The 2026 MLB Playoffs are underway, and the postseason bracket is beginning to take shape following the opening Wild Card Series matchups. As of Thursday, October 1, 2026, three teams have advanced to the Division Series, while the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves are preparing for a decisive Game 3.
The New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres have advanced, while the Phillies-Braves winner will claim the final available spot in the Division Series.
Current 2026 MLB Playoff Bracket
American League Division Series
No. 1 Tampa Bay Rays vs. No. 4 New York Yankees
The Yankees advanced through the Wild Card round by sweeping the Boston Red Sox, setting up an AL East postseason showdown against the top-seeded Tampa Bay Rays.
No. 2 Cleveland Guardians vs. No. 6 Chicago White Sox
Chicago has moved on after sweeping the Houston Astros in the Wild Card Series. The White Sox will now face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS.
National League Division Series
No. 1 Milwaukee Brewers vs. No. 4 San Diego Padres
The Padres punched their ticket to the NLDS by sweeping the Chicago Cubs. San Diego will now take on the top-seeded Milwaukee Brewers.
No. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies/Atlanta Braves winner
The final NLDS matchup remains undecided.
Philadelphia and Atlanta split the first two games of their Wild Card Series, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 on Thursday, October 1. The winner advances to face the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Phillies vs. Braves Game 3
The Phillies and Braves will determine the final team in the 2026 MLB Division Series.
Matchup: Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves
Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
Series: Tied 1-1
The winner advances to play the Dodgers in the NLDS, while the loser’s 2026 season comes to an end.
2026 MLB Division Series Matchups
Here is how the bracket currently stands:
American League
- New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays
- Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians
National League
- San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers
- Philadelphia Phillies/Atlanta Braves winner vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Division Series are scheduled to begin Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Road to the 2026 World Series
The winners of the two American League Division Series will advance to the American League Championship Series (ALCS), while the two National League Division Series winners will advance to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
The ALCS and NLCS winners will then meet in the 2026 World Series.
With three Wild Card Series already decided and Phillies-Braves heading to a decisive Game 3, the 2026 MLB postseason field is quickly narrowing.