Who Will The MN Twins Face In The 2023 MLB Playoffs?

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins (81-72) could lose every one of their final games in the regular season and would still likely win their division. In fact, even though they don't play Thursday, the Twins could clinch the division with losses from both Cleveland Guardians and Detriot Tigers.

So now it's time to figure out who the American League Central Division champions would face in the 2023 playoffs.

As of 2022, 12 Major League Baseball teams make the playoffs, six from the American League and six from the National League. The top two teams in each league get buys, which as of today would be the Baltimore Orioles (1) and Houston Astros (2) in the American.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins would be the third seed in the American League. That means they'd face the sixth seed, who as of now would be the Texas Rangers..

Here's a look at the entire playoff picture if the regular season ended Thursday:

AL Wild Card Series (starts Oct. 3)

• Rangers (6) at Twins (3)
• Blue Jays (5) at Rays (4)

Byes: Orioles (1) and Astros (2)

NL Wild Card Series (Oct. 3)

• Cubs (6) at Brewers (3)
• D-backs (5) at Phillies (4)

Byes: Braves (1) and Dodgers (2)

What are the Twins' chances of advancing in the playoffs?

The Twins have lost 18 consecutive postseason games. That is not a great trend. But by winning the division, the Twins are at least guaranteed to play the first round of the playoffs at home in Minneapolis.

Under the new playoff format, effective 2022, the first round — known as the Wild Card Series — is a best-of-three series with all games played at the higher seed team's stadium.

More good news: The New York Yankees, which have dominated the Twins in the playoffs for decades, have been eliminated from postseason contention.

A presale for Minnesota Twins playoff tickets is going on now