As September progresses, Major League Baseball teams face their final challenges in the race for the postseason. The remaining schedule can be an ally or an obstacle, depending on the quality of the opponents each franchise will face
Using Tankathon’s calendar difficulty index, CBS Sports has identified the five teams with the most accessible schedules and the five with the most difficult schedules. This information is key to understanding how the end of the 2025 season is shaping up.
San Diego Padres with the easiest path
With their opponents’ winning percentage at just 45.9%, the San Diego Padres have the second easiest schedule in all of MLB. Despite facing competitive teams such as the Brewers and Diamondbacks, the presence of weak opponents such as the Rockies and White Sox tips the scales in their favor. In addition, they will play 13 of their last 19 games at home, giving them an added advantage in the battle for the National League West lead.
Seattle Mariners, golden opportunity in the West
The Seattle Mariners also benefit from a favorable schedule, facing teams such as the Cardinals, Angels and Royals. Although they still have a key series against the Astros, which could define the divisional title, their schedule with underperforming rivals gives them a good opportunity to close the season strong.
Yankees have no more playoff rivals
The New York Yankees have an ideal end to the season, not facing any team in playoff position after their series against the Red Sox. With matchups against the Tigers, White Sox and Orioles, their schedule allows them to focus on securing their position without major surprises.
Dodgers and Giants, misleading schedule
Although the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants appear to have relatively easy schedules (48.3% and 48.5% respectively), both teams will face a string of series against direct rivals in the postseason race. In the Dodgers’ case, they will close the season with six consecutive games as visitors, which could complicate their outlook.
Cardinals face toughest schedule
At the other end of the spectrum, the St. Louis Cardinals face the toughest schedule, with their opponents’ winning percentage at 55.6%. Their series against the Brewers, Reds, Giants and Cubs represent a major challenge, especially considering that they are further away from the qualifying zone than other contenders.
Other teams with difficult schedules
Besides the Cardinals, other teams such as the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks also face tough season-ending games. The Rangers have one of the three toughest schedules, while the Diamondbacks must face rivals such as the Dodgers and Giants in decisive series.
Impact on the playoff race
The difficulty of the schedule could be the factor that defines who gets in and who is left out of the postseason. Teams like the Padres and Yankees have a clear advantage, while the Cardinals and Rangers will have to overcome significant obstacles. In this final stretch, every game counts, and the schedule can be both an ally and an enemy.
The calendar as a strategic factor
As the 2025 season enters its final stretch, the schedule becomes a strategic element for MLB teams. Those with more accessible matchups have the opportunity to consolidate their position, while those facing tougher opponents will have to prove their competitive ability. With the playoffs in sight, each series will be crucial in defining the fate of the contenders.
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