The 2026 MLB Postseason picture filled up on September 24. Both the Cubs & White Sox locked up berths within minutes of one another, while the Guardians kept their now-three-year playoff streak alive. And in Los Angeles, San Diego wrapped up a series with the Dodgers with a win and a punched playoff ticket.
White Sox blow out Royals
The White Sox rolled against Kansas City, winning 9-1 & locking up a playoff berth in the process.
Chicago’s offense put up three runs in both the first & second innings. The Sox then scored two more in the fourth, one of which came via a Kyle Teel solo home run. David Sandlin struck out seven over six strong frames, allowing just five hits and one earned run.
It’s the first time since 2021 that the White Sox will be playing postseason baseball.
Guardians make playoffs for third straight year
One day after the Red Sox won 1-0 over Cleveland, the Guardians won 1-0 on the 24th. That victory locked up a third consecutive playoff berth for Cleveland.
The only run of the game came from Angel Martinez‘s bat. Martinez hit a solo home run off Ranger Suarez in the second, his 18th of the season. Five Guardians combined to shut out the Red Sox, with Joey Cantillo doing the brunt of the work with five scoreless innings.
Both Cleveland & the White Sox will now vie for the AL Central title. Heading into September 25, Cleveland has a one-game lead over Chicago.
Cubs win on PCA’s 40-40 day
The Cubs locked up a playoff berth for a second straight year, as Chicago won 2-1 to salvage the three-game series versus the Marlins.
Chicago got a runner in scoring position in the first, as Pete Crow-Armstrong stole second on Tyler Phillips (who allowed Crow-Armstrong’s 40th home run) to pick up his 40th stolen base of 2026. The Cubs outfielder didn’t score but he became the seventh man to notch a 40-40 season.
The Marlins made it 1-0 in the third thanks to a Jakob Marsee single. Seiya Suzuki belted a solo home run in the fifth to tie it before Nico Hoerner made it 2-1 when he drove in Ian Happ in the sixth.
D-Backs sweep Rockies
The Diamondbacks kept their playoff hopes alive into the final weekend, as Arizona defeated the Rockies 12-8 to complete the sweep.
Arizona scored six runs in the first without recording an out, and Gabriel Moreno drove in half of those runs with a three-run shot. Nolan Arenado added two more with a two-run home rin later on the inning.
However, things got interesting in the hitter-friendly confines. Colorado scored seven runs between the sixth and eighth frames to make it interesting. Kyle Karros, Cole Carrigg, and Zac Veen all hit home runs for Colorado.
Padres clinch playoff berth
The Padres defeated the Dodgers 4-2 to clinch a playoff spot for the third straight season.
Tyler Glasnow pitched very well, as he struck out 11 over 6.1 IP. However, he was charged with three runs, two of which scored when Justin Wrobelski was on the mound. Singles from Austin Hays, Ethan Salas, and Fernando Tatis Jr. added three runs in the seventh after Dustin Harris drove in one with a sac fly in the sixth.
Padres starter Nick Pivetta struck out seven over 4.2 scoreless innings.
Everything else
- Pirates def. Cardinals 2-1
- Rangers def. Mets 3-1
- Brewers def. Phillies 5-1
- Yankees def. Rays 6-4
- Reds def. Braves 7-6
- Astros def. Athletics 7-5
- Angels def. Mariners 6-4
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