What went wrong for the 2026 Seattle Mariners? And where do they go from here?
Just 11 months ago, the Seattle Mariners were on the doorstep of the franchise's first World Series appearance.
Baseball
25th September 2026
The Chicago White Sox were a punchline. Now they are postseason-bound
The Chicago White Sox emerged as one of baseball’s best stories this season.
Cubs, resilient and resourceful in roller coaster regular season, clinch playoff berth
The 2026 Cubs navigated a deluge of pitching injuries and helped Pete Crow-Armstrong develop into the National League’s likely MVP.
White Sox beat Royals to clinch first playoff berth in 5 years, complete turnaround after 3 straight 100-loss seasons
After the Chicago White Sox suffered a one-run defeat to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, catcher Kyle Teel said the mindset was to “be ready to win tomorrow.”“That’s the only way to be,” Teel said Wednesday, per MLB.com. “That’s how winning teams are.”.
Year of the Rookie: Kevin McGonigle, Munetaka Murakami, Parker Messick lead a 2026 rookie class that made all kinds of history
It didn't take long for us to get an inkling that the 2026 rookie class could be special. This cohort of talented youngsters wasted no time announcing themselves on the major-league stage, with a plethora of rookies stealing the show on Opening Day.
White Sox SS Colson Montgomery ties MLB single-season strikeout record that has stood for 17 years
On Thursday, as the White Sox clinched their first playoff berth in five seasons, the Chicago shortstop made a little bit of history with one of MLB's least-desired records.
White Sox's Colson Montgomery ties MLB single-season strikeout record
Montgomery on Thursday tied Mark Reynolds' record of 223 strikeouts in a single season, which was set in 2009.
Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong becomes seventh player in MLB history with a 40-40 season
Pete Crow-Armstrong became the seventh player in Major League Baseball history to achieve 40 home runs with 40 stolen bases in a single season during the Chicago Cubs’ 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong joins MLB's 40-40 club, putting exclamation point on MVP campaign
Crow-Armstrong has been putting the finishing touches on arguably the best individual season in the club’s long history.
The funniest potential MLB outcome left. Plus: Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s contract comments
Welcome to The Windup, The Athletic's MLB newsletter.
24th September 2026
MLB playoff tiebreakers explained: The scenarios that could decide the postseason
All the information you need about seedings, tiebreakers and late-season MLB playoff races are right here.
Cubs must wait to clinch postseason berth — and for Pete Crow-Armstrong's 40-40 season
The Cubs can secure their second straight postseason berth with a win over the Marlins on Thursday or a Diamondbacks loss.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Sept. 24, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
Drama in MLB's final days, plus: An NFL QB stat that feels impossible
The Pulse Newsletter ???? | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! The icy future is automated, I guess.
Inside Blue Jays' 'heartbreaking' fall from World Series runner-up to missing the playoffs
Their pitching staff fell apart, ravaged by injuries. Power bats got hurt and others struggled — none more than Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
'Why aren't we the Brewers?' How the Reds remain in limbo while other small-market clubs succeed
As Cincinnati finishes an underwhelming 2026 season, the franchise's path forward is unclear.
Jacob Misiorowski puts up eye-popping numbers. But the Meaning of the Miz is so much more
How do we measure what makes Misiorowski — and his breakthrough season — so spectacular? And what does it all mean — for him and this sport?.
We asked pro athletes: What’s the one thing a leader said that helped you most?
One MLB player said it was the moment he was benched in the minors. Another said it was tough love from Roger Clemens.
With 5 games to go, Shohei Ohtani returns to Dodgers after 15-day IL stint
Shohei Ohtani is officially back for the Los Angeles Dodgers. We just don't really know what that means yet.We do know Ohtani won't be pitching again in 2026. We know he just completed the first injured stint list of his Dodgers career.
Aaron Judge pushes back on Aaron Boone's comments about his wild-card status, injury
Judge said that when he returns to the Yankees, he intends to play right field and not just be a designated hitter.
Ben Rice becomes second Yankees draft pick to hit 40 homers in season
Ben Rice is in the process of wrapping up a breakout season for the New York Yankees. That included making some history on Wednesday.Facing the Tampa Bay Rays, the All-Star first baseman opened the scoring in the first inning with his 40th homer of the season.
