{
  "id": 10483904,
  "title": "MLB Playoffs: Ranking all 12 teams by their World Series 2026 chances",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/mlb-playoffs-ranking-all-12-teams-by-their-world-series-2026-chances",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-28T16:00:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/1130236/mlb-playoffs-ranking-every-team-by-world-series-2026-chances"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "12. Houston Astros (81-81) The Astros, who led the majors in home runs with 226, have the best chance to win the World Series. Their lineup includes five players with over 20 home runs, but their pitching struggles may be a concern.\n\n11. Chicago White Sox (84-78) The White Sox had one of the best lineups in baseball with three players hitting over 30 homers, but their pitching has been a weakness this season. They will face the Astros in the Wild Card Series.\n\n10. Philadelphia Phillies (88-74) The Phillies secured a Wild Card spot with a win on the final day of the season. Their star-studded lineup, including Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Trae Turner, will face the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card round.\n\n9. Cleveland Guardians (85-77) The Guardians have a strong pitching staff and bullpen, led by Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis, which could propel them to the ALCS. Their offense will also play a crucial role if they advance.\n\n8. Boston Red Sox (87-75) The Red Sox ended their season on a high note, but their lineup's consistency and health concerns could impact their playoff performance. The pitching trio of Tolle, Gray, and Suárez is a formidable force, and Garrett Crochet and Tanner Houck could provide additional support.\n\n7. Chicago Cubs (89-73) The Cubs possess one of the best offenses in baseball, led by Pete Crow-Armstrong's MVP-caliber performance. Their lineup, along with a solid starting rotation, makes them a serious contender in the playoffs.",
  "summary": "The MLB postseason is here. There are 12 teams headed to the playoffs including the Houston Astros and the Philadelphia Phillies, who needed wins in Game 162 to punch their respective tickets to the dance. But now, records reset to 0-0, and all 12 teams have an equal chance to win the World Series. At […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "MLB's playoffs start Tuesday. Here's what to know about the Wild Card Series",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/mlbs-playoffs-start-tuesday-heres-what-to-know-about-the-wild-card",
        "published": "2026-09-28T15:32:31.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "MLB’s playoffs start Tuesday. Here’s what to know about the Wild Card Series",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/mlbs-playoffs-start-tuesday-heres-what-to-know-about-the-wild-card-10476935",
        "published": "2026-09-28T15:33:17.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}