How Many Games Is Wild Card MLB?

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By Monica Bates

If you’re a fan of Major League Baseball, you’ve likely heard the term “Wild Card” thrown around during the regular season. But what does it mean exactly? And just how many games is the Wild Card MLB?

First, let’s define what a Wild Card team is. In MLB, there are two leagues: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL).

Each league consists of three divisions with five teams in each division. The team with the best record in each division at the end of the regular season automatically qualifies for the playoffs. However, two additional teams from each league can also qualify as Wild Cards.

The Wild Cards are determined by which two non-division-winning teams in each league have the best records at the end of the regular season. These teams then face off against each other in a one-game playoff to determine which team advances to play in the Division Series.

So, to answer the question – how many games is Wild Card MLB? The answer is one game. The Wild Card playoff game is a winner-takes-all scenario where one team advances and one team goes home.

Now that we’ve established what Wild Card means and how many games are played, let’s take a look at some interesting statistics from past Wild Card games.

Since its inception in 1994, there have been 51 Wild Card games played across both leagues. Of those 51 games, 27 have been won by home teams and 24 have been won by away teams.

The most successful team in Wild Card history is undoubtedly the New York Yankees. The Yankees have played in seven Wild Card games and have won six of them – including their most recent appearance in 2020 when they defeated Cleveland 12-3.

On the other hand, some teams haven’t had as much success in the Wild Card round. The Pittsburgh Pirates hold an unfortunate distinction as having lost their last four consecutive appearances in the Wild Card game.

In conclusion, the Wild Card MLB is a one-game playoff between two non-division-winning teams from each league. It’s an exciting, winner-takes-all scenario that adds an extra layer of drama to the already intense playoff atmosphere. With its short format and high stakes, the Wild Card game is always a must-watch for baseball fans.