MLB Announces 2026 Postseason Schedule
The calendar adds an extra ALDS off day to protect starting pitchers; the World Series would finish in October if weather causes no postponements.
Overview
- Major League Baseball set the 2026 playoff dates with the World Series slated to begin Oct. 23 and a potential Game 7 on Oct. 31.
- All four best-of-three Wild Card Series are scheduled to be played at the higher seed’s ballpark on consecutive days from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.
- The Division Series will begin Oct. 3, the National League Championship Series will start Oct. 11, and the American League Championship Series will start Oct. 12, with both LCS matchups as best-of-seven.
- MLB kept the 12-team format introduced in 2022, with the top two seeds in each league receiving first-round byes and the Wild Card pairing the No. 3 vs. No. 6 and No. 4 vs. No. 5.
- The American League Division Series gains an extra scheduled off day between Games 1 and 2 so teams can use the same starters on normal four-day rest and reduce strain on pitching rotations.