MLB playoff picture takes shape as Cubs, White Sox, Guardians and Padres clinch berths

The Major League Baseball regular season is drawing to a close with significant playoff positions confirmed, as the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians and San Diego Padres all clinched berths on Thursday, setting the stage for an eventful conclusion to the campaign.

Despite those confirmations, the final weekend retains genuine stakes across both leagues, with several playoff seedings, divisional titles and individual statistical honours still to be decided over the last few games before October baseball begins.

Fans will also have the opportunity to witness some final farewell moments from players making their last appearances of the regular season, adding a sentimental dimension to the closing days alongside the competitive racing.

The postseason schedule is now beginning to take shape, and the coming days will determine the precise bracket matchups, home-field advantages and wild-card positioning that will define the opening rounds of the playoffs.