What Were the 2019 MLB Wild Card Standings
In 2019, the MLB wild card system added a second postseason berth per league, giving more teams a direct path to October. In the National League, the race featured several contenders competing for the two wild card spots and home-field advantage in the Wild Card Series. This guide explains how the standings worked, which teams finished in key positions, and how the format shaped the postseason path. Below is a snapshot of notable finishes that defined the competitive landscape of the 2019 NL wild card race.
| Team | Record | Win % | Finish | Postseason Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 106–56 | .654 | 1st in NL West | NLCS |
| Atlanta Braves | 97–65 | .599 | 1st in NL East | NLDS loss vs. Nationals |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 91–71 | .562 | 2nd in NL Central | Lost NL Wild Card Game to Padres |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 89–73 | .549 | 2nd in NL Central | Won NL Wild Card Game, lost NLDS to Nationals |
| Colorado Rockies | 71–92 | .438 | 5th in NL West | Won NL Wild Card Game vs. Cardinals, lost NLDS to Nationals |
| Miami Marlins | 87–75 | .537 | 3rd in NL East | Did not qualify |
How the Wild Card Format Worked in 2019
Before 2022, each league had two wild card teams who played a single-elimination Wild Card Game. Home field went to the team with the better regular-season record. This format added two additional playoff spots per league and shifted how teams approached the end of the season, with wild card games becoming high-leverage elimination contests.
National League Standings Breakdown
NL East Race
The NL East featured a competitive top with the Braves and Nationals near the top, while the Marlins finished third but missed the playoffs. The gap between wild card positions and division winners was pronounced, underscoring the importance of both divisions and the wild card in the same-season narrative.
NL Central Competition
The Brewers and Cardinals both secured postseason spots as the division champions and a wild card, respectively. The Brewers held home field in the Wild Card Game against the Cardinals, who became the first team to lose a wild card game after previously winning one. This set the stage for the Brewers' quick exit in the NLDS.
NL West Outcomes
The Dodgers dominated the division and ultimately won the World Series, while the Rockies used the wild card as a springboard, defeating the Cardinals in the Wild Card Game before falling to Washington. The wide gap between the top teams and the rest clarified the division's hierarchy for future seasons.
Key Takeaways from the 2019 NL Wild Card Standings
- Two wild card teams per league qualified for a one-game playoff.
- Home field in the Wild Card Game went to the higher-seeded team by regular-season record.
- The Cardinals’ loss marked the first time a previous wild card winner exited in the first round.
- Colorado’s victory over St. Louis showcased how wild card games can reshape postseason momentum.
- Standings clarity around playoff positioning helped teams manage expectations and roster decisions late in the season.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many wild card teams were in the NL in 2019?
Two. Each league had two wild card teams, for a total of four across the NL and AL.
Which team hosted the 2019 NL Wild Card Game?
The Milwaukee Brewers hosted the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Wild Card Game at American Family Field.
What happened to the Cardinals after losing the wild card game?
The Cardinals became the first team ever to lose a wild card game after having won one the previous year, ending their 2019 postseason run.
Did any wild card team advance to the NLCS in 2019?
Yes. The Colorado Rockies won the NL Wild Card Game and advanced to the NLDS before losing to the Washington Nationals.
How did the 2019 wild card format differ from earlier years?
The 2019 format introduced a second wild card per league, adding a one-game playoff that did not exist in prior seasons. The structure remained largely the same through 2021 before expanding further in 2022.