We’re into the dog days of summer, and before you know it, the fall & the MLB Postseason will arrive. So, who would be in the playoffs if the season were to end today? Here’s a breakdown of the 12 teams currently positioned to play playoff baseball.
If the MLB playoffs started today
Which teams would make the playoffs as of today?
American League
- AL East leader: Rays (63-44)
- AL Central leader: White Sox (55-51)
- AL West leader: Rangers (55-53)
- Wild Card 1: Yankees (61-46) — GB: +6.5
- Wild Card 2: Red Sox (55-51) — GB: +1.0
- Wild Card 3: Guardians (56-54) — GB: –
National League
- NL East leader: Braves (63-45)
- NL Central leader: Brewers (67-41)
- NL West leader: Dodgers (67-40)
- Wild Card 1: Cubs (61-47) — GB: +4.5
- Wild Card 2: D-backs (57-52) — GB: –
- Wild Card 3: Phillies (57-52) — GB: –
Here is what the playoff picture would look like as of today. Remember, the three division winners all make it to the MLB Postseason, plus the top three Wild Card teams from each respective league.
How the format works
The top two seeds in each league — so, the top two division winners — receive an automatic bid into the Division Series. The other four teams must qualify for either the ALDS or NLDS through the Wild Card Round.
For that round, the #3 seed in each league (the division winner that didn’t receive a bye) must play the #6 seed. The other matchup would pit the #4 seed against the #5 seed. In both series, the higher seed will host all games in a best-of-three.
After that, either the #4/#5 seed will meet the #1 seed, while the #3/#6 winner will face the #2 seed in the ALDS/NLDS. From that point, it’s pretty simple to explain.
The Division Series is a best-of-five, while the Championship Series and World Series are best-of-seven.
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