MLB Baseball 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 2, 2026, 2:08 PM ET
MLB Playoffs
The Dodgers will enter the postseason as the betting favorites to win the World Series. The Chicago White Sox are taking an unconventional approach, starting reliever Hagen Smith in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Guardians. The Braves clinched their wild-card series with a dominant win over the Phillies on Thursday, punching their ticket to face Los Angeles in the NLDS. A full preview of every division series matchup is now available.
Braves-Phillies Wild Card
Atlanta deployed ace Chris Sale as a "warrior" out of the bullpen on one day of rest, delivering four electric outs to close out Philadelphia. Phillies star Bryce Harper was blunt about the team's early exit, stating, "You're here to win games, and we didn't." The Phillies now face significant offseason questions following the wild-card defeat.
Free Agency & MLB News
MLB insiders predict Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal could command a 10-year, $500 million contract in free agency, with top suitors already being identified. In a technology first, robot umpires overturned 54% of challenged calls during the ABS system's debut season. Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed MLB has abandoned plans for a game at Grand Teton National Park. Astros manager Joe Espada stated he "absolutely" wants to return as his contract expires.
Yankees-Rays Preview
The Yankees' plan to beat the Rays relies on strong pitching, clean baseball, and potentially a healthy Aaron Judge.