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The 2024 Major League Baseball regular season has concluded, marking the end of a thrilling ride punctuated by historical performances, unexpected flops, and ongoing playoff suspense. As the dust settles, the final playoff spots in the National League still hinge on a pivotal doubleheader between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. With both teams needing just one win to secure their postseason berths, the Arizona Diamondbacks eagerly await the outcomes that could vault them into the playoffs.

This season was unique for being the first in a decade without a single team reaching the 100-win milestone. Conversely, the Chicago White Sox set an undesirable record, ending the season with more than 100 losses, surpassing the infamous 1962 New York Mets for the worst record in modern history. Despite featuring breakout ace Garrett Crochet, who is expected to be traded this offseason, the Pale Hose's historical low serves as a stark reminder of their struggles.

Other teams with seasons to forget include the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins. The Rockies faced the ignominy of losing 100 games for the second consecutive year and recording their lowest runs scored in a non-shortened season. The Marlins, while similarly hapless, provided an intriguing statistic by using a record 70 players over the course of the season.

For individual performers, 2024 was a year to remember. Shohei Ohtani delivered one of the most dominant offensive seasons ever seen, while Aaron Judge made another impressive run at 60 home runs, achieving the feat for the second time in three years. Pitchers also had their share of the spotlight, with Tarik Skubal winning the American League pitching triple crown and Paul Skenes posting a sub-2.00 ERA, setting a new standard for rookie hurlers in the live-ball era.

The Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds, and Pittsburgh Pirates found silver linings in a season of rebuilding. The Nationals' James Wood showcased his potential, finishing strong with a .288 average and 23 extra-base hits in his last 58 games. Similarly, the Reds' Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene had notable performances, while the Pirates celebrated Skenes' historic rookie season.

In contrast, it was a disappointing season for the Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers, despite some bright spots. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. returned to his stellar form, posting a .940 OPS and hitting 30 home runs, although questions loom about his future with free agency approaching. The Giants, meanwhile, failed to capitalize on a $360 million offseason effort, never surpassing a 50 percent playoff probability, putting president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi's job in jeopardy.

Despite outperforming expectations, the Boston Red Sox face uncertain times as they seek to leverage their strong farm system into offseason aggression. The question remains whether owner John Henry will approve increased spending after years of payroll cuts. For the Minnesota Twins, a dramatic late-season collapse saw them miss the playoffs despite a 95.8 percent chance as late as September 2, largely due to underwhelming offensive output and injury woes.

As the MLB postseason looms, the final chapter of 2024’s regular season serves as a reminder of baseball's unpredictable and exhilarating nature. Fans now turn their eyes to the playoffs, eager to see which team will emerge victorious.