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

After a one year absence, the Atlanta Braves are back in the playoffs.

The Braves clinched a playoff berth on Friday with a 6-2 win over the Houston Astros.

After a run of seven consecutive playoff appearances from 2018 to '24, the Braves had a disappointing 2025 in large part due to injuries to key players. Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, Sean Murphy, Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider all missed significant time last year.

This season wasn't dramatically better for the Braves on the injury front, but having Chris Sale still throwing like an ace and a breakout year from Drake Baldwin helped offset a lot of those issues.

Sale, in particular, has a great case to win the NL Cy Young award for the second time in three years. He is on pace to finish with a 2.18 ERA in his age-37 season.

Pitching is the strength for this Braves team that ranks fourth in MLB with a 3.64 ERA. The lineup has been solid with the eighth-most runs scored, but Acuña and Ozzie Albies will need to pick things up in October if this team hopes to challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies in the NL.

The 2026 MLB playoffs begin with the wild card round on Sept. 29, followed by the division series starting Oct. 3.