MLB's 2026 Season Wrap-Up: Surprises, Playoff Picture and Betting Insights
As the regular season concludes, the New York Post offers a look back at the year's key developments and a preview of the upcoming postseason.
The 2026 Major League Baseball regular season has concluded, revealing a mix of expected performances and surprising outcomes, while setting the stage for a star-studded postseason. The New York Post's "Stitches" provides an analysis of the season's lessons and a look ahead to the playoffs.
This season saw the New York Yankees demonstrate resilience, securing victories even without star player Aaron Judge. In contrast, the New York Mets struggled without Pete Alonso, and the Baltimore Orioles faced challenges with him on their roster. The Toronto Blue Jays are not projected to return to the World Series, while the Los Angeles Dodgers are considered a strong contender.
Season Standouts and Struggles
Chicago will be represented by two teams in the postseason. The Houston Astros clinched the American League West title with a .500 record, finishing the regular season at 81-81. The Philadelphia Phillies experienced a late-season slump, losing games 158 through 161, but managed to secure a wild-card berth in the final game of the season.
The Milwaukee Brewers achieved the league's best record with 103 wins, while the Colorado Rockies recorded the most losses, with 104.
Playoff Preparations
Looking ahead to the postseason, the Dodgers, featuring superstar Shohei Ohtani, are viewed as a team with a strong chance at the championship. The analysis also highlights individual pitching performances, such as Logan Gilbert's near no-hitter against the Angels in the final stretch of the season.
The insights come from "Stitches," a handicapper for the New York Post since 2019, who also claimed victory in the Post's NFL Best Bet competition in the previous year, showcasing versatility in sports betting analysis.
