2026 MLB playoffs: Schedule, postseason bracket, standings - ESPN

The 2026 MLB playoffs have arrived!

The 12-team postseason begins with an action-packed wild-card round that started Tuesday, featuring eight teams battling for four spots to advance to the eight-team division series.

The Chicago White Sox became the first team to win a series this postseason with a wild-card round sweep of the Houston Astros. Then the New York Yankees swept the Boston Red Sox in two routs, recording the highest series run differential in the history of the current wild card format. The San Diego Padres also sealed their spot in the NLDS with a sweep of the Chicago Cubs.

From the first pitch of the wild-card games to the last out of the World Series, we've got you covered with the postseason bracket, schedules, results and how to watch every game this October.

MLB playoffs preview: World Series odds, likely MVPs and how far every team will go

The 12-team playoff field is set

Best-of-three series

All times ET

From who clinched to playoff matchups to the postseason schedule, we've got it all. All things October »

Chicago White Sox at Houston Astros

Chicago wins series 2-0

Game 1: White Sox 6, Astros 3

Game 2: White Sox 7, Astros 3

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

New York wins series 2-0

Game 1: Yankees 9, Red Sox 0

Game 2: Yankees 9, Red Sox 2

Best-of-three series

All times ET

Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves

Series tied 1-1

Game 1: Braves 5, Phillies 3

Game 2: Phillies 4, Braves 3

Game 3: Thursday at 2 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)

Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres

San Diego wins series 2-0

Game 1: Padres 8, Cubs 0

Game 2: Padres 4, Cubs 1

Best-of-five series

All times Eastern

Cleveland Guardians vs. Chicago White Sox

Game 1: Chicago at Cleveland, Saturday at 1 p.m. (TBS/TruTV/HBO Max)

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