10 storylines that will shape rest of 2026 MLB season

With the MLB trade deadline passed and roughly 21 teams still in playoff contention, the final quarter of the 2026 MLB season is shaping up to be highly competitive. The Los Angeles Dodgers, defending World Series champions who beat Toronto in Games 6 and 7 on the road, have slipped to third in the National League and fourth overall in the standings. Key storylines include an MVP battle, a Triple Crown pursuit, and the Dodgers' potential risk of falling into a wild-card series matchup against dangerous opponents like the Philadelphia Phillies or San Diego Padres.