Anticipating which teams will compete in the postseason is a common practice in baseball analysis. It involves using current team performance, statistical models, and schedule difficulty to forecast the final standings at the end of the regular season. For instance, if a team currently holds a significant lead in its division and maintains a strong run differential, analysts may predict it will secure a playoff berth.
Such forecasts provide value to fans, media outlets, and even team management. For fans, these predictions fuel discussion and engagement throughout the season. Media utilizes these projections to generate content and analyze potential playoff matchups. Team management might use this information to inform roster decisions or trade strategies leading up to the trade deadline. Historically, various statistical methods have been employed, evolving from simple winning percentage calculations to sophisticated simulations incorporating numerous variables.