What happens if AL West, NL wild card are tied? MLB tiebreaker rules

There's a pretty good chance a tiebreaker will be needed to decide the AL West division champion and the third NL wild card participant.

The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are deadlocked atop the West with identical 80-81 records. Meanwhile, the floundering Philadelphia Phillies (87-74) are a game ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks (86-75). If they don't claim the postseason spots outright, the Astros and Diamondbacks would win their respective tiebreakers.

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.