MLB Baseball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 24, 2026, 2:11 PM ET

Playoff Picture & Power Rankings

As the 2026 regular season winds down, ESPN’s final power rankings assess which contenders are peaking at the right time. The Yankees received a major boost as Aaron Judge confirmed he intends to be available for Game 1 of the wild-card series. Meanwhile, Cubs manager Craig Counsell argued that his team is at a disadvantage after a schedule change against the Red Sox.

Injury Updates & Returns

The Red Sox suffered a setback as Ceddanne Rafaela injured his hamstring in his return from the injured list, prompting an upcoming MRI. The Braves are preparing for October by activating setup man Robert Suarez, who is targeting two appearances ahead of the playoffs. In the Bronx, Giancarlo Stanton faced pitchers as the Yankees hold out hope he’ll be playoff-ready after a 5½-month absence.

Player Performances & Milestones

Yankees rookie Ben Rice surpassed Aaron Boone’s spring training prediction of 39 homers by slugging his 40th and 41st. Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doubled down on his contract comments, stating, “What I said is the way I feel.” Max Scherzer announced that a decision on his future is likely in the next day or two after Wednesday’s game.

Transactions & Labor Issues

The Nationals awarded pitcher Cade Cavalli a $4M signing bonus as part of his deal. A broader analysis of the Padres examines whether they represent a small-market success story or a cautionary tale in MLB’s labor debate.

Season Grades

ESPN released regular-season grades for all 30 teams, evaluating playoff contenders and those packing for the offseason.