We’re only a few weeks away from the start of the MLB postseason and action is definitely picking up in the race for those coveted playoff spots. The introduction of the second wild card has definitely ratcheted up the intensity, especially in the tightly-contested National League. As it stands, three NL teams are within 9.5 games of that final postseason spot.
Read on below as we breakdown the top four contenders in the National League Wild Card race. While you’re at it, you can also check out our American League Wild Card preview.
[sc:MLBArticles ]2015 NL Wild Card Race Preview
Pittsburgh Pirates (74-48)
World Series Odds: +1,200
[sc:MLB240banner ]Lording it over at the top of the National League wild card standings are the Pittsburgh Pirates. With their victory against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, the Pirates improved their major-league record to 74-48. They are now three games clear of the Chicago Cubs for that first wild card spot in the National League.
The Pirates have been on a tear of late, winning nine of their last 11 games. One of the main reasons behind the Bucs’ resurgence has been their excellent bullpen. Pittsburgh’s bullpen has now won 18 straight decisions, the longest streak in the majors since 1909. The Pirates are third in the majors in bullpen ERA with a solid 2.58 average.
Chicago Cubs (71-51)
World Series Odds: +1,400
One team who’s peaking at exactly the right time is the Chicago Cubs. They are one of the hottest teams in the majors right now, having won all of their last four games. The Cubs are now six games clear of the San Francisco Giants for the second Wild Card spot in the National League. It has been quite a turnaround for the streaking Cubs, who combined to go 118 games below .500 over the past five years.
Leading the way for the Cubs this season are Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. Rizzo leads the team in homers (25), RBIs (76) and on-base percentage (.401) this year. Bryant isn’t that far behind with 19 homers, 74 RBIs and a .367 OBP this season. They will need to be at their best, though, for the Cubs’ final stretch run. According to PlayoffStatus.com, they have the fourth toughest remaining schedule in the National League this season.
San Francisco Giants (66-58)
World Series Odds: +1,600
What in the world has happened to the San Francisco Giants? The defending champions are in the midst of a horrible slump, losing four of their last five games. As a result of their poor form, the Giants are now six games behind the Chicago Cubs for the second wild card spot in the National League.
That being said, they can take comfort in the fact that they are still on course to appear in this year’s postseason. They are just 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for the NL West crown. Up next for the Giants is a critical six-game home stand against the Cubs and the league-leading St. Louis Cardinals. They are just 1-6 against those two teams this season.
Washington Nationals (62-61)
World Series Odds: +1,800
Another team that is in a major tailspin right now is the Washington Nationals. They have lost eight of their last 12 games as their record now stands at a precarious 62-61 slate. Washington is now five games behind the New York Mets in the NL East division. To make matters worse for the Nats, they are 9.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs for the final wild card spot in the National League.
For Washington to stay alive in the playoff hunt, it’ll need Bryce Harper to continue his red-hot form. He is 8-for-22 in his last seven games with one homer, one RBI and six walks. He leads the team in homers (31), RBIs (74), walks (90) and on-base percentage (.455) this season. As it stands, the Nationals have a 15% chance of reaching the postseason this year.
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