When do the 2026 MLB playoffs start?

The Wild Card Series are scheduled to begin September 29, 2026; the Division Series begin October 3.

Are the Dodgers already through to the Division Series?

Yes. MLB lists Los Angeles as the NL No. 2 seed with a Wild Card round bye.

Did the Padres clinch a playoff berth?

Yes. MLB lists San Diego as having clinched a Wild Card berth. Check the official bracket for its eventual matchup.

Who is favored to win the 2026 World Series?

This guide does not label a favorite without a verified, timestamped US-market quote. Review the specific contract and current bid and ask.

Sports·5 min read·LOS ANGELES

MLB Postseason 2026 Prediction Markets: Dodgers and Padres

By Catie Di StefanoPublished September 26, 2026Updated September 26, 2026

The Wild Card Series begin September 29. Here is what is confirmed about the Dodgers and Padres, and how to check an unsettled playoff bracket or series contract.

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MLB Postseason 2026 Prediction Markets: Dodgers and Padres

About the author

Catie Di Stefano

Catie Di Stefano has spent 15 years in the regulated gambling industry, starting at Betsson Group in Malta and spending nearly five years at Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) before building an independent consultancy across European and US iGaming brands, including a licensed engagement with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City under a New Jersey DGE vendor license. She's been interviewed by the California Business Journal on the rise of online gambling in the US, and spoke on a 2022 Next.io panel specifically about California's gaming market. She went on to build the OnlineGamblers.com brand and hold marketing director roles at Smartico.ai and Vegas Kings, and has been named to multiple iGamingExpress industry rankings. She now covers regulated prediction markets full-time.

Fact-checked by Marcus Chen

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Sources & further reading

Every figure and legal claim on this page traces back to a primary source. These are the ones we checked, open them and verify us.

MLB: 2026 playoff picture
Official clinches and evolving bracket.
MLB: 2026 postseason schedule
Official round dates.
Dodgers: Skubal acquisition
Official August 2 transaction.

Frequently asked questions

When do the 2026 MLB playoffs start?: The Wild Card Series are scheduled to begin September 29, 2026; the Division Series begin October 3.
Are the Dodgers already through to the Division Series?: Yes. MLB lists Los Angeles as the NL No. 2 seed with a Wild Card round bye.
Did the Padres clinch a playoff berth?: Yes. MLB lists San Diego as having clinched a Wild Card berth. Check the official bracket for its eventual matchup.
Who is favored to win the 2026 World Series?: This guide does not label a favorite without a verified, timestamped US-market quote. Review the specific contract and current bid and ask.

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