As the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season draws to a close, the race for playoff spots and the debate over who deserves the coveted MVP awards are heating up. On the recent episode of The Inside Pitch, former Major League pitcher Josh Towers and host Scott Seidenberg dove deep into the critical factors shaping the final stretch of the season. From division battles to wild card scrambles, and a spirited debate about MVP contenders, the pair provided insight into the dynamics that could define the season’s end.

Division Leaders: Navigating the Pressure

With the MLB season entering its last phase, teams at the top of their divisions are fighting to maintain control. Scott Seidenberg begins the episode by highlighting the standings across the American and National Leagues (AL and NL) (0:12). In the AL East, the Yankees have a slim three-game lead over the Orioles, while the Cleveland Guardians are up by four on the Royals in the Central. In the NL, the Phillies dominate the East with a nine-game lead over both the Mets and Braves, and the Dodgers hold a comfortable position in the NL West.

While these numbers suggest clear frontrunners, Towers emphasizes that experience and mental toughness are the true deciders when the stakes are high. "It's because of the experience they had just from players' perspective, from coaching perspective,” Towers explains, referencing the Astros’ four-and-a-half-game lead in the AL West (1:46). Houston, according to Towers, has consistently demonstrated the importance of experience in managing high-pressure situations and staying composed when it matters most. Their ability to manage their roster, both mentally and physically, sets them apart from teams that falter down the stretch.

One team on the opposite end of that spectrum is the Seattle Mariners. Towers points out their erratic moves, such as firing coaches and bringing in new players, as a sign of instability (1:46). As the final weeks approach, he underscores that while physical talent is important, it is mental toughness that will determine which teams thrive under pressure and which collapse.

The Minnesota Twins: Contenders or Pretenders?

The Twins, currently holding the third wild card spot in the American League, are in an interesting position. Despite having a two-and-a-half-game lead over both the Tigers and Mariners, the Twins' real advantage comes from winning the season series against these two teams. Due to the new tiebreaker rules, there is no game 163, so the Twins hold a critical edge (4:48).

However, Josh Towers is skeptical about Minnesota’s ability to hold onto their playoff spot, pointing out their tendency to misuse pitchers and rely too heavily on their bullpen. “We know that unless he's given up zero or one, they’re going to pull him. They're going to go to an overworked bullpen that's been beat down” (6:44). He warns that the Twins' management style could lead to them stumbling in these crucial final weeks.

Scott Seidenberg, on the other hand, points to the fact that despite Minnesota’s challenges, their situation could be worse. “If at the end of the year the Twins are tied in the standings… the Twins make the postseason because they have the tiebreaker” (4:48). This extra layer of security may buy them enough time to lock in a playoff spot even if they struggle.

Francisco Lindor: An MVP Contender?

The debate over the MVP awards became a focal point of the discussion, with Francisco Lindor emerging as a dark horse candidate for the National League MVP. As Seidenberg points out, Lindor’s stats speak for themselves: “He’s batting .271 with 31 homers, 86 RBIs, 27 steals, and he’s been putting the team on his back” (11:43). Lindor’s combination of offensive and defensive prowess—he’s a strong candidate for a Gold Glove at shortstop—makes him a rare two-way player in an era where designated hitters (DHs) dominate the MVP conversation.

Towers, however, remains firm in his stance that Shohei Otani is the frontrunner for the MVP award. Despite Otani being primarily a DH, Towers believes that his record-breaking season cannot be overlooked. “For me, it’s Otani, and really, that’s it” (17:33). Towers acknowledges that while Lindor’s leadership on the field is commendable, Otani’s offensive dominance, with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, puts him in a league of his own.

Seidenberg, in contrast, argues that Lindor’s defensive contributions should factor heavily in the MVP debate. “The beauty of baseball is that everybody plays both ways… And offensively, [Lindor] is having pretty much the best season out of anybody not named Otani” (22:09). In a sport where players are expected to contribute on both offense and defense, Seidenberg sees Lindor’s two-way impact as a major advantage over a player like Otani, who doesn’t play the field.

The DH Debate: Does Defense Matter?

The episode also touched on the broader question of how much value should be placed on defense when evaluating MVP candidates. Seidenberg questions whether a DH, who doesn’t contribute defensively, should be considered for the MVP award. He notes that no full-time DH has ever won the MVP, pointing out that a player like David Ortiz came close but never secured the title (20:09).

For Towers, however, Otani’s contributions as both a hitter and pitcher make him an exception to this rule. “A guy who's going to hit 50-50… but his job is only to hit the baseball versus a guy who… is going to win the gold glove at arguably the most important position on the field” (16:45). Towers believes that Otani’s value transcends the traditional boundaries of a DH, given his unique ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Despite their differences, both hosts agree that the MVP race is far from over, with several weeks left to play and key performances likely to sway the vote.

Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr.: A New MVP Battle

While the AL MVP debate has largely centered around Shohei Otani, Aaron Judge continues to make a strong case for himself. Judge, who is batting .301 with 31 home runs and 66 RBIs, has once again put together an impressive season, all while leading off for the Yankees (15:16). Towers notes that Judge’s consistency and ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball make him a perennial MVP candidate.

However, Bobby Witt Jr. has emerged as a challenger for Judge. Witt’s impressive speed, combined with his offensive output, puts him in contention. “Everywhere else besides walks, Bobby Witt is leading and it's not really that close… 28 bags as well, 11 triples to one” (33:16). Towers suggests that Witt’s ability to steal bases, hit triples, and produce offensively in multiple categories makes him a legitimate contender for the MVP award, particularly if Judge’s performance dips in the final weeks.

The Detroit Tigers: Can They Make the Postseason?

One of the most surprising developments in the final stretch of the season is the Detroit Tigers’ surge. Since August 11th, the Tigers have posted the best record in baseball, going 22-10 over that span (37:02). Despite being two-and-a-half games back from the third AL wild card spot, the Tigers have a favorable schedule ahead of them, including key series against the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox.

Towers credits the Tigers’ coaching staff for their success, particularly their willingness to make tough decisions regarding player development. “They also took guys like Javi Lopez and said just because you're making all this money, we're not going to ride and die with you” (39:22). By sending underperforming players like Spencer Torkelson down to the minors, the Tigers have sent a message that no player’s position is guaranteed, and this accountability has fueled their recent success.

Looking ahead, Towers and Seidenberg agree that the Tigers’ playoff hopes hinge on their upcoming series against Kansas City. “If they sweep Kansas City, which they have full control of, they’re in. To me, they’re in” (38:42). With momentum on their side and a favorable schedule, the Tigers are poised to make a late-season push for the playoffs.

Conclusion

As the MLB season approaches its final weeks, the battle for playoff spots and the MVP awards is intensifying. Teams like the Twins and Tigers are fighting for their postseason lives, while players like Francisco Lindor, Shohei Otani, and Aaron Judge vie for the MVP crown. With every game carrying immense weight, the mental and physical resilience of teams and players will be tested like never before.

Ultimately, whether it’s the experience of teams like Houston or the late-season heroics of players like Lindor and Judge, the final weeks of the 2024 MLB season promise to be unforgettable.