There’s still one more day left of regular season games, but they don’t mean anything as far as playoff implications are concerned. MLB’s postseason bracket is set, so let’s look at how things shook out.
National League
Byes: (1) Dodgers (2) Braves
The Dodgers are owners of MLB’s best record and have earned home-field advantage throughout the postseason. Last night, the Braves clinched their fifth consecutive NL East title with their 101st victory of the season, earning them the second seed in the National League.
Wild Card Series Matchups
(4) Mets vs. (5) Padres
After losing a 10.5-game lead in the NL East, the Mets wind up with the top Wild Card spot. They will host the San Diego Padres at Citi Field this weekend in a best-of-three series. The winner will go on to play the Dodgers in the NLDS. ‘
(3) Cardinals vs. (6) Phillies
The winner of the NL Central, the St. Louis Cardinals, will take on the final Wild Card team, the Philadelphia Phillies, who have finally broken their 11-year postseason drought. All three games will take place in St. Louis, and the winner will face the Braves in the Divisional Series.
American League
Byes: (1) Astros (2) YankeesÂ
Like the Dodgers, the Astros have been the class of the AL from start to finish. The Yankees started off hotter than just about any team in MLB history, but they come into the postseason hobbling.
Wild Card Series Matchups
(4) Blue Jays vs. (5) Mariners
This could be the most fun Wild Card Series of them all, featuring two young teams with a ton of firepower. It will also take place in Toronto, which is among the best environments in all of baseball. The winner earns the chance to take down the Astros.
(3) Guardians vs. (6) Rays
Last but not least, we have the Guardians and Rays. Cleveland surprised many by winning the AL Central. Meanwhile, the Rays have quietly put together another stellar season. The winner of this matchup will play the Yankees.
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Photographer: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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