Cubs' Alex Bregman says he's in a 'good spot' with signs pointing to return before playoffs
Bregman’s availability is one more X-factor as the Cubs try to secure the National League’s top wild card.
Aaron Judge says he plans to be ready for Yankees' wild-card series, disputing comments from manager Aaron Boone
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Tuesday that franchise star Aaron Judge will not play in the team's wild-card series next week. Judge himself had a different story a day later.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. doesn’t regret saying he got $500 million ‘for what I already did’
Guerrero's comments about his contract, shared with Dominican broadcaster Verónica Batista, gained traction on social media Wednesday.
Dodgers activate Shohei Ohtani, demote red-hot rookie Josue De Paula to Triple-A
As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers activated Shohei Ohtani from the injured list on Wednesday. In a corresponding move, they demoted a player who turned out to be a more capable replacement than anyone could’ve imagined for two weeks.
Aaron Judge's latest injury offers a glimpse of a rapidly approaching Yankees future
The New York Yankees are locked in.Their doubleheader split with the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday ensured that the Bombers will enter the postseason as the top wild card in the American League. (The Rays clinched the AL East and the No.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tries to clarify answer about his $500 million contract after original response goes viral
You won't find many people who disagree with the statement that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is having a disappointing 2026 season. In fact, they might have even harsher words for a first baseman with only one home run at his home ballpark this year.
Shohei Ohtani's return pushes Josue De Paula to minors; prospect in the mix for postseason roster
Ohtani is expected to be the team's designated hitter in the Dodgers' five remaining games.
Cubs-Red Sox weekend series gets shuffled around with forecasted nor'easter approaching Massachusetts
The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are set to play an important three-game series this weekend, with playoff seeding in both the American and National Leagues hanging in the balance.
Red Sox, Cubs to play doubleheader Friday to avoid weather with wild-card seeding at stake
This weekend’s series carries more implications for the Cubs than it does for the Red Sox, who are all but locked in with their seed.
After Rockies secure fourth straight 100-loss season, Angels aim to avoid first
Colorado and the Los Angeles Angels are among the teams staring at the wrong side of history over the final week of the season.
Astros battling injuries to multiple players, including Jeremy Peña and Cristian Javier, with playoffs on the line
The Houston Astros pulled off a massive win over the rival Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, but it came at a significant cost. The Astros lost both pitcher Cristian Javier and outfielder Brice Matthews during the team's 7-0 victory.
Mets add former Twins executive Derek Falvey to front office as senior advisor
Falvey and lead executive David Stearns previously worked together in Cleveland’s organization.
23rd September 2026
With no time to party, newly named Red Sox manager Chad Tracy gets right back to work
Tracy’s deal is for three years with a club option for 2030, and it’s richly deserved. But he'll have all winter to celebrate.
MLB mailbag: Brewers’ postseason chances, Bobby Witt Jr.’s MVP case and a potential lockout
Will the Brewers roil the CBA negotiations? And will their manager become a three-time award winner? That and more in our MLB mailbag.
Why Chad Tracy and Andy Green's old-school paths to MLB manager are rare in the modern game
Fewer than half of today's MLB skippers spent any time managing in the minor leagues..
Why Chad Tracy’s old-school path to MLB manager is now rare in the modern game
Fewer than half of today's MLB skippers spent any time managing in the minor leagues..
My hypothetical ballot for MLB's major end-of-year awards
BBWAA members submit their award votes before the postseason. Here's how I see the MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year* races.
Max Scherzer’s done it all at 42. So why is the future Hall of Famer still pitching?
Much of Scherzer's career lately has been scratching and clawing amid various injuries and a clock that won't slow down.
He was one of baseball's top closers. Now he's a world-traveling archaeologist
Brad Lidge made two All-Star games as an MLB closer. Then his curiosity led him in a different direction.
Shohei Ohtani to return from IL on Wednesday. How will Dodgers shuffle roster?
The Dodgers hope Ohtani's return will help them earn a first-round playoff bye.
