MLB: American League Playoff Picture Breakdown

This is how the American League playoff picture looks entering play on July 25th:

American League 1: Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays started the season slowly, but over the past 6-7 weeks, they have been one of the best teams in baseball and have taken over the lead in the AL East. 

American League 2: Houston Astros

Early on this season, it looked like one of Seattle or Texas could win this division. Now it seems as though it’s the Astros division to lose. They have gotten great pitching from Hunter Brown, Framber Valdez, and their bullpen.

American League 3: Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have been the best and most reliable team in the American League this season. They have gone on a mini losing streak since the all-star break though and it has caused them to fall behind Houston and Toronto in the standings.

AL Wild Card 1: New York Yankees

The Yankees started the season very well and held down first place in the AL East for most of the season. They went on a cold streak, though, and pair that with the Jays hot streak, and now the Yankees find themselves in a Wild Card spot. 

AL Wild Card 2: Seattle Mariners

The Mariners have good starting pitching and a good bullpen. Their problem is getting consistency from their lineup. As good as Cal Raleigh has been this season, other impact players have been very hot and cold. They made a big trade on Thursday for 1B Josh Naylor from the Diamondbacks.

AL Wild Card 3: Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have gotten better starting pitching than expected. Aroldis Chapman has been vintage Chapman and since trading awat Rafael Devers, they have been one of the hottest teams in the league