Worst records to make MLB playoffs: How Astros, Rangers could clinch with losing record
Here's the history that the Astros and Rangers are facing this week.
As the MLB playoffs approach, the AL West division is set to have one of the worst records in league history. Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are battling for the top spot but are both in danger of finishing with a losing record. While losing teams have made the postseason in other leagues, MLB has rarely seen it. The Astros and Rangers are now solely focused on outperforming each other in the AL West standings.
However, the weakened American League in 2026 means the AL West champion will also be one of the six best teams in baseball.
Interestingly, no team with a losing record has ever made the MLB playoffs, though a few have come incredibly close. The 2005 Padres made the playoffs with an 82-80 record, just one loss away from a .500 season and two losses shy of a losing record. They won five of their final six games, finishing just narrowly above .500. However, they were swept by the Cardinals in the NLDS.
The Cardinals, despite having the worst record to win a World Series, managed an 83-78 record in 2006. They won the NL Central, then took down the Padres, Mets, and Tigers en route to their first World Series title since 1982.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
