MLB tiebreakers for NL wild card, AL Central and AL West divisions

That's just the way baseball fans like it. (Unless their team is the one that gets left out.)

If two or more teams finish tied for a playoff spot after 162 games, MLB now uses a tiebreaker formula instead of a one-game playoff to determine which team advances.

The Athletics Lawrence Butler is tagged out by Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas as he tires to extend his double into a triple during the eighth inning at Sutter Health Park on April 18, 2026. (Scott Marshall, Imagn Images) Cleveland Guardians mascot Slider interacts with fans during game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 17, 2026. (David Richard, Imagn Images) Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile attempts to catch a ball hit for a single by the Pittsburgh Pirates' Jake Mangum during the first inning at PNC Park on April 16, 2026. The Nationals won the game, 8-7. (Charles LeClaire, Imagn Images) Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez wears a special chest protector to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at American Family Field on April 15, 2026.