MLB playoff bracket: What Game 162 results mean for AL West standings and AL, NL wild card seeding

The last day in the 2023 MLB regular season won’t be filled with as much drama as expected. However, for a handful of teams, there is still plenty to play for. 

The 12 playoff teams are locked in, as Saturday’s results ended with the Marlins, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Astros and Blue Jays all clinching their spot in this year’s postseason. Teams like the Cubs and Mariners, who were right in it until the end, ultimately came up just short in the playoff race. 

While the field may be set, the bracket is not, as there remains a division title up for grabs, as well seeding in both the AL and the NL. 

So what is at stake on Sunday with a majority of teams playing Game No. 162? The Sporting News explains:

MORE: Full MLB playoff bracket, dates, times, TV channels for every series 

MLB playoff bracket 2023

Here is how the 2023 MLB playoff bracket looks heading into the final day of the regular season. 

American League

• Orioles (1)
• Rangers/Astros (2)
• Twins (3) vs. Astros/Blue Jays (6)
• Rays (4) vs. Blue Jays/Rangers/Astros (5)

National League

• Braves (1)
• Dodgers (2)
• Brewers (3) vs. Marlins/Diamondbacks (6)
• Phillies (4) vs. Marlins/Diamondbacks (5)

What’s at stake on final day of MLB regular season?

In the National League, the top four seeds are all locked into place. All that remains is the Diamondbacks and Marlins battling it out for the No. 5 and No. 6 seed placements.

Miami can clinch the No. 5 seed with a win or a Diamondbacks loss on Sunday. Arizona needs to win Sunday, plus a Miami loss on Sunday in order to get the higher seed.

In the American League, the only teams locked into their seeds are the Orioles (No. 1), the Twins (No. 3) and the Rays (No. 4). The AL West title remains up for grabs between the Rangers and the Astros, and depending on who claims the division will determine the seeding for the last two wild card spots with the Blue Jays. 

Here is a look at how all the scenarios can play out on Sunday in the AL:

MLB schedule today

Here is a look at the schedule for games on Sunday, Oct. 1.