If the playoffs were to start today, it would be the White Sox with the AL Central title and a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed. The Guardians, with a 78-75 record, would be the AL’s third wild-card seed.

Four teams have punched their tickets to the 2026 MLB postseason, as the Yankees in the American League and the Dodgers in the National League joined the bracket already occupied by the Rays and Brewers.

Outfielder Dustin Harris has become a key contributor for the red-hot Padres after the White Sox parted ways with him twice this season.

Outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres are in the mix to return to the MLB playoffs for the third consecutive season. This is how things stand entering play on Saturday, Sept. 19:

And that means we are starting to see the MLB playoff picture become clearer as teams hone in on their postseason spots. In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers have clinched their fourth straight NL Central crown while the Los Angeles Dodgers have their 13th NL West title in 14 seasons.

ESPN's David Schoenfield highlighted the Padres' big strikeout problem, one that has nothing to do with their lineup and everything to do with their rotation, as their potential "fatal flaw" for the MLB playoffs. "San Diego Padres. Fatal flaw: Rotation doesn't miss bats (29th in strikeout rate since Aug. 1)," Schoenfield writes.

The Atlanta Braves are getting ready to close the regular season and push into the Major League Baseball Playoffs. Atlanta is looking to get right-handed relief pitcher Robert Suarez healthy for the postseason.