Potential AL Wild Card 3-Way Tie Scenario Explained

While the playoff picture is mostly set, the tight race for the two American League Wild Card spots should have fans on the edge of their seats.

The Athletics, Indians and Rays could finish the season in a three-way tie for the two Wild Card spots, which could give us a thrilling start to the playoffs.

A three-way tie doesn't happen often, so here's a breakdown of the rules regarding the potential scenario.

That's sure a lot to digest, especially since one team could be playing THREE games just to get into the division series. All in all, the winner of the regular-season head-to-head series would get first dibs at picking their slot, followed by the next two.

So, since Oakland's 9-4 record against the Indians and Rays in 2019 is the best head-to-head record among the three, it will have first crack at choosing which team (A, B or C) it wants to be. All we know is that Team B will more than likely be the Indians, because there little reason for the A's or Rays to choose that slot, unless they'd want two cracks at advancing to the real Wild Card game, though that's some interesting logic considering they'd both be road games.

Team A will host Team B on Monday, Sept. 30 and the winner of that game will advance to the AL Wild Card Game.

The loser of Monday's game will travel to Team C for a matchup on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The loser of this game is now eliminated, and the winner of Monday's game will face Tuesday's winner in the AL Wild Card Game on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

While it may be confusing to understand, a three-way tie will no doubt bring a great level of excitement and drama that the MLB could use.