10 storylines that will shape rest of 2026 MLB season

With the MLB trade deadline passed and August underway, 21 of 30 teams remain in contention for the 2026 playoffs, leaving only six clubs essentially eliminated including the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Washington Nationals. The defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who beat Toronto in Games 6 and 7 on the road to claim last year's title, have surprisingly slipped to third in the National League and fourth overall. Key storylines heading into the final quarter of the season include an MVP battle, a Triple Crown pursuit, and the Dodgers' precarious playoff positioning amid threats from the Brewers, Braves, Phillies, and Padres.