MLB playoff bracket: The 12 teams fighting for a World Series title

The MLB playoffs are set to begin. First up, the wild card round. Everything starts with postseason quadruple-headers on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the action doesn't stop until the final out of the World Series. There are plenty of storylines to follow this October. The Los Angeles Dodgers are look

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What is the story about?

The MLB playoffs are set to begin. First up, the wild card round.

Everything starts with postseason quadruple-headers on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the action doesn't stop until the final out of the World Series.

There are plenty of storylines to follow this October. The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking for their third World Series victory in a row. The Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, sporting the best records in their respective leagues during the regular season, are still chasing their first championship. There are also several storied franchises with extensive postseason successes (and heartbreaks).

Here's a look at how the playoff bracket stacks up as the AL and NL wild card round tips off.

PRINTABLE BRACKET: Make your picks, print a copy

American League playoff bracket

AL wild card round

Best of 3, seeds in parentheses

Chicago White Sox (6) at Houston Astros (3)
Boston Red Sox (5) at New York Yankees (4)

AL division series

Best of 5

Boston/New York winner vs. Tampa Bay Rays (1)
Chicago/Houston winner vs. Cleveland Guardians (2)

AL championship series

Best of 7

Boston/New York/Tampa Bay vs. Chicago/Houston/Cleveland

Sep 27, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates in the locker room after win against the Tampa Bay Rays and clinching a playoff spot at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

National League playoff bracket

NL wild card round

Best of 3, seeds in parentheses

Philadelphia Phillies (6) at Atlanta Braves (3)
Chicago Cubs (5) at San Diego Padres (4)

NL division series

Best of 5

Philadelphia/Atlanta winner vs. Milwaukee Brewers (1)
Chicago/San Diego winner vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (2)

NL championship series

Best of 7

Philadelphia/Atlanta/Milwaukee vs. Chicago/San Diego/Los Angeles

2026 World Series

Best of 7

AL champion vs. NL champion

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB playoff bracket: The 12 teams fighting for a World Series title

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