Unsurprisingly, the New York Yankees are in the thick of the MLB playoff race with less than 20 games to go. After all, they’ve reached the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons. However, when you’re a team that prides themselves on championships, a World Series drought of even 15 years can feel like an eternity.

If the Yankees want to end that drought, they’ll need a lot of things to go their way. Of course, things get much easier when they earn a first-round bye or at the very least, home-field advantage in the first round.

Advertisement

Sitting two games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the AL East entering Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Yankees have an opportunity to win their second consecutive division title. Here is what needs to happen for every possible playoff outcome for this Yankees’ squad:

DETROIT TIGERS MAGIC NUMBER: How soon can the team clinch a playoff berth?

What are the Yankees’ playoff chances?

According to FanGraphs, the Yankees have a 99.9% chance to reach the playoffs as of Sept. 8. However, they only have a 29.3% chance of winning the AL East. Similarly, if they win the AL East, they’ll have a decent chance at a first-round bye, with a 28.6% chance of earning the bye.

Advertisement

The only teams in the American League with better odds of earning byes are the Blue Jays (65.6%) and Detroit Tigers (90.9%).

What is the Yankees’ magic number?

The Yankees’ magic number to win the AL East sits at 22. Fortunately, their magic number to clinch a playoff berth is just 13, meaning they will need a combined 13 wins and Texas Rangers’ losses to secure a wild card spot.

Yankees’ remaining schedule

• Sep. 9-11: vs. Detroit

• Sep. 12-14: at Boston

• Sep. 15-17: at Minnesota

• Sep. 18-21: at Baltimore

• Sep. 23-25: vs. White Sox

• Sep. 26-28: vs. Baltimore

MILWAUKEE BREWERS MAGIC NUMBER: How soon can the Brew Crew clinch?

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are the Yankees’ odds at an AL East title, wild card berth?