Major League Baseball National League Playoff Picture
The 2021 Major League Baseball (MLB) season is nearing its end, and the National League (NL) playoff picture is starting to take shape. With several teams still in contention for postseason play, fans are eagerly watching to see who will make the cut.
NL East
The NL East is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball this year. The Atlanta Braves currently hold the top spot, with a record of 75-65. However, the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are both within striking distance, just a few games back. The Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins are both out of playoff contention, but could still play spoiler to their division rivals down the stretch.
NL Central
The NL Central is a bit more clear-cut, with the Milwaukee Brewers holding a comfortable lead with a record of 89-55. The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals are both in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, but are several games back. The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates have both been eliminated from playoff contention.
NL West
The NL West has been one of the most closely watched divisions this year, with the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers battling for supremacy. The Giants currently hold a slim lead with a record of 92-50, while the Dodgers are close behind at 89-53. The San Diego Padres have also been in the mix for most of the season, but are now several games back. The Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks have both been eliminated from playoff contention.
Wild Card
With the NL playoff picture starting to come into focus, several teams are still in the hunt for a Wild Card spot. The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals are currently the front runners, with the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres close behind. The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are also still in contention, but will need to make up ground quickly to secure a spot in the postseason.
Conclusion
As the MLB regular season draws to a close, the National League playoff picture is still up in the air. With several teams still in contention, fans are in for an exciting end to the season. Will the Giants hold on to win the NL West? Can the Phillies or Mets catch the Braves in the NL East? Who will secure a Wild Card spot? Only time will tell.