The Matchups Are Set
The 2026 MLB playoff field is finally here, and the vibes are immaculate. We’re moving from the Wild Card Series straight into the World Series by Halloween. Tuesday afternoon kicks off the madness with four best-of-three Wild Card battles:
- American League: No. 3 Astros vs. No. 6 White Sox and No. 4 Yankees vs. No. 5 Red Sox.
- National League: No. 3 Braves vs. No. 6 Phillies and No. 4 Padres vs. No. 5 Cubs.
Once those wrap up, the top two seeds in each league enter the chat for the best-of-five Division Series, followed by the best-of-seven League Championship Series and the final World Series showdown.
Expert Takes: Who’s Winning It All?
CBS Sports writers aren't holding back on their hot takes for the bracket. Some are betting on the Yankees' pitching depth to carry them despite injury concerns with Aaron Judge. Others think the Dodgers have the rotation to beat, even if Shohei Ohtani isn't at 100% and the squad is feeling the pressure of a potential threepeat.
Then there's the "small market" hype. Some experts are looking at the Brewers to dominate the National League thanks to their elite bullpen and balanced roster. Keep your eyes on Jackson Chourio—he's being pegged for a massive breakout party that could end in a World Series MVP title and the Brewers' first-ever banner. The Rays are also getting serious love as the team to beat in a arguably thinner American League.
Why it matters
Postseason baseball is all about who gets hot at the right time. With the Wild Card round starting Tuesday, the path to the championship is wide open, and the chaos of the bracket means literally anything can happen. No cap, this October is going to be one for the history books.
