MLB playoff tracker 2026: Clinching scenarios, bracket, schedule - ESPN

As the final month of the MLB regular season begins, some teams are already thinking about October while others gear up for the pennant races ahead.

The Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs all have National League playoff spots seemingly locked up. Likewise, the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are well on their way to October appearances in the American League.

Beyond those top teams, there are many storylines to watch down the stretch: Where do current playoff matchups stand? What games should you be watching each day leading up to October? Who will clinch the first postseason berth? And what does the playoff schedule look like?

Here's everything you need to know as the regular season hits the homestretch.

Key links: Standings | Wild-card standings | Strength of schedule

Jump to: Bracket | Next to clinch | AL odds | NL odds | Key games

American League

Wild-card round: (6) Guardians at (3) Astros, (5) Red Sox at (4) Yankees

ALDS: Guardians/Astros vs. (2) White Sox, Red Sox/Yankees vs. (1) Rays

National League

Wild-card round: (6) Padres at (3) Braves, (5) Cubs at (4) Phillies

NLDS: Padres/Braves vs. (2) Dodgers, Cubs/Phillies vs. (1) Brewers

The Brewers, Dodgers, Braves, Cubs, Rays and Yankees all have at least a 99% chance of making the playoffs entering the final month of the season.

The Rays, Yankees and Red Sox are battling for the AL East crown with all three very likely to be playing in October. The Chicago White Sox are trying to hold off the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central, and the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners are all part of a muddled AL West and wild-card picture.

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