Fox Sports ranks 17 MLB postseason contenders with two weeks remaining
The Brewers and Rays have secured postseason places, while Fox Sports assesses the strengths and weaknesses shaping the final weeks of the regular season.
Fox Sports has ranked 17 Major League Baseball teams still within five games of a postseason berth, examining the factors that could influence their prospects with two weeks remaining in the regular season.
The Milwaukee Brewers, 93–57, and Tampa Bay Rays, 90–59, have already secured postseason places and are pursuing top seeds in their respective leagues. Their progress contrasts with pre-season projections from FanGraphs, which forecast the Rays to finish last in their division and the Brewers to win 83 games.
Fox Sports said its ranking included only teams within five games of a playoff spot as of Monday morning. The Miami Marlins, St Louis Cardinals and Minnesota Twins were removed after falling outside that range, although their omission does not necessarily mean they have been eliminated.
The assessment identifies different pressures across the field, including injuries, pitching depth, offensive production, recent form and remaining schedules. Fox Sports highlighted favourable scheduling as a source of optimism for Seattle, while noting concerns over the team’s offence and a rotation that had posted an earned-run average above 5.00 over the previous month.
Other contenders face similar competing indicators. Texas has welcomed the return of key players but continues to contend with bullpen problems, while Houston has relied on its position in the American League West and improved September pitching despite concerns over Yordan Alvarez’s form and injury.
The 2026 MLB postseason is scheduled to begin on 29 September with the Wild Card Series. Fox Sports’ rankings reflect the position of the contenders at the time of publication, with standings and player form subject to change.
