The 2026 MLB playoffs began Tuesday with eight teams competing in four best-of-three Wild Card Series. Shohei Ohtani, Jacob Misiorowski and Junior Caminero are expected to play significant roles in this year’s postseason. The Seattle Mariners were one win away from making their first World Series appearance last October but ended this season with a 76-86 record that feels like a missed opportunity.
The Pirates had a chance to bring energy to the playoffs with Konnor Griffin and Paul Skenes but their August slump left them unable to mount a comeback. The Baltimore Orioles also missed the postseason despite a strong season from Pete Alonso. Alonso finished the regular season as the American League leader with 43 home runs and 113 RBIs.
The Cleveland Guardians have strong pitching but lack a power-hitting presence in their lineup which could be a disadvantage in tight games. Cleveland won the AL Central and earned the No. 2 seed along with a first-round bye.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing questions about the age of their roster despite still being a formidable team. The Dodgers won 100 games and are attempting to become the first team since the 1998-2000 Yankees to win three consecutive World Series championships. Tarik Skubal is expected to be a key player for the Dodgers in October as part of their top-tier rotation.
The New York Yankees entered the postseason without Aaron Judge in the lineup. Judge was left off the Wild Card roster because of a strained right calf. The Yankees still opened the postseason with a 9-0 victory over Boston behind Cam Schlittler and Ben Rice.
The Chicago Cubs are considered dark horses due to their offensive and defensive strengths but their bullpen has been a concern. Pete Crow-Armstrong finished an exceptional regular season with 45 home runs and 41 stolen bases. Chicago is facing San Diego in the Wild Card round.
The Tampa Bay Rays have a strong rotation and are seen as contenders despite not being the most recognized team in the league. Junior Caminero has emerged as a standout for the Rays with his consistent performance and growing impact at third base. Caminero finished the season with 41 home runs as Tampa Bay earned the top seed in the American League.
Jacob Misiorowski gives Milwaukee another major postseason weapon after leading the majors with a 1.80 ERA and 252 strikeouts.
The most important issue beyond the field may be the ongoing labor negotiations between MLB and players which could affect the 2027 season.
NBC Sports is broadcasting the entire Wild Card round with games carried across NBC, Peacock and NBCSN. The network has introduced new elements like 'Inside the Pitch' which features former players providing analysis from along the field. NBC is using expanded broadcast teams that include play-by-play announcers, analysts and reporters.
The Atlanta Braves versus Philadelphia Phillies series is airing on NBC and Peacock with Matt Vasgersian as the play-by-play man. John Kruk and C.J. Nitkowski are analysts with Joey Votto contributing to the Inside the Pitch feature.
The Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox series is being broadcast on Peacock and NBCSN with Dave Flemming as the play-by-play announcer. Steve Stone and Geoff Blum are analysts while Clayton Kershaw is part of Inside the Pitch.
The New York Yankees versus Boston Red Sox series features Jason Benetti on play-by-play with Lou Merloni and Joe Girardi as commentators. Anthony Rizzo is also contributing to the broadcast.
The San Diego Padres versus Chicago Cubs series is airing on Peacock and NBCSN with Tom McCarthy as play-by-play. Jim Deshaies and Mark Grant are analysts with Adam Ottavino contributing to Inside the Pitch.
NBC is also using a studio team for pre- and postgame coverage including former players like CC Sabathia and Eric Hosmer. Ahmed Fareed is hosting the studio coverage while Bob Costas is contributing from Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees had several roster decisions ahead of their Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox. Spencer Jones made the postseason roster while Cody Bellinger remains one of the club’s primary outfield options.
The first day of the postseason has already produced major developments. Atlanta defeated Philadelphia 5-3 while the White Sox beat Houston 6-3 and the Yankees shut out Boston 9-0.