Aaron Judge, Yankees Clinch 2026 MLB Playoff Berth, Updated Bracket Picture and Standings

Despite being without star slugger Aaron Judge for over three months, the New York Yankees are back in the playoffs for the third straight year.

Following the Toronto Blue Jays' loss to the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees clinched a postseason berth as they seek their first World Series title since 2009. New York also beat the Minnesota Twins on Monday.

As the Yankees clinched on Monday, the New York Mets were eliminated from playoff contention.

Here's a look at the updated playoff picture and standings after New York punched its ticket to the playoffs.

American League Division Standings

East	W	L	Pct	GB
Rays	90	59	.604	0
Yankees	87	63	.580	3.5
Red Sox	82	68	.547	8.5
Blue Jays	75	76	.497	16
Orioles	73	78	.483	18

Central	W	L	Pct	GB
White Sox	77	73	.513	0
Guardians	76	75	.503	1.5
Tigers	70	79	.470	6
Twins	70	80	.467	7
Royals	66	84	.440	10.5

West	W	L	Pct	GB
Astros	75	75	.500	0
Rangers	74	76	.493	1
Mariners	70	80	.467	5
Athletics	61	89	.407	14
Angels	56	93	.376	18.5

American League Wild-Card Standings

Team	GB
Yankees (86-63)	+11
Red Sox (82-68)	+6.5
Guardians (76-75)	-
--------------------
Blue Jays (75-76)	1
Rangers (74-76)	1.5
Orioles (73-78)	3
Tigers (71-79)	4.5
Mariners (70-80)	5.5
Twins (70-80)	5.5

National League Division Standings

East	W	L	Pct	GB
Braves	88	62	.587	0
Phillies	83	67	.553	5
Marlins	74	76	.493	14
Nationals	70	81	.464	18.5
Mets	69	81	.460	19

Central	W	L	Pct	GB
Brewers	93	57	.620	0
Cubs	83	67	.553	10
Pirates	75	75	.500	18
Cardinals	74	76	.493	19
Reds	70	80	.470	23

West	W	L	Pct	GB
Dodgers	91	59	.604	0
Padres	81	68	.544	9.5
Diamondbacks	79	71	.527	12
Giants	62	88	.413	29
Rockies	55	94	.369	35.5

National League Wild-Card Standings

Team	GB
Cubs (83-67)	+1.5
Phillies (83-67)	+1.5
Padres (81-68)	-
--------------------
Diamondbacks (79-71)	2.5
Pirates (75-75)	6.5
Marlins (74-76)	7.5
Cardinals (74-76)	7.5
Reds (70-80)	11.5
Nationals (70-81)	12

The Yankees were 36-23 when Judge went down with a stress fracture in his rib at the end of May. The captain finally returned to the lineup on Sept. 8 against the Colorado Rockies, giving New York some much-needed firepower for the stretch run of the season.

During the three-time AL MVP's absence, the Yankees stayed afloat by going 45-39 over the next three months. While multiple hitters posted below-league-average numbers, a few bright spots saved New York's season.

Third-year slugger Ben Rice has enjoyed a breakout campaign, ranking seventh in the majors with 38 home runs. Trade deadline acquisition Luis Garcia Jr. added even more power to the lineup. Rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. showed the makings of a future superstar when he was called up to the majors in early August.

However, it's been the Yankees' pitching that kept them competitive throughout the year. New York leads MLB with a collective 3.24 ERA, with AL Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler leading a strong staff that also includes Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon.

Still, the Yankees will need some steady production from their hitters if they hope to avoid continued postseason disappointment. New York made its first World Series appearance since 2009 two years ago, only to lose to the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games. Last season, the team fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS.

If Judge can return to his MVP form while New York's pitching staff remains dominant, the Yankees will have a strong chance to return to the Fall Classic and right the wrongs of the past few years.