MLB Power Rankings 2024: Who will take the last wildcard spots?

Ben Verlander

MLB analyst at FOX Sports

There is only one week left until the MLB playoffs.

Some teams can already smell October baseball, as five teams secured a playoff spot last week, but the final wild-card spots may not be decided until the 162nd game.

As we enter the final week of the regular season, here are my top 10 baseball teams with World Series odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

10. Baltimore Orioles (86-70, last week 8)
World Series odds: +1100

The Orioles' slide down the standings and rankings continued this week. Baltimore will almost certainly have to settle for a wild-card spot after losing 10 of their last 14 games. Gunnar Henderson and Colton Cowser are the only ones who have performed well in recent weeks. Baltimore's pitching staff has been a little better, with Corbin Burnes and Zach Eflin getting good starts. The fact that closer Craig Kimbrel has been called up speaks to the ongoing problems in the bullpen.

9. Detroit Tigers (82-74, LW not classified)
World Series odds: +5000

We've finally found a team that wants the final wild-card spot in the American League. The Tigers swept the Royals last week and won four of six games against the Orioles at the end of that series. Detroit has a 27-11 record since August 10, with its outfield smashing the ball over the last month. Tarik Skubal is still on track to win the AL Cy Young, but aside from him, the rotation is a bit thin. Still, the Tigers have their playoff fate in their own hands heading into the final week of the regular season, which ends with a series against the Chicago White Sox.

8. New York Mets (87-69, last week 10)
World Series odds: +3200

The Mets were without Francisco Lindor last week, but that wasn't a problem. They took three of four games against the Phillies over the weekend, with Luisangel Acuña making his MLB debut and promptly hitting three home runs in place of Lindor at shortstop. New York can secure a playoff spot if it wins at least two of three games against the Braves this week. Otherwise, its season in Milwaukee is on the line.

7. Cleveland Guardian (90-67, LW7)
World Series odds: +1300

The Guardians clinched the AL Central last week and will almost certainly have a bye in the first round. José Ramírez is quietly having an excellent season and is just three home runs away from a 40/40 season. Cleveland's rotation has also been a little better the last two weeks, with Ben Lively, Joey Cantillo and Gavin Williams putting in solid performances alongside Tanner Bibee. This club has the pitching to go far.

6. Milwaukee Brewers (89-67, run 6)
World Series odds: +2400

The Brewers are the other team to clinch the division title in the final week of the regular season. They played well against the Phillies, winning two of three games before losing three of four to the Arizona Diamondbacks, likely ending their hopes of a first-round bye. Still, they look a threat to make the postseason, with star rookie Jackson Chourio filling the void left by Christian Yelich's injury.

5. Houston Astros (85-71, LW4)
World Series odds: +750

It seemed unlikely just a few months ago, but the Astros are probably just a game or two away from securing the AL West. They have won 8 of 11 games and can seal the win early this week in a three-game regular season against the second-place Seattle Mariners. Houston's lineup is firing on all cylinders, with Kyle Tucker and Yordan Álvarez on point. On the mound, Spencer Arrighetti, Ronel Blanco, Framber Valdez, Yusei Kikuchi and Hunter Brown all got off to good starts last week. This is a mean team.

4. San Diego Padres (90-66, LW 5)
World Series odds: +1300

Don't look now, but the Padres still have a chance to win the NL West. They enter the final week three games behind the Dodgers at the top of the division, and they can make that up by Thursday when they face LA in a three-game series. Whatever happens, it's been a strong year for San Diego. Much like the Astros (who they took two of three games from last week), almost all of their regulars have been hitting the ball well recently and their rotation has been outstanding. This team will be fun to watch in the postseason.

3. New York Yankees (92-64, LW3)
World Series odds: +450

After some summer blues, the Yankees are in top form in September. They are 12-4 since September 6 and will likely win the AL East in the next few days. Aaron Judge is hitting home runs again, having hit three in the last seven games. Juan Soto is doing his best to make him and Judge the most dangerous hitting duo in baseball. Rookie outfielder Jasson Domínguez is also trying to make the postseason roster and has hit two home runs in the past week.

2. Philadelphia Phillies (92-64, LW1)
World Series odds: +410

The Phillies didn't have the best week against two opponents, losing five of seven games to the Brewers and Mets. But they're still one of the best teams in baseball as Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola continue to produce good results on the mound. Ranger Suárez has really faded since his dominant start to the season (3-6, 4.46 ERA in his last 15 starts), but Philly's lineup is still one of the best in baseball.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers (93-63, Left Back 2)
World Series odds: +330

The Dodgers are back in the postseason and could enter the playoffs as the team to beat. Shohei Ohtani looks ready for his first taste of October baseball. On Thursday, he put on a performance for the ages against the Miami Marlins to secure the first 50/50 season in MLB history. Aside from Ohtani, who has been in top form for several games, this lineup is hitting well. Tommy Edman was a secret big addition for them at the deadline. Of course, there are still rotation concerns given the number of injuries. But they hope Clayton Kershaw returns soon. It's uncertain what they'll get from their personnel this postseason.

Out of: Kansas City Royals (82-74, LW9)
World Series odds: +3900

Ben Verlander is an MLB analyst for FOX Sports and host of the “Damn bats” Podcast. Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Verlander was an All-American at Old Dominion University before joining his brother Justin in Detroit as a 14th-round pick of the Tigers in 2013. He spent five years in the Tigers organization. Follow him on @BenVerlander.

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