MLB wild-card preview: Series predictions, X-factors and more for Red Sox-Yankees, Cubs-Padres, Phillies-Braves and White Sox-Astros

The 2026 MLB wild-card round is set to begin on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, featuring four best-of-three series matchups: Red Sox vs. Yankees, Cubs vs. Padres, Phillies vs. Braves, and White Sox vs. Astros. Yahoo Sports writers Jake Mintz and Russell Dorsey provided series predictions and identified key X-factors for each matchup. The article was published on September 28, 2026, ahead of the postseason's opening round.