The Tampa Bay Rays became the first major league team to secure a postseason spot in 2026, defeating the Houston Astros 3-1 on Friday night. Junior Caminero delivered the walk-off, two-run homer, his 40th of the season, sending the Rays to the playoffs. Tampa Bay (88-59) has held the American League's best record for 115 days this season.

The Rays began Friday with a three-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East. Manager Kevin Cash expressed pride in the group's consistency throughout the year. The Rays locked up a postseason spot earlier than any team since the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 10, 2023, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

However, among clubs first to secure berths over the previous 10 seasons, only the Chicago Cubs (2016), Boston Red Sox (2018), Los Angeles Dodgers (2020) and New York Yankees (2024) reached the World Series. Designated hitter Yandy Diaz emphasized the team still has a big title in mind with winning the division. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.