2026 MLB Postseason: Can anyone take down the Dodgers?
The 2026 season is over, and October is nearly here. Let’s take a quick look at where each team stands entering the MLB playoffs. The Favorites: Los Angeles Dodgers Three-peat? The Dodgers won 100 games and finished first in the majors by FanGraphs WAR. They also seem to be peaking at the right time. The […]
As the 2026 MLB postseason approaches, the Los Angeles Dodgers are clear favorites to lift the championship banner for a third consecutive season. The team finished the regular season with a league-leading 100 wins and solidified their position at the top with a dominant pitching staff and a vibrant lineup led by Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker, and Teoscar Hernández. With Shohei Ohtani returning from injury, the Dodgers appear set to continue their winning ways in October.
The Cleveland Guardians have also made a strong push for the title, finishing the season strong in the second half with a talented rotation and high-leverage bullpen. Their lineup struggled early, but recent improvements suggest they could be the most complete team in the American League. The Milwaukee Brewers claim the title of the best season ever, with a record of 103 wins and a lineup anchored by ace Jacob Misiorowski.
The San Diego Padres, who posted the second-best record in the majors after the All-Star break, now look like one of the toughest postseason opponents. Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill lead a strong lineup and bullpen, giving them a great chance to advance. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs boast the league's best lineup and fielding, but their pitching struggles could hinder their deep playoff run.
The Boston Red Sox, despite a lackluster September, have a rotation and bullpen of national prominence. The Tampa Bay Rays, despite their overall good season, were primarily chosen as the top seed due to luck. The New York Yankees, without Aaron Judge, have a strong rotation but are counting on the return of their star to make a deep postseason run.
The Atlanta Braves, a wild card team, have an average lineup and fielding but a strong bullpen that could propel them to the postseason.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
