Major League Baseball’s postseason is rapidly approaching, with the Los Angeles Dodgers seeking a third straight World Series title. It remains to be seen how much some of the game’s biggest stars will be able to participate in the playoffs, though.
Over in the National League, the playoff bracket is close to set. there are a few long-shot contenders for the postseason, and specific matchups are in flux While the 12-team playoff field appears mostly set.
There’s quite a bit of mediocrity in the AL Central and West divisions this season, which has led to some fascinating pennant races and could lead to a sub-.500 team making the postseason. Chicago holds the head-to-head tiebreaker for home field over Philadelphia and San Diego, and the Phillies own the tiebreaker over the Padres after sweeping that season series 6-0. The Cubs , Padres and Phillies are jockeying for position in the wild-card race but will almost certainly make the postseason. The only team within shouting distance is Arizona , which is four games back.
There are 12 teams that qualify for MLB’s postseason, including six teams from both the AL and NL. 1 through No. 3, ranked by win-loss record. 6, also ranked by win-loss record.
In the American League, the Cleveland Guardians can qualify for the postseason with a win at Boston and a loss by either the Texas Rangers or Houston Astros. Over in the National League, the Chicago Cubs can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Miami Marlins or a loss by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Philadelphia Phillies can clinch a wild card if they beat the Milwaukee Brewers and either the San Diego Padres or D-backs lose. The three division winners in each league get seeds No. Then the three wild-card teams get seeds No.
