As of this writing, the American League playoff field is nearly settled. Three teams—the Blue Jays, Yankees and Mariners—have locked up postseason bids, while eight have been mathematically eliminated. That leaves four clubs—the Red Sox, Guardians, Tigers and Astros—left to duke it out for the final three spots. The push to get into October baseball seems destined to come down to the final weekend of the season.
But what awaits these squads once they get there? To succeed on the biggest stage, they will need to play at their best (or close to it). Doing so will be as much about papering over weaknesses as it will be leaning into strengths.
