The final month of the 2023 MLB regular season is here, bringing with it the determination of postseason and awards races. The next four weeks and two days will decide who gets a contract extension and who may be searching for a job. With that in mind, here are the top storylines to watch in September.
The AL West race
The AL West has been one of the most interesting division races this season, with the Seattle Mariners leading the pack since the All-Star break. The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are just one game behind, and all three teams are fighting for a playoff spot. Unfortunately, there won’t be any tiebreaker games, as ties will be settled mathematically rather than on the field.
Wild-card chaos
The AL and NL wild-card races are still up in the air, with several teams vying for the coveted postseason spots. The top wild-card team in each league will host the Wild Card Series, while the other two teams will have to play on the road. The seeding for the wild-card teams will determine their opponents in the playoffs.
Will Ohtani have Tommy John surgery?
Shohei Ohtani’s future is uncertain after being diagnosed with a torn UCL. It is unclear whether he will require Tommy John surgery or if rest will be enough to heal the injury. His status as a free agent adds another layer of complexity to his situation.
Acuña vs. Mookie (vs. Freeman)
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mookie Betts are in a tight race for the NL MVP award. Acuña had been the frontrunner for most of the season, but Betts has been making a strong case with his recent performances. Freddie Freeman is also having a remarkable season and is in contention for the award.
Will the Yankees finish with a winning record?
The New York Yankees are in danger of finishing with a losing record for the first time in decades. They will need to win most of their remaining games to avoid this outcome.
Cabrera and Wainwright farewells
Miguel Cabrera and Adam Wainwright will be retiring after this season. Cabrera is a surefire Hall of Famer, while Wainwright is still aiming for his 200th career win. Other veterans may also be ending their careers this year.
September call-ups
Teams can now call up two additional players from their minor league system. While the rules have changed to limit the number of call-ups, it is still an exciting time for prospects to make their debut or contribute to their teams’ playoff push.
Notable September series
Several important series will take place in September that could have a significant impact on the division races. Teams like the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, Tampa Bay Rays, and Baltimore Orioles will be competing in critical matchups.
