We’re in the final month of the season, and the margin for error among teams on the fringe of the playoff races has been reduced to almost zero.
This week features numerous series between contenders and several teams facing challenges from two postseason hopefuls. The Reds play the Blue Jays and Mets; the Yankees play the Blue Jays and Astros; the Astros play the Yankees and Rangers; the Blue Jays meet the Reds and Yankees.
In a week, we’ll know a lot more about where those teams fit into the playoff picture. For now, let’s look at five of the many series to watch this week and how they could reshape two pennant races.
Phillies at Brewers: 3 games (Monday, Wednesday-Thursday)
Head-to-head: Milwaukee swept the Phillies in a three-game series in Philadelphia in late May and early June, outscoring them 28-11. Despite being frequent contenders in recent years, they’ve met in just one playoff series, when the Phillies took a National League Division Series in four games in 2008.
Storyline: The teams with the two best records in the NL meeting in September – as far as potential postseason previews go, it doesn’t get much better than that. The Phillies, despite a gaudy record, still have something to prove. They were in this spot last week and were swept by the Mets, being outscored 25-8 in three games. The Brewers have been around .500 since their 14-game winning streak ended on Aug. 17, but they still hold a comfortable lead over the Cubs in the NL Central.
Watch out for: One expected and one unexpected power surge. Kyle Schwarber led the NL with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs in August, including a four-homer, nine-RBI game on Aug. 28. His next homer will be his 50th. Milwaukee second baseman Brice Turang’s .680 slugging percentage in August, meanwhile, is 87 points higher than Schwarber’s. He hit 10 home runs last month, taking his total from six to 16.
Guardians at Red Sox: 3 games (Monday-Wednesday)
Head-to-head: The Red Sox took two of three from the Guardians in Cleveland in April, winning those games by a combined score of 24-11.
Storyline: If make-or-break time hasn’t already arrived for the Guardians, it’s here now. They’re battling the Mariners, Royals and Rangers for the final Wild Card spot and, after ending a series with Seattle on Sunday, face Kansas City and Texas for seven total games in September. Boston is holding the second Wild Card spot and a chance to host a playoff series.
Watch out for: Standout rookies. Boston outfielder Roman Anthony formally announced his arrival with a home run off Paul Skenes last week at Fenway Park. The 21-year-old outfielder had an OPS over .900 in August and would be in any AL Rookie of the Year conversation that didn’t include Nick Kurtz. Guardians left-hander Parker Messick, who pitches Monday, has allowed one run over his first two starts, covering 13 2/3 innings.
Mets at Tigers: 3 games (Monday-Wednesday)
Head-to-head: The Interleague opponents meet for the first and only time in 2025. The Tigers have won 11 of the last 15 games dating to 2013.
Storyline: It’s a huge two weeks for the Mets, who, after three games against one of the American League’s best teams, have road series against the Reds and the Phillies. It’s a 10-game road trip that could define their season, for better or worse.
Watch out for: Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor did a bit of everything in August, with 41 hits, eight doubles, six home runs, 12 walks and nine stolen bases. First baseman Pete Alonso blasted nine home runs and was third in the NL with 29 RBIs, and outfielder Juan Soto clocked 10 homers. With no Tarik Skubal to contend with in this series, their chances of staying hot into September improve.
Blue Jays at Reds: 3 games (Monday-Wednesday)
Head-to-head: This is their only series in 2025; Toronto leads the all-time matchup 17-10, though the Reds took two of three in 2024.
Storyline: Like the Mets, the Reds face a daunting first 10 days of September that could tell the story of their season. After hosting the Blue Jays, the Reds meet the Mets for three games, then travel to San Diego to begin a nine-game road trip. Toronto is trying to hold off the Red Sox and hard-charging Yankees to win the AL East, with a series against the Yankees looming this weekend.
Watch out for: The ability of Toronto’s pitching to hold up during a pennant race. The Blue Jays’ three starters in this series — Chris Bassitt, José Berríos and Eric Lauer — combined to surrender 71 hits and 36 runs in 67 innings in August. The Reds’ 3.58 ERA in August was their best in any month this season.
Yankees at Astros: 3 games (Tuesday-Thursday)
Head-to-head: The Astros took two of three in the Bronx in August and are looking to win the season series for the first time since 2022. Houston beat the Yankees in the ALCS in 2017, 2019 and 2022.
Storyline: It’s the start of a difficult week for both teams, but they’ve given themselves some breathing room. The Yankees are a half-game ahead of the Red Sox for the top Wild Card spot, and Houston leads the Mariners by two games in the AL West. The Yankees are chasing first place in the AL East, three games behind Toronto with a weekend series upcoming against the Blue Jays.
Watch out for: The home stretch of the AL Most Valuable Player race. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh took the lead in our latest staff poll, but Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge still leads the league in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs and walks and is chasing his fourth 50-homer season.
