A goal for each team in the final stretch of the season

We only have four weeks left in the Major League season. It is somewhat disconcerting. Looks like it just started! It’ll be hard to process when it’s over.

But there are still many emotions ahead. Here’s a look at something fans of each team are hoping to see down the stretch. It will be over soon, so enjoy it while it lasts.

Blue Jays: A team that has dealt with ups and downs and has begun to find a rhythm

The Blue Jays have a lot of talent. We all know that, but they hadn’t been able to line things up this year. But September has been an excellent month for them.

Orioles: One last push

The Orioles have stayed alive in the Wild Card race. Whether they make it or not, it’s the closest they’ve come in a long time.

Rays: In search of home-court advantage in the playoffs…and maybe more

The Yankees have been listening closely to the Rays, but even if it’s not enough to overtake them in the East, Tampa Bay looks good heading into the postseason.

Red Sox: Bogaerts and Devers’ last days together?

The Red Sox will have plenty of unresolved issues in the offseason, but nothing is bigger than the question of: What will happen to Xander Boagaerts and Rafael Devers?

Yankees: Aaron Judge makes history

Yes, the Yankees need to win the division, but make no mistake: If Judge does what he’s doing, we’ll remember this season for more than just a division title.

Guardians: A chance to get back on top

Cleveland won the Central Division three years in a row, between 2016 and 2018, the first time they’ve done it since 2007. Now, they have a chance to do it again.

Royals: The Last Days of Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke hasn’t said anything official about his possible retirement from baseball, but it certainly looks like a real possibility. It’s a fascinating case for the Hall of Fame. Enjoy it.

Tigers: Spencer Torkelson takes off

The Tigers have had a nightmare season and Torkelson’s problems have been a big part of that. But lately he’s been hitting a little better. There is still hope.

Twins: Carlos Correa’s last days in Minnesota?

The Puerto Rican could return next year if he decides not to opt out of the contract, but there is a great possibility that he will. Correa has not been an MVP candidate, but he has been a great help in getting the team back into competition after a miserable year.

White Sox: They can win the division!

This team has been considered a disappointment, but somehow they continue to fight. If they can do it, all those ups and downs will be forgotten.

Angels: Shohei and Trout, obviously

They’re still two of the top 10 players — maybe five — in baseball. They won’t go to the postseason, so enjoy them now.

Astros: Can Verlander win another Cy Young?

Justin Verlander has defied time (again). He is currently on the disabled list with no exact return date. Will he be able to get back in time to secure the prize?

Athletics: Placement in the Amateur Draft

There’s not much of interest for the A’s right now, other than securing the No. 1 pick in next year’s Amateur Draft.

Mariners: Will 21-year playoff drought end?

They have a 99.5% chance of advancing to the postseason, according to Fangraphs.

The Rangers’ exciting prospect was promoted after an injury-plagued year and homered Friday in his first at-bat.

Braves: Can they win the division?

These Braves look like a better team than the one that won the World Series in 2021. The difference between the second and fourth seeds is considerable.

Marlins: Sandy Alcántara gets the first Cy Young for the franchise

For a team that has had so many quality young pitchers over the years, the Dominican could be the first to win the accolade.

Mets: Jacob deGrom in the fight for the division

Don’t forget that deGrom could be with another team next year. Even if it doesn’t happen, this last month will be the most important for his career with the Mets.

Nationals: See CJ Abrams

One of the top prospects acquired in the Juan Soto trade is in the Nationals’ lineup on a daily basis. There are a couple more promises on the way. This club could be very interesting in a few years.

Phillies: Looking to end their postseason drought

If they manage to grab a Wild Card spot it will be hugely important for this team, which hasn’t advanced to the postseason since 2011.

Brewers: Trying to keep the best generation in club history afloat

Entering the 2018 season, the Brewers had only made the postseason four times in their history. Now they have done it four times in a row.

Cardinals: Where to start?

Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina retire. Every time Adam Wainwright drums with the Puerto Rican they make history. The Dominican is looking for the 700 home runs for life. Plus, the Cardinals are on pace to win the division for the first time since 2015. Oh, and Paul Goldschmidt has a chance to win the Triple Crown.

Cubs: Last chance to see the survivors of 2016

There are two players who still remain from that team: Venezuelan Willson Contreras and Kyle Hendricks. Both will be free agents this year.

Pirates: What crazy thing will Oneil Cruz do now?

Maybe I’ll get the rhythm steadily. But, my God, he can do anything on the diamond.

Reds: Alex Diaz matches his brother

Trumpets don’t sound every time he throws, but the Puerto Rican has also been just as fascinating to watch as his Mets brother.

D-backs: Much better team since the deadline

They have a winning record since the All-Star Game – and second-best in the division.

Dodgers: How many records can they continue to break?

The Dodgers need just 12 more wins to set a franchise record and 20-4 to catch up with the 2001 Mariners. Possible, right?

Giants: The last days of this group

They couldn’t repeat what they did last year. Not even close. It seems that a considerable change is needed.

Padres: Juan Soto and Manny Machado take them to the playoffs

It’s hard to describe how disastrous it would be if the Padres didn’t make it to the postseason this year.