Nothing is official yet, and won't be be a few more days. But as it stands, it certainly seems like we already know the following: the Red Sox are going to the postseason again, and again, they're almost certainly going to draw the New York Yankees in the wild card round.
There's an outside chance that could change, especially if the Yankees sweep the Rays in their upcoming regular season series and overtake them to win the division.
But that seems highly unlikely. And so, we get ready for Red Sox-Yankees in the Bronx, starting Sept. 29.
Still to be determined: the makeup of the Red Sox playoff roster. Much of that will be determined by the health of some candidates. Will Garrett Crochet be ready? How about Tanner Houck?
Here's what we (think we) know: The Sox will likely carry 12 pitchers and 14 position players. Of the position players, we believe the following are locks: Adley Rutschman, Connor Wong, Willson Contreras, Nick Sogard, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Trevor Story, Caleb Durbin, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Roman Anthony, Mickey Gasper and Jahmai Jones.
That's 13, leaving spots for one more. Eli White would have definitely been included, but now it seems a foot injury could sideline him for a while.
That leaves utility infielder Andruw Monasterio and Nate Eaton as the final two options. For now, give the edge to Monasterio, because of his ability to cover every infield spot, but Eaton has speed, and, you may recall, started in last year's showdown.
Now the 12 pitchers: Sonny Gray, Ranger Suarez, Payton Tolle, Jake Bennett, Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock, Erik Miller, Tyron Guerrero, Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello and Greg Weissert.
That assumes, of course, that Crochet and Houck pass the final hurdles as they return from being sidelined. Otherwise, the Sox could go with Wyatt Olds, Jovani Moran or Alec Gamboa.
The countdown is on. Decisions, decisions.