Rays ride small ball, Drew Rasmussen gem past Yankees to secure AL East, No. 1 seed
With the AL East title on the line Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees offered up a pitchers' duel.Drew Rasmussen did his part with 6 2/3 one-hit innings to lead the Rays to a 6-1 win over Max Fried and the Yankees.
Ronald Acuña Jr. leaves Tuesday's game early after fouling ball off his left leg, considered day-to-day
Ronald Acuña Jr. was unable to finish Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. In the bottom of the third inning, the Atlanta Braves star fouled off a pitch that struck the inside of his left leg.
Shohei Ohtani on track to be activated Wednesday and is 'significantly better,' Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts confirmed Tuesday that star two-way player Shohei Ohtani is on track to be activated from the injured list on Wednesday, when he first becomes eligible.
Cubs' Alex Bregman won't land on IL, could return before playoffs after being struck in the face by foul ball
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman is doing well and will avoid a stint on the injured list after a scary moment when he was hit in the face by a foul ball on Sunday.Bregman is in a good place and could return to the field as soon as this weekend, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday.
Cubs' Alex Bregman 'in a good place' after foul ball injury, pushing for quick return
“All things considered, we feel like he’s really lucky,” Craig Counsell said Tuesday.
Tigers' Justin Verlander officially set to pitch Saturday in farewell final start
The 43-year-old likely Hall of Famer is hoping for one last successful start for the team that gave him his start.
Andy Green is staying. Why the Mets believe he's the right manager for their future
Even before moving to the dugout, Green had strong relationships with the Mets' younger players, including Carson Benge and Nolan McLean.
Mets remove interim tag, make Andy Green full-time manager with 3-year deal
The New York Mets have made Andy Green their full-time manager, signing him to a three-year deal, the team announced Tuesday."Andy has connected with and pushed our players to perform, despite the disappointment of the season," Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement.
Tigers announce Justin Verlander will start Saturday vs. Pirates, likely his last before retiring
The Detroit Tigers announced Tuesday that veteran pitcher Justin Verlander will start on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Earlier in the 2026 season, Verlander announced that this will be his last year in MLB and that he will be retiring.
Carlos Rodón's stellar outing helps Yankees blank Rays, secure home-field advantage in wild-card round
The New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 in the first game of a Tuesday doubleheader to secure the American League's No. 4 seed and home-field advantage in the wild-card round.
Where things stand in the final week of the season + one question for every postseason team
Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeAs the 2026 MLB regular season enters its final week of games, there is still so much that needs to be decided before the postseason can officially begin.
Yankees not 'planning' for Aaron Judge to be available in Wild Card Series
I'm not expecting it (Aaron Judge to play in the Wild-Card Series), but I'm not ruling it out either," manager Aaron Boone said.
Aaron Judge set to miss Yankees wild-card series, manager Aaron Boone says
Aaron Judge is not expected to be part of the New York Yankees' roster when they begin their wild-card series next week against their likely opponents, the Boston Red Sox, manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday.
Yankees' Aaron Judge set to miss wild-card series, says Aaron Boone
Christian Petersen via Getty ImagesAaron Judge is not expected to be part of the New York Yankees' roster when they begin their wild-card series next week against their likely opponents, the Boston Red Sox, manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday.
Red Sox remove interim tag and extend manager Chad Tracy, pick up Craig Breslow’s option
Under Tracy and Breslow's guidance, the Red Sox have vaulted into playoff contention after a miserable start to the season.
Red Sox name Chad Tracy as team's full-time manager, pick up contract options on Craig Breslow
The Boston Red Sox stunned the baseball world in April, when the team fired long-time manager Alex Cora and a number of his coaches after a slow start. While the move invited plenty of criticism, it worked.
Tigers announcer Jason Benetti gets roasted by own broadcast team after Austro-Turkish War reference
Detroit Tigers announcer Jason Benetti is known for his ability to bring levity to broadcasts with fun facts and humor. Benetti will often elevate a broadcast with a witty observation, expertly setting up his partner to pick up on that riff and look good in the process.
22nd September 2026
MLB playoffs 2026 tracker: Standings, schedule, clinch scenarios, tiebreakers, playoff bracket and more
The 2026 MLB postseason is right around the corner. And with four days left in the regular season, every team with World Series aspirations still has a lot left to play for.Let's break down the MLB standings and the playoff picture as it looks on Sept.
