The 2026 MLB playoffs are already delivering some intense action, with two American League teams making quick work of their Wild Card Series and the National League locked in a couple of absolute nail-biters.
AL Powerhouses Make Quick Work
Man, the American League Wild Card Series went fast. The White Sox just swept the Astros with a dominant 2-0 series win, punching their ticket to the League Division Series. This is huge for them, marking their first playoff series win since their 2005 World Series championship run. They are now set to face the Guardians in the ALDS. Not to be outdone, the Yankees absolutely decimated their division rival Red Sox, earning their own 2-0 sweep. The Yanks are now heading for an ALDS matchup against the Rays. So, just like that, two teams are done with the first round. The Rays, who are the American League’s top seed, and the Guardians, despite their 85-77 record, both earned byes and are now waiting for their ALDS opponents. The Guardians, by the way, snagged the No. 2 seed and will face the 84-win White Sox in the next round.
NL Wild Card Goes Down to the Wire
Meanwhile, the National League half of the bracket is a whole different story. The Phillies were staring down elimination in Game 2 against the Braves, but they absolutely refused to go home. In a back-and-forth extra-innings affair on Wednesday, the Phillies snagged a huge 4-3 win in 10 innings, tying the series at 1-1. Now it all comes down to a do-or-die Game 3 on Thursday. Over in the other NL Wild Card matchup, the Padres are holding a 1-0 series lead over the Cubs, with Game 2 still on the schedule for Wednesday night. The Brewers, who piled up a league-leading 103 wins, and the two-time reigning champion Dodgers, with their 100 wins, are enjoying their byes and will host NLDS Game 1s on Saturday. The Brewers will play the Padres-Cubs winner, while the Dodgers will face whoever emerges from the Braves-Phillies slugfest.
Get ready for some must-watch baseball on Thursday, because Game 3 for both the Phillies and Braves, and potentially the Cubs and Padres, is going to be absolutely electric. Then, the ALDS kicks off on Saturday, with the White Sox visiting the Guardians and the Yankees heading to face the top-seeded Rays. This playoff picture is just getting started, and you absolutely do not want to miss what happens next.
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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