Sep 23, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (21) high-fives second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after hitting a two-run dwelling run towards the Seattle Mariners through the third inning at T-Cell Park. Necessary Credit score: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Photos A few of the suspense over the jockeying for playoff positions dissipated Thursday when 4 groups clinched main league postseason spots.
However there’s nonetheless the hold-your-nose state of affairs within the American League West to entertain everybody over the ultimate weekend of the baseball season.
The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are each 79-80 coming into Friday’s play and the workforce that finally ends up being final standing could possibly be the primary division champion of the Division Period (since 1969) to win the crown with a below-.500 file.
Even when a kind of two groups wins all three video games this weekend, they might nonetheless match the 2005 San Diego Padres (82-80) for the worst file by a division winner.
After all, the entire mantra is to simply get into the postseason. The Rangers displayed that in 2023 after they have been the No. 5 seed within the AL and went on to win the World Collection. Oh yeah, they beat the Nationwide League No. 6 seed Arizona Diamondbacks within the Fall Basic.
The Diamondbacks are two video games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the ultimate NL wild-card spot. Arizona has received 5 straight video games whereas the Phillies misplaced eight of their previous 13 video games.
The AL Central winner additionally hasn’t been decided. The loser of that struggle between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox will seize the No. 3 wild-card spot within the AL. Each the Guardians and White Sox clinched postseason berths Thursday whereas the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres clinched spots within the NL.
The NL groups that beforehand clinched spots are the Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central), Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West) and Atlanta Braves (NL East). The opposite AL groups who’ve secured berths are the Tampa Bay Rays (AL East), New York Yankees (first AL wild card) and Boston Pink Sox (possible second AL wild card).
Remaining video games more likely to affect MLB playoff positioning:
Houston Astros at Athletics
What we all know: Some outfielder named Lucas Spence saved Houston along with his first three profession homers in Thursday’s win. He was recalled solely on account of injures to Brice Matthews and Daulton Varsho and earned his per diem in his second recreation since returning to the Astros.
What we’ll discover out: Houston holds the tiebreaker edge so it solely must match the Rangers to earn their ninth playoff berth previously 10 seasons. The Athletics can’t see the playoffs from West Sacramento, Calif., however absolutely hope 2028 in Las Vegas is feasible.
Texas Rangers at Minnesota Twins
Sep 21, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; HEADSHOT Minnesota Twins shortstop Ben Ross (1) throughout batting observe earlier than the beginning of the sport towards the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Necessary Credit score: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Photos What we all know: Texas must win not less than another recreation than the Astros to win the AL West. The Rangers rattled off six wins in seven video games earlier than shedding three straight. They snapped that skid by beating the New York Mets on Thursday and have to keep away from a weekend of setbacks.
What we’ll discover out: The Rangers misplaced three of their last 4 regular-season video games in 2023 and nonetheless received into the postseason. Lose greater than they win this time they usually can plan on viewing baseball from their TV units and telephones. Minnesota isn’t a part of the postseason for the fifth time in six seasons.
Cleveland Guardians at Kansas Metropolis Royals
What we all know: The Guardians have change into a scorching squad and have received seven of their final eight after clinching a playoff towards the Pink Sox on Thursday. The bats are chilly although as Cleveland has scored simply 5 runs over the previous 4 video games, profitable twice by 1-0 and shedding as soon as by the identical rating.
What we’ll discover out: The following activity is making the most of a workforce with nothing to play for whereas seeking to win the division and land the No. 2 seed. The Royals have made the playoffs simply as soon as since profitable the 2015 World Collection. All hail World Collection MVP Salvador Perez.
Colorado Rockies at Chicago White Sox
What we all know: The White Sox have been horrible with 101, 121 and 102 losses the previous three seasons earlier than rising up and clinching their first playoff spot since 2021. Additionally, how did Miguel Vargas change into an offensive power with 33 homers and 92 RBIs?
What we’ll discover out: Chicago holds the tiebreaker benefit over Cleveland and might win the division by thriving within the mile-high air. The Rockies are house owners of 4 straight 100-loss campaigns and missed the playoffs for the eighth straight season however absolutely will present up in an try to be spoilers.
Arizona Diamondbacks at San Diego Padres
What we all know: The Diamondbacks can be in all-out mode to chase down the Phillies and hoping San Diego will relaxation some regulars after clinching its fifth postseason berth previously seven seasons. Arizona has seen the Nolan Arenado (29 homers) of outdated and it’s match.
What we’ll discover out: Arizona badly wants a win Friday to maintain the warmth on the sinking Phillies. Watch how the Padres go all out to say the No. 4 seed in anticipation of internet hosting the Cubs within the wild-card spherical. Chicago received the wild-card collection 2-1 final season over San Diego after which went 5-1 towards the Padres this season whereas scoring a staggering 55 runs.
Tampa Bay Rays at Philadelphia Phillies
Sep 24, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) throws out New York Yankees third baseman Amed Rosario (not pictured) on a floor ball through the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brad Penner-Imagn Photos What we all know: Tampa Bay has wrapped up the most effective file within the AL and could have homefield benefit ought to it attain the AL Championship Collection. Philadelphia must play higher instantly as a result of the Diamondbacks maintain the tiebreaker if the groups end in a tie.
What we’ll discover out: Nothing to seek out out in regards to the Rays apart from they’re good and Junior Caminero (41 homers) has elite energy. Extra perplexing is why the veteran Phillies have sprung a leak down the stretch and appear to be a wild-card spherical exit even when they make the festivities.
Chicago Cubs at Boston Pink Sox
What we all know: A Nor’easter full of heavy winds is hitting city and the groups are scheduled to play twice Friday, as soon as on Saturday and in no way Sunday. The video games are extra vital for the Cubs when it comes to playoff positioning.
What we’ll discover out: Chicago is competing with San Diego and maybe Philadelphia for the No. 4 spot within the NL and home-field benefit within the wild-card spherical. The Pink Sox want one win to stitch up the AL’s No. 2 wild-card. Each groups are hoping to get all three video games in by Saturday night time.
