The National League wildcard race now has the highest quality of teams that we’ve ever seen with the new three wildcard format, and with four teams closely fighting for three spots, some unfortunate team will miss out. The Padres, Diamondbacks, Braves and Mets form the top four in the wildcard standings, with just three games separating the teams. The Braves and Mets currently sit tied for the last spot, and both teams are on pace for 88 wins, which would’ve been more than enough in each of the last two years to get in. With all three wildcard teams likely to have to win 90 games to make the playoffs, all hands are on deck for the last month of the season, with fantasy ramifications extending from each teams urgency to win. I’ll go through each of these four teams, their playoff chances and matchups to target offensive or pitching streamers as fantasy playoffs begin.

*All playoff probabilities cited from Fangraphs*

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San Diego Padres
Even off the back of a crushing loss last night, the Padres still hold a 94% playoff probability as a result of their pole position in the standings, but their schedule is far from easy. Series against the Astros and Dodgers are tough, and they crucially finish the season with three games at home to the Diamondbacks.

While these three series are best avoided for streamers on either side of the ball, the Padres do play the Mariners and White Sox, both of whom warrant some interest. Joe Musgrove and Martin Perez should be priority streamers against both of these teams, and Jason Adam and Tanner Scott could hoover up some saves with Robert Suarez struggling. Against the White Sox in particular, keep an eye on Kyle Higashioka and David Peralta, both should enjoy success against a subpar pitching staff.

Arizona Diamondbacks
Sitting just a half game back of the Padres, the Diamondbacks hold an 87% chance of making the playoffs, but like the Padres, have a tough slate of games to get there. Seven games against the Brewers and three against the Astros and Padres are series to avoid, but some premium offensive opportunity exists next week.

The Diamondbacks travel to Coors Field on September 16th for a three game series, and Arizona has plenty of golden hitter streams for this series in particular. Randal Grichuk loves hitting at altitude, and the former Rockies OF projects to face at least two left-handed starters in a lefty heavy rotation. Kevin Newman warrants some deeper league consideration, but certainly not ahead of Eugenio Suarez, who should be owned in every league right now.

Atlanta Braves
Despite being in a tie with the Mets for the third wildcard, the Braves have a superior 69% chance to make the playoffs, largely in deference to their far lighter schedule. Today, Atlanta begins a three game series in Toronto, with more favorable matchups to come. Games against the Reds, Marlins and Nationals also provide intriguing opportunity, especially given their pair of make up games against the Reds and Mets.

None of these teams should prevent fantasy owners from streaming well owned pitchers like Spencer Schwellenbach or even Charlie Morton, but their offensive platoon options are abundant. Jorge Soler, Jarred Kelenic, Ramon Laureano, Whit Merrifield, Michael Harris and Orlando Arcia all have fantasy application in the right format and matchup; take a look at the probables before each series, as these pitching staffs are diverse, and the platoon beneficiaries will be worth an add.

New York Mets
The Mets have recovered from their August blip, and currently hold a 45% playoff probability, tied with Atlanta for the third wildcard spot. They do hold the season series tiebreaker over the Diamondbacks and Padres, and are tied in the season series against the Braves with three games left to play, but a difficult road ahead makes the stretch run an uphill battle.

The Mets play the Brewers and Braves to end the season, and still have seven games left against the first place Phillies. Imminent games against the Reds, Nationals and Blue Jays do offer some opportunity, especially with the quality of Mets’ streamers as a whole. Jesse Winker, Starling Marte, Jose Iglesias, Jeff McNeil, Harrison Bader and Francisco Alvarez are capable of huge weeks against poor opposition; look towards the righties for now with lefty starters incoming. Luis Severino, Jose Quintana and David Peterson all provide priority streaming options, and Mark Vientos, Sean Manaea and Edwin Diaz should be rostered everywhere.

Be aggressive in fantasy playoffs, even if you are winning, and make sure to factor in team
circumstance as clubs begin to clinch playoff berths. The greatest benefit of owning players from teams in the mixer is the guarantee of playing every (applicable) day, take advantage of these teams while you can, and be mindful of rest days for teams with nothing left to play for.

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