Diamondbacks Playoffs: What Must Happen for Arizona to Reach October

The Arizona Diamondbacks are heading into the most critical stretch of their 2024 season. Their playoff hopes are barely hanging on.

They trail the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds by just a single game in the race for the last National League wild-card spot. With only six games left against powerhouse opponents, every inning really counts now.

At 79-77, Arizona sits just behind the Mets and Reds, both at 80-76. The standings look close, but the reality is a bit messier.

Arizona faces the toughest remaining schedule of the three, going up against the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. Both opponents are already prepping for the postseason.

Diamondbacks’ Position in the Wild Card Race

The Mets and Reds get softer opponents to close things out. Arizona, meanwhile, has to survive two series against teams with deep pitching and dangerous lineups.

Winning in Dodger Stadium and Petco Park? That’s a tall order. The Diamondbacks need to play almost perfect baseball to keep their season alive.

The Schedule: A Brutal Final Stretch

Tiebreakers could end up deciding everything, and Arizona’s situation is a mixed bag. The Diamondbacks have the edge over the Mets thanks to a better division record.

But against Cincinnati, it’s the opposite—they lose the head-to-head, which basically gives the Reds a two-game cushion.

Tiebreak Scenarios and Their Impact

If all three teams end up with the same record, things look even worse for Arizona. Cincinnati already owns the season series against both the Mets and Diamondbacks.

So, in a three-way tie, Arizona’s playoff dreams would vanish in a flash.

Three-Way Tie Possibilities

The path to October is narrow, but it’s not totally closed. For Arizona to grab the last wild-card spot, the math is simple but rough:

• Arizona probably needs to go 5-1 in their final six games.
• The Mets have to finish 4-2 or worse.
• The Reds need to end up 3-3 or worse.

What Arizona Must Achieve

If Arizona only manages 4-2, they’d need both the Mets and Reds to really stumble. That’s a long shot, considering who those teams are facing.

Anything less, and Arizona’s hoping for a miracle collapse from both rivals. That’s not something you can count on.

Why Anything Less Won’t Be Enough

Right fielder Corbin Carroll has been cautiously optimistic, knowing how thin the margin is. “A lot has to go right,” Carroll said, capturing both the hope and realism in the clubhouse.

His performance and leadership will matter a ton this week. The younger guys will look to veterans like him to stay calm when things get tense.

Corbin Carroll’s Perspective

This wild-card chase is giving Arizona’s young roster some real seasoning, no matter how it ends. Playing these high-stakes games in September builds the kind of grit you need for future playoff runs.

It’s a tough road, sure. But this experience could end up being a huge plus for the franchise down the line.

Final Thoughts: Long Odds but High Stakes

The Diamondbacks clawed their way back from a middling first half. Now, somehow, they’re right in the playoff conversation.

Pitching has finally steadied, the lineup’s gotten clutch, and you can feel their resolve. But let’s be real—the final week is a gauntlet, with the NL’s best waiting.

If Arizona pulls off a wild closing run, people will talk about it for years. Either way, they’re setting up for better days ahead.

Fans, hang on tight. This week’s going to be a ride.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB playoffs: Here’s what needs to happen for Diamondbacks to reach October