Are MLB’s expanded playoffs creating exciting pennant races—or allowing too many average teams to remain in contention?
Mark and Gordon Kolier break down the 2026 MLB stretch run, including the crowded Wild Card standings, the teams that look dangerous heading toward October and the contenders that may not be nearly as good as their records—or playoff positions—suggest.
They also discuss:
⚾ The American and National League playoff races
⚾ Which contenders are legitimate World Series threats
⚾ Whether MLB’s expanded postseason rewards mediocrity
⚾ Teams surging or fading as September approaches
⚾ Pitching, injuries and late-season roster concerns
⚾ The possibility of a 2027 MLB lockout
⚾ Baseball’s continuing salary-cap and payroll debate
Does keeping more teams alive make the regular season more compelling? Or has MLB lowered the standard for reaching October?
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