As Dave Roberts chases World Series history, his son is a rookie coach at Class A
Dave Roberts said of his son, Cole: "I just want him to figure it out on his own and find out what type of coach he wants to be.".
How potential inclement weekend weather at Fenway could impact NL wild-card race
The NL wild-card seedings may still be in flux when the Cubs head to Boston for what looks to be a rainy final regular-season series.
From the Dodgers to the long shots, ranking each MLB contender’s postseason pitching core
Get to know the aces and closers who could be given the baseball in the moments that matter most this postseason.
MLB Power Rankings: Who ends the season on top? Plus what to look forward to in 2027
In our final power rankings of 2026, we’ve got reasons to believe for all 30 teams — because there's always next year.
From magical summer to September swoon, Chicago became the 'baseball center of the earth' again
It was a thrilling baseball summer in Chicago, where the White Sox charmed and the Cubs captivated. What will the fall bring?.
7 things to watch in MLB's final week include red-hot NL wild-card race, a Triple Crown chase and a historically bad division
There's plenty up for grabs in MLB's final week of the regular season. Here are my top seven things to pay attention to as we reach the finish line of the 2026 season. Let's start in Chicago.
MLB awards check-in: Front-runners for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Reliever of the Year
With one week left in the 2026 MLB regular season, the awards races are nearing their conclusion. On the latest episode of "Baseball Bar-B-Cast," hosts Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman ran through the baseball awards one more time and highlighted the front-runners for each.
Cubs' Alex Bregman suffered facial fractures in foul ball incident: Sources
Bregman was injured Sunday, when a foul ball hit the All-Star third baseman in the face during a game in Cincinnati.
What went wrong for the 2026 Detroit Tigers? And where do they go from here?
It wasn't supposed to end this way, with Tarik Skubal in the Dodgers' rotation and October spent on vacation. Especially because it started with legitimate optimism.
Rays unveil new road jerseys featuring new twist on club's original look
The Rays will debut their new look Tuesday in the second game of a doubleheader against the Yankees.
21st September 2026
2026 MLB postseason Hope-O-Meter survey: How optimistic are you about your team’s chances?
Are you optimistic about your team’s chances to win the World Series? We'd like to hear from you.
Tarik Skubal goes on bereavement list, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says he'll miss 'a couple days'
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed pitcher Tarik Skubal on the bereavement list on Sunday, which means he could miss his final regular-season turn in the rotation next week.
How the Red Sox 'stared impossible in the face' to clinch postseason berth
Despite dropping two of three to the Rays, the Red Sox punched a ticket to the playoffs and a likely wild-card rematch with the Yankees.
Braves clinch seventh NL East title in 9 years with sweep in Houston
The Braves didn't engage in a boisterous celebration after clinching a playoff berth on Friday. They were waiting for a division title.
Cubs 3B Alex Bregman reportedly sustains multiple fractures from being struck in the face by foul ball
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman has reportedly sustained multiple facial fractures from taking a foul ball to the face on Sunday, per ESPN's Jeff Passan. Bregman was hit in the left cheek while in the on-deck circle during Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Reds.
Cubs 3B Alex Bregman exits game vs. Reds after being struck in the face by foul ball
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman left Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds after taking a foul ball to the face.The scary incident occurred in the fourth inning, with Cubs first baseman Michael Busch up to bat and Bregman warming up in the on-deck circle.
Legendary Giants announcer Duane Kuiper reveals throat cancer diagnosis: 'I'm optimistic'
Long-time San Francisco Giants announcer Duane Kuiper announced Sunday he's been diagnosed with throat cancer. Kuiper said he's "optimistic" he will be "successfully treated," and plans to call at least one more game this season.
Dylan Cease undergoes MRI on right shoulder, might not start again this season as Blue Jays fight for wild-card spot
The Toronto Blue Jays might be without their ace starting pitcher as they pursue a playoff berth in the final week of the 2026 MLB regular season.
Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper diagnosed with throat cancer, started treatment last week
"I’m looking forward to returning Tuesday and this weekend to celebrate my partner, Mike Krukow," said Kuiper, who will miss two more games.
