5GB)

1. Philadelphia Phillies (92-62)*
2. New York Mets (85-69, 7 GB)
3. Atlanta Braves (83-71, 9 GB)
4. Washington Nationals (68-86, 24GB)
5. Miami Marlins (57-97, 35 GB)

1. Milwaukee Brewers (88-66)**
2. Chicago Cubs (79-75, 9GB)
3. St. Louis Cardinals (77-77, 11 GB)
4. Cincinnati Reds, (75-80, 13.5GB)
5. Pittsburgh Pirates (72-82, 16GB)

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (92-62)*
2. San Diego Padres (88-66, 4GB)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (86-68, 6GB)
4. San Francisco Giants (75-79, 17GB)
5. Colorado Rockies (59-95, 33GB)

1. San Diego Padres (88-66, +2.5 games)
2. Arizona Diamondbacks (86-68, + 1 game)
3. New York Mets (85-69)
4. Atlanta Braves (83-71, 2GB)
5. Chicago Cubs (79-75, 6GB)
6. St. Louis Cardinals (77-77, 8GB)

*Indicates a secured playoff spot

**Denotes the final division

In a season that didn't feature as many dominant regular-season teams as in years past, the Phillies have been the most complete club in MLB since the start of the year.

The starting pitchers have been a key part of the Phillies' last two playoff appearances, and that's becoming a strength again now. Their starters rank third in MLB in FanGraphs' Wins Above Replacement (15.6).

Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez are the best starting foursome in MLB. Wheeler has a 2.42 ERA in 11 playoff appearances. Nola has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his nine postseason appearances.

In addition to the dominance of the starting lineup, David Dombrowski's career-long effort to put together a good bullpen seems to have finally paid off. Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering and Jeff Hoffman all have ERAs between 1.71 and 1.99 and average more than 10 strikeouts per nine innings.

If there's any concern for the Phillies heading into October, it's the depth of their lineup. Bryce Harper is still hitting well overall, but has hit just three home runs since August 10. He could be on track in time for the playoffs, as all three games have taken place in the last six days.

Despite the lack of home runs, Harper had a slash line of .316/.393/.504 from August 10 to September 19. He has previously demonstrated his ability to take the lead in a playoff series and could make the difference in the race for the NL.

Alec Bohm's hitting declined before going on the injured list with a hand strain on Sept. 6, though he returned to the lineup on Sunday. Through Friday, he had a .403 slugging percentage with three home runs in the second half, after posting a .482 slugging percentage and 11 home runs before the All-Star break. On Friday, however, Bohm had his breakout moment, hitting 4 for 5 with four RBIs, two runs and a home run.

Through Friday, Trea Turner's OPS dropped nearly 300 points from before the All-Star break (.941) to after the break (.676). Harper, Bohm and Turner are three of Philadelphia's top four offensive players when they're on form.

Fortunately, the Phillies have Kyle Schwarber at the top of their list. He has already set an MLB record for most home runs in a single season.

Schwarber's ability to give the Phillies an immediate lead and allow their pitchers to work freely is one of the main reasons the Phillies are considered favorites to win the World Series.

If Turner and/or Bohm can get back on track in October, good luck to any opposing teams trying to contain this offense. The Phillies proved two years ago that they can make a run at any time.

This team is better overall than the 2022 team that lost to the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic. They will have a chance to bring a World Series to Philadelphia for the first time since 2008.