ESPN IllustrationESPNMultiple AuthorsSep 17, 2026, 09:00 AM ETOpen Extended ReactionsDuring the final month of the MLB regular season, some teams are already thinking about October while others are locked in tight pennant races.The Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees all have clinched postseason spots. On Tuesday, the Brewers became the first team to clinch a division title.The Atlanta Braves also have a comfortable division lead in the National League, while the Boston Red Sox are well on their way to playoff appearances in the American League.Beyond those top teams, there are many storylines to watch down the stretch: Where do current playoff matchups stand? Which games should you be watching each day leading up to October? Who will clinch next?
And what does the playoff schedule look like?Here’s everything you need to know for the homestretch.Key links: Standings | Wild-card standings | Strength of scheduleJump to: Bracket | Next to clinch | AL odds | NL odds | Key games What are the current MLB playoff matchups?American League Wild-card round: (6) White Sox at (3) Astros, (5) Red Sox at (4) YankeesALDS: White Sox/Astros vs. (2) Guardians, Red Sox/Yankees vs. (1) RaysNational League Wild-card round: (6) Padres at (3) Braves, (5) Phillies at (4) CubsNLDS: Padres/Braves vs. (2) Dodgers, Phillies/Cubs vs. (1) BrewersWho can clinch a playoff spot next?The Braves could clinch a spot this week. The Cubs, Phillies, and Red Sox all have at least a 99% chance of making the playoffs.Breaking down the AL raceThe Rays and Yankees are battling for the AL East crown with the Red Sox also very likely to be playing in October. The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians are in a tight race for the AL Central title, and the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are part of a muddled AL West and wild-card picture. And what about when these teams get to the postseason?
Here’s what their chances are for every round: Breaking down the NL raceThe Brewers became the first team to clinch a division while the Dodgers and Braves also have comfortable division leads, so any NL intrigue will likely come in the wild-card races. The Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies have separated themselves there, with the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks battling for the other spot. And what about when these teams get to the playoffs? Here’s what their chances are for every round: Games to watchLooking for something to watch today?
Here are the playoff implications of every MLB matchup Playoff scheduleHere’s the 2026 MLB postseason schedule, from the wild-card round through the World Series.Wild-card seriesBest of threeTuesday, Sept. 29 ALWC A, Game 1 ALWC B, Game 1 NLWC A, Game 1 NLWC B, Game 1Wednesday, Sept. 30 ALWC A, Game 2 ALWC B, Game 2 NLWC A, Game 2 NLWC B, Game 2Thursday, Oct. 1 ALWC A, Game 3 * ALWC B, Game 3 * NLWC A, Game 3 * NLWC B, Game 3 ** If necessaryDivision seriesBest of fiveSaturday, Oct. 3 ALDS A, Game 1 ALDS B, Game 1 NLDS A, Game 1 NLDS B, Game 1Sunday, Oct. 4 NLDS A, Game 2 NLDS B, Game 2Monday, Oct. 5 ALDS A, Game 2 ALDS B, Game 2Tuesday, Oct. 6 NLDS A, Game 3 NLDS B, Game 3Wednesday, Oct. 7 ALDS A, Game 3 ALDS B, Game 3 NLDS A, Game 4* NLDS B, Game 4*Thursday, Oct. 8 ALDS A, Game 4* ALDS B, Game 4*Friday, Oct. 9 NLDS A, Game 5* NLDS B, Game 5*Saturday, Oct. 10 ALDS A, Game 5* ALDS B, Game 5** If necessaryLeague championship seriesBest of sevenSunday, Oct. 11 NLCS Game 1Monday, Oct. 12 ALCS Game 1 NLCS Game 2Tuesday, Oct. 13 ALCS Game 2Wednesday, Oct. 14 NLCS Game 3Thursday, Oct. 15 ALCS Game 3 NLCS Game 4Friday, Oct. 16 ALCS Game 4 NLCS Game 5*Saturday, Oct. 17 ALCS Game 5*Sunday, Oct. 18 NLCS Game 6*Monday, Oct. 19 ALCS Game 6* NLCS Game 7*Tuesday, Oct. 20 ALCS Game 7** If necessaryWorld SeriesBest of sevenGame 1: Friday, Oct. 23 Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 24 Game 3: Monday, Oct. 26 Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 27 Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 28* Game 6: Friday, Oct. 30* Game 7: Saturday, Oct. 31** If necessary
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