Ranking the Eight MLB Wild-Card Teams as Playoffs Begin
The 12-team MLB postseason field was finalized on the last day of the regular season. Houston won the AL West with an 81-81 record, and Philadelphia secured the final NL wild-card spot. The wild-card round will feature Yankees-Red Sox, Braves-Phillies, Padres-Cubs, and Astros-White Sox, with the eight teams ranked ahead of the best-of-three series.
The last day of the regular season settled the 12-team bracket. Houston took the AL West at 81-81, the poorest full-season mark ever for a playoff club, while Philadelphia fended off Arizona for the last NL wild card. The opening best-of-three matchups are Yankees-Red Sox, Braves-Phillies, Padres-Cubs and Astros-White Sox, starting Tuesday.
Chicago returns to the postseason for the first time since 2021 after three straight 100-loss campaigns. The White Sox went 84-78, led the AL Central by three games entering September, then faded as Cleveland surged. They bring power but also strikeout and pitching concerns.
The sudden playoff berths for long-struggling clubs like Chicago could energize local fan bases and increase short-term spending around host cities. A best-of-three format may heighten urgency and TV interest, while also increasing variance for players and clubs. For fans, the expanded field may keep more markets engaged later into autumn, though some may question whether an 81-81 division winner belongs.