MLB playoff picture, standings, postseason odds: Dodgers punch ticket; Cardinals move into wild card position

The 2021 Major League Baseball season is in its final month, and baseball's playoff picture is starting to take shape. While some teams, like the White Sox and Brewers, appear to have their divisions wrapped up, there are going to be plenty of fascinating races in September. We also officially have our first two postseason teams, as the Dodgers joined the Giants on Tuesday night.

Perhaps the best race right now is the AL wild card. There are five teams competing for two spots and they are all within 3 1/2 games. The juicy field includes two of the biggest names in the Red Sox and Yankees, but also the scorching-hot Blue Jays, the perennial contender Athletics, and the Mariners, who have the longest playoff drought in baseball.

The NL wild card is pretty tasty as well, as three teams (Reds, Padres, Cardinals) are within a half-game of each other and fighting for one spot.

How will these shake out?

We'll find out the answers before the postseason gets started Oct. 5. But it's also worth asking, what would the MLB playoff picture look like if the season ended today? We have the answer to that question, as well as up-to-date standings and playoff odds, below.

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If the season ended today

AL Wild Card Game: Blue Jays vs. Yankees
NL Wild Card Game: Dodgers vs. CardinalsALDS: Astros vs. White SoxALDS: Rays vs. AL Wild Card Game winnerNLDS: Brewers vs. BravesNLDS: Giants vs. NL Wild Card Game winner