For the second consecutive season and 26th time in the past 31 years, the New York Yankees are in the postseason. The Seattle Mariners will join them, as they make their sixth playoff appearance in franchise history.

With the 2025 MLB playoffs fast approaching, here is the nightmare scenario for the New York Yankees as they close in on a postseason spot.

The stakes are significant. The No. 1 seed in the American League ensures home-field advantage through the AL playoffs and a first-round bye, creating a more favorable postseason path.

New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge still appears to be the AL MVP favorite, but the case for Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh is getting a lot of heat following

Seattle Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh broke New York Yankees legend Mickey Mantle's switch-hitting home run record in the team's 12-5 win on Tuesday.

The milestone sets up a dramatic finish to the American League MVP race between Raleigh and New York Yankees star Aaron Judge. The 60-homer mark has long carried historical weight. Babe Ruth reached it first in 1927, and Roger Maris followed 34 years later in 1961.

Also of note, Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who hit his 60th home run of the season earlier this week, and Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes are in the top 20. Joining the party is Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who became the first Cubs 30-30 player since Sammy Sosa on Friday .

The Mariners are planning to shutter Root Sports at the end of 2025, with Major League Baseball to take over the club’s broadcasts in 2026. Details of the club announcement were relayed by Adam Jude and Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times.

The Blue Jays and Tigers have suddenly lost their leads in their respective divisions. The Mariners have won their first division title in 24 years.