MLB rumors: The 5 potential playoff dark horses, per reporter

Time is running out for Major League Baseball teams to keep themselves in the race for a postseason spot in 2026. Some clubs are truly struggling, while others are separating themselves from the pack. According to a new column by MLB.com’s Travis Sawchik, there are five potential playoff dark horses.

Those teams are: Cleveland Guardians, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates. Sawchik argues these clubs have a solid mix of starting pitching, bullpen strength, and powerful bats in their respective lineups.

Four of these teams are in the American League, which has been somewhat of a mess this season. Nearly every team in the AL is still in the race for a postseason berth, due to the relative weakness of the American League this season.

Pittsburgh is the only NL team on the writer’s list. It appears highly unlikely that the Pirates will be able to reach the postseason, for a big reason. That is because the National League has a plethora of teams with winning records, while the Pirates are currently at 65-71 on the season.

The Guardians and the Astros are the two clubs on this list that currently have winning records, heading into Saturday. Both Cleveland and Houston are 68-67 overall on the campaign. The Astros actually lead the American League West, with that mark.

“The Astros have been in a gentle decline from their peak years last decade, but they still have a chance to do damage in October if they enter. One big reason? They enjoy an improving bullpen,” Sawchik wrote.

Seattle and Baltimore meanwhile both have losing records this season. The Orioles are 66-69, and currently fourth in the AL East. Baltimore would need to go on a huge run to climb back in the standings and catch up with Boston, New York and Tampa Bay.

The Mariners meanwhile sit at 64-71 on the season. Seattle is currently third in the AL West.

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