Dylan Cease's first Blue Jays season may be over after shoulder MRI
The news comes as Toronto is dealing with several pitching injuries and falling back in the playoff race.
20th September 2026
Baseball's deaf pioneer gets a Hall of Fame push a century after changing game
William 'Dummy' Hoy was deaf. His creative on-field communication methods changed the game, and his supporters want him in the Hall of Fame.
Japan has always loved baseball. Is it now falling for cricket?
An historic game with India, a cricketing superpower, is the latest move to bring the sport to a whole new audience.
Mets owner Steve Cohen on plans to add front-office 'voices,' fan reaction to Pete Alonso
"It doesn't have to be a GM," Cohen said. "It could be other ways to support David (Stearns) and the front office.".
Shohei Ohtani hits off Trajekt machine, runs bases as he nears return off IL
Dodgers hitting coach Aaron Bates understood why Ohtani needed to go on the IL: "I thought he looked extremely compromised.".
Yankees' Aaron Judge explains why his calf injury is 'more difficult' to play through
Judge said he strained the soleus muscle in his calf but didn't know the grade of the strain.
19th September 2026
With 8 games to go, the NL wild-card race is a 3-way tie between the Cubs, Phillies and Padres
With the MLB regular season set to end next Sunday, the NL playoff race has settled, in some ways at least.The division winners are all clear. The Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers have clinched their respective crowns, and the Atlanta Braves could join them as soon as Sunday.
Scorching-hot Padres pull into 3-way tie in National League wild-card race
The Padres notched their 11 win in their past 12 games. The Cubs and Phillies hold tiebreakers over San Diego with eight games remaining.
Braves clinch postseason berth with win in Houston as depth endures through trying season
After missing the playoffs last season for the first time in eight years, Atlanta nailed down a spot in this year's postseason field.
Mets place Jared Young on 7-day concussion IL after on-field collision and leaving Thursday's game on a stretcher
The New York Mets placed infielder Jared Young on the 7-day concussion list, the team announced Friday. He will miss the remainder of the regular season, according to interim manager Andy Green.
Yankees place Aaron Judge on IL with strained calf: What we know now
The new injury stunts Judge's return to the field and delivers a potentially major blow to the Yankees' chances of winning the AL East.
Aaron Judge to hit IL due to calf strain, can't return until Yankees' final game of regular season
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge will be placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right calf strain, the club announced Friday.Assuming the roster move is backdated to Thursday, the day after Judge's last on-field appearance, the three-time AL MVP won't be eligible to return until Sept.
Yordan Alvarez vs. Junior Caminero for AL MVP: Can a designated hitter win the award?
Yordan Alvarez has been the American League's best hitter in 2026. But is that enough for him to be crowned AL MVP? The Astros' designated hitter has one week left to hold off young Rays superstar Junior Caminero, who has made a surge for the award in recent weeks.
Mets' Jared Young out of the hospital, doing better after scary collision at first base
Young has full range of motion with his limbs and is walking a day after suffering a scary head injury in a Mets game against the Phillies.
Nationals sign pitcher Cade Cavalli to 4-year contract extension for reported $47 million with team option for 2031
The Washington Nationals have signed pitcher Cade Cavalli to a four-year contract extension, the team announced Friday.
Oswaldo Cabrera, a Yankees fan favorite, claimed by the Reds off waivers
Cabrera's positive personality and willingness to play any role with the Yankees made him a favorite in the stands and the clubhouse.
In his first season as a Blue Jay, Dylan Cease is maximizing his 'potential' as planned
Flanked by his agent, Scott Boras, and Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins on a dais at the winter meetings last December, right-hander Dylan Cease was asked why he chose to sign with Toronto as a free agent.
With another NL West title in hand, the prospect of October without Shohei Ohtani looms large for the Dodgers
CINCINNATI — As the celebrating Los Angeles Dodgers drenched one another in various carbonated boozes, the team's most important character was bone dry and most likely quite sober roughly two thousand miles away.Shohei Ohtani, that baseballing mover of mountains, is injured.
One last MLB awards update, Cubs off to the races & weekend preview
Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-CastApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeJake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman take a final look at the MLB award races.
