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Boston Red Sox Magic Number
Elimination number: 13 — any combination of Boston Red Sox losses and Tampa Bay Rays wins totaling that number ends the division race. The Wild Card stays alive independently.
AL East Race
| Team | W | L | PCT | GB | L10 | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Rays | 85 | 57 | .599 | - | 7-3 | W2 |
| New York Yankees | 81 | 61 | .570 | 4.0 | 6-4 | W1 |
| Boston Red Sox | 78 | 65 | .545 | 7.5 | 5-5 | W3 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 72 | 71 | .503 | 13.5 | 8-2 | W4 |
| Baltimore Orioles | 69 | 74 | .483 | 16.5 | 4-6 | L5 |
American League Wild Card Race
| Team | W | L | PCT | WCGB | L10 | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | 81 | 61 | .570 | +9.5 | 6-4 | W1 |
| Boston Red Sox | 78 | 65 | .545 | +6.0 | 5-5 | W3 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 72 | 71 | .503 | - | 8-2 | W4 |
| Cleveland Guardians | 72 | 71 | .503 | - | 5-5 | L1 |
| Texas Rangers | 70 | 73 | .490 | 2.0 | 4-6 | L2 |
| Baltimore Orioles | 69 | 74 | .483 | 3.0 | 4-6 | L5 |
Top 3 Wild Cards reach the postseason.
What Is a Magic Number?
A magic number is how close a division leader is to making the race mathematically over: 163 minus the leader's wins minus the second-place team's losses. Every leader win takes one off; so does every pursuer loss — which is why September scoreboard-watching counts both. When it hits zero, the division is clinched, no math left. Teams that trail don't have a magic number; they have the mirror image, an elimination number, counting down to the day the leader's lead becomes unbeatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Updated September 6, 2026 4:09 PM ET. Standings refresh hourly.