Updated 2026 MLB Playoffs Bracket Picture and Standings After Phillies Clinch Berth

For the fifth straight season, the Philadelphia Phillies are heading to the playoffs.

The Phils clinched a postseason berth following Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Rays and will head into October as the sixth and final seed in the National League.

Here's an updated look at the MLB standings:

The Phillies head into the postseason led by a three-headed monster in their rotation. Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo are each in the NL Cy Young conversation, while Zack Wheeler has put together another excellent season upon his return from the thoracic outlet syndrome that ended his 2025 campaign prematurely.

That trio alone gives the Phillies a fighting chance against any opponent, while Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper lead an offense that has plenty of postseason experience but has been plenty streaky this season. If the Phillies hit a hot streak in October, look out.

If they don't, however, much will come down to the pitching. Jhoan Duran has been fantastic as the team's closer, but bridging the gap between the starting pitching and him has been an adventure at times. The team's bullpen is absolutely the biggest question mark heading into the playoffs.

Starters Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter have been pitching better after a rocky first half to the season, and both could be potential options out of the bullpen early in the playoffs. One—or both—could also be Game 4 options down the line if the Phillies get that far.

Philly's postseason experience, their elite rotation and the upside of the lineup if they are streaking the right way makes them a real threat. But they have enough question marks that they easily could be one-and-done as well.