The Yankees are currently 2 games out of a Wild Card spot in the American League

With just under 20 games remaining in the season, they need to make a run soon if they don’t want to miss the playoffs for only the second time since 1995

There are a number of teams vying for the final playoff spot, and they each have strengths and weaknesses that may determine their fate

The furthest back at 3.5 games, the Royals have a tough road to the playoffs because their schedule does not include most of the teams in front of them

Their hitting is strong, but after James Shields their starting pitching is shaky

Chances of winning the final Wild Card: Major underdog

Tied with the Yankees at 2 games back

Have a relatively easy schedule, but do not play the teams in front of them

Record is a product of their weaker division, the are one of the weaker teams in the race

Chances of winning the final Wild Card: Longshot

Closest to the Rays at 1.5 back

Have a tough remaining schedule where the play the Rays, Yankees, and 1st place Red Sox

Given their struggles against the teams in their division, it is tough to see them making up ground

Chances of winning the final Wild Card: Decent

Current leader for the 2nd Wild Card, 1.5 ahead of Baltimore

Have the best pitching of the contending teams, but outside of Evan Longoria and WilMyers, do not have much offensive firepower

Their remaining schedule is tough, going against the Red Sox and the Yankees

Chances of winning the final Wild Card: Favorites

2 games back of Tampa Bay

Easiest schedule of contending teams

Play the Orioles and the Rays, the two teams ahead of them

Pitching has been solid all year, and offense is much improved with additions of Alfonso Soriano, Curtis Granderson, and Alex Rodriguez

Chances of winning the final Wild Card: Good

Although the Rays have the best pitching staff and are currently in the lead for the final Wild Card spot, they have been losing of late and the Yankees are on a hot streak. A three game series between the Yankees and the Rays will most likely determine the winner, and I predict that the Yankees will take at least 2 out of 3.

My Prediction: Yankees