MLB playoffs 2026: Ranking teams by World Series pressure

ESPN has published a ranking of MLB teams by World Series pressure heading into the 2026 playoffs, assessing which contenders face the most urgent need to win a championship. Among the notable storylines mentioned are the Chicago White Sox clinching an AL playoff berth after accumulating 324 losses over the previous three seasons, and the Cleveland Guardians securing a playoff berth for the third straight season. Shohei Ohtani also made news by topping MLB jersey sales for four consecutive seasons as the postseason approaches.