As Labor Day arrives, baseball fans enter the stretch run of the 2026 MLB season. While many divisions appear settled, significant intrigue remains for the final postseason spots. ESPN baseball experts analyze which current contenders will reach October and which teams will secure the last wild-card positions.

In the AL, voters mostly expect the current playoff field to remain intact, predicting minimal movement despite some teams struggling recently. The Mariners have been awful for two months, the Marlins 19-25 since the All-Star break, and the Twins went 10-17 in August. However, the Blue Jays are viewed as a strong candidate to secure the final AL wild-card spot, with experts noting their strong extended play last season.

In the NL, the race for the sixth seed is tight between the Padres and Diamondbacks, with experts favoring San Diego's offense despite a slow start. The battle for NL byes sees the Brewers and Dodgers favored, though questions surround Atlanta's schedule and Los Angeles' offensive issues. Key storylines include Fernando Tatis Jr.'s late home run production and the performance of stars like Aaron Judge.

The final month promises decisive races as teams fight for October baseball.