KC Royals magic number: Series win nearly secures MLB playoffs [Updated Sept. 27]

The KC Royals' postseason hopes always felt like they could slip away—whether due to a cold June, a hot streak from other teams, or the perfect storm over a 162-game season. Yet, with the season coming to an end, they still hold the American League’s second Wild Card spot.

Their recent seven-game losing streak and the loss of first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino to injury had dampened the team’s outlook, but early-season success and a winning record since the All-Star Break keep them in a good position. As Royals fans watch the scoreboard and follow other teams’ results, they can keep an eye on the countdown to October. When that magic number hits zero, it truly is a magical moment.

Earlier this season, I explained what the magic number is, how to calculate it, and its history. But if you’d rather not track it yourself, no worries—we’ve got you covered here at Kings of Kauffman.

The KC Royals' magic number for an MLB Playoffs berth is 1

The race everyone’s focused on is the most crucial one: securing a postseason spot. Royals fans remember how far a scrappy underdog can go with a little momentum and a low seed —just look at 2014. This year’s Royals find themselves in a similar position, bolstered by the expanded playoff field.

Currently, Baltimore leads Kansas City by four games for the top AL Wild Card spot, with Detroit and Kansas City tied behind them. Thankfully, the Royals have the tiebreaker over the Tigers, so they would be the 5th seed if the postseason started today. Minnesota now sits outside the playoff picture, trailing the Royals by two games, with the Mariners two and a half games out of the third and final Wild Card spot. As the season winds down, these teams are hoping for Kansas City to stumble—but every loss they suffer themselves only improves the Royals’ postseason chances.

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