The 2026 postseason picture is nearly set as we enter the final day of the regular season.
The Guardians clinched the AL Central, a first-round bye and the No. 2 seed in the AL bracket with a win on Saturday, pushing the White Sox to the final AL Wild Card spot and the No. 6 seed. In the National League, the D-backs and Phillies continue their battle for the final NL Wild Card position and in the AL, the Rangers and Astros will either be crowned AL West champions (earning the No. 3 seed) or see their season end on Sunday.
Here's what you need to know for the Rangers and Astros' clinch scenarios on Sunday.
The race for the AL West
- Astros 80-81 (.497) -- 1 at ATH
- Rangers 80-81 (.497) -- 1 at MIN
On Thursday, both clubs were officially eliminated from the Wild Card race, so the division title is the only way in, with the second-place team heading home for the offseason. Going into the final game, these teams are tied in the standings, but because the Astros won the teams' season series, 9-4, they have the inside track on what would be their eighth division title in a 10-season span.
The Astros, then, just need to match the Rangers on the final day of the season.
- If the Astros win, Houston wins the division, regardless of what Texas does.
- If the Astros lose and the Rangers win, Texas wins the division.
Whichever team wins the AL West would be the No. 3 see in the AL bracket, by virtue of being the AL division champion with the worst record. They would then host the No. 6 seed White Sox in the best-of-three Wild Card Series, beginning Tuesday.