Updated MLB Playoffs Bracket Picture 2026 and AL, NL Standings for Current Format

The end of the regular season is just over a month away, and the MLB playoff picture is starting to take shape. Here's a look at the latest standings, wild card picture and some of the races to watch down the stretch.

American League Standings

AL East	W	L	Pct	GB
Tampa Bay Rays	74	49	.602	-
New York Yankees	69	55	.556	5.5
Boston Red Sox	66	58	.523	8.5
Baltimore Orioles	61	63	.492	13.5
Toronto Blue Jays	61	65	.484	14.5

AL Central	W	L	Pct	GB
Chicago White Sox	65	58	.528	-
Cleveland Guardians	60	64	.484	5.5
Detroit Tigers	60	64	.484	5.5
Minnesota Twins	60	65	.480	6
Kansas City Royals	51	74	.408	15

West	W	L	Pct	GB
Houston Astros	63	61	.508	-
Texas Rangers	61	64	.488	2.5
Seattle Mariners	58	66	.468	5
Athletics	49	75	.395	14
Los Angeles Angels	49	76	.392	14.5

American League Wild Card

Team	GB
New York Yankees	+8
Boston Red Sox	+5
Baltimore Orioles	0
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Texas Rangers	0.5
Toronto Blue Jays	1
Cleveland Guardians	1
Detroit Tigers	1
Minnesota Twins	1.5
Seattle Mariners	3

National League Standings

East	W	L	Pct	GB
Atlanta Braves	74	50	.597	0.0
Philadelphia Phillies	67	58	.536	7.5
Miami Marlins	64	61	.512	10.5
Washington Nationals	60	66	.476	15.0
New York Mets	56	69	.448	18.5

Central	W	L	Pct	GB
Milwaukee Brewers	77	48	.616	0.0
Chicago Cubs	72	53	.576	5
St. Louis Cardinals	63	61	.508	13.5
Pittsburgh Pirates	61	65	.484	16.5
Cincinnati Reds	59	64	.480	17

West	W	L	Pct	GB
Los Angeles Dodgers	74	51	.592	0.0
San Diego Padres	66	58	.529	7.5
Arizona Diamondbacks	66	59	.528	8
San Francisco Giants	51	72	.415	22
Colorado Rockies	49	74	.398	24

National League Wild Card

Team	GB
Chicago Cubs	+5.5
Philadelphia Phillies	+0.5
San Diego Padres	0
-----------------------
Arizona Diamondbacks	0.5
Miami Marlins	2.5
St. Louis Cardinals	3
Pittsburgh Pirates	6
Cincinnati Reds	6.5
Washington Nationals	7

The two most interesting races to watch down the stretch will be in the AL Central and AL West.

The Chicago White Sox led their division heading into the week, and a sweep over the Detroit Tigers this weekend only helped create more separation. The White Sox have a tough week ahead against the Cubs and Braves, but a weekend series against the Mets should give them the chance to maintain their lead.

The Yankees and Red Sox have a pretty good lead in the wild-card race, but the final two spots are still very attainable.

Meanwhile, the Rangers have managed to stay within striking distance of the Astros, with the Mariners still hanging around as well. Luckily for Houston, a manageable slate ahead this week should keep it in front for now.

The AL East has proved to be the dominant division in its league. Four teams currently hold postseason positions, and all four making it would mark just the second time it has ever happened.

The Braves and Dodgers are still firmly in the lead in their respective divisions, but the Brewers can't relax just yet with the Cubs still just a few games back.

In the wild-card race, Chicago is the only team that is sitting comfortably in postseason position. One day of action can completely change the rest of the NL wild-card picture.