You watching these MLB playoffs right now? Because if you are, you’ve probably noticed something wild: runs are harder to come by than a sunny day in January. We’re halfway through the 2026 MLB playoffs, and teams are averaging a shocking 3.46 runs per game. That’s not just a little dip, folks, that’s historically low. We’re talking about an offense that’s down a full 25% compared to the regular season, a full run less per game, and if it holds, it’ll be the lowest-scoring postseason since the Division Series became a thing way back in 1995.
Where Did All The Offense Go?
Seriously, where did it go? Usually, you can expect postseason scoring to drop a bit, maybe half a run per game from the regular season average. But this year? It’s like someone turned off the scoring spigot completely. We’ve seen just 25 games played, and the numbers are brutal. Teams are hitting a paltry .208/.291/.334, and during the Division Series, it was even worse at .192/.284/.304 with just 3.06 runs per game. Compare that to the 4.48 runs per game we saw in the 2026 regular season. The difference is a whopping -1.02 runs! Check out the last few years:
- 2022: Regular season 4.28, Postseason 3.66 (Diff -0.62)
- 2023: Regular season 4.62, Postseason 4.10 (Diff -0.52)
- 2024: Regular season 4.39, Postseason 4.21 (Diff -0.18)
- 2025: Regular season 4.45, Postseason 4.01 (Diff -0.44)
- 2026: Regular season 4.48, Postseason 3.46 (Diff -1.02)
This isn’t just a tough offensive stretch, it’s a throwback! The 3.46 runs per game we’re seeing this year is currently the lowest since 1995, falling below 2012 (3.49 RPG), 2013 (3.55 RPG), 2001 (3.56 RPG), and 1998 (3.62 RPG). It’s wild to see scoring this tight.
Is This Just Bad Luck Or Something More?
So, why the sudden drought? Part of it could definitely be what they call “sample-size noise.” We’re only 25 games deep into the postseason, spread across 12 days, and in the grand scheme of baseball, that isn’t a ton of games. But there’s another major factor, and it’s pretty obvious if you look at who’s left standing. Only six of the top 11 regular-season offenses even made it to the postseason. On the flip side, a staggering 10 of the top 12 teams in runs allowed per game, meaning the best pitching and defenses, are still in the hunt. It tells you everything you need to know: the best pitching and defense win in October, even if it means some seriously low-scoring affairs.
Four Teams Remain, History On The Line
Now, with four teams left, something historic is absolutely guaranteed. You’ve got the Los Angeles Dodgers eyeing a threepeat, which would be a first for any National League team. Or, we’re finally going to see a long-suffering fanbase hoist that World Series trophy. The Cleveland Guardians haven’t won since 1948, which is just insane. And then there are the Milwaukee Brewers (existed since 1970) and the Tampa Bay Rays (since 1998), neither of whom have ever won a title. After their ALDS Game 5 win over the Chicago White Sox, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt was pumped, saying, “This was a difficult year. For us to be one step away from the World Series, our ultimate goal, this is really exciting.”
The Brewers and Dodgers kick off their NLCS battle this Sunday night at American Family Field. Then on Monday, the Guardians and Rays start their ALCS showdown at Tropicana Field. Will we finally see the best versions of Jacob Misiorowski and Shohei Ohtani in these Championship Series? And more importantly, will *anyone* start hitting? With at most 21 games left, let’s see if these teams can finally bust out the bats and bring some fireworks to October!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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