4 MLB teams built best for deep playoff runs

There are still two months of baseball left to be played. We have a month left in the regular season followed by four rounds of the 2026 MLB postseason.

I know the inclination is to just hand the championship to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but let’s hold on a few minutes before doing that. They aren’t the only MLB team built best for a deep postseason run, so let’s dig into those teams.

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Los Angeles Dodgers

Aug 17, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) gestures as he rounds the bases on a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Yes, I know, here’s the low-hanging fruit. Shohei Ohtani isn’t pitching and hasn’t since July 3 rd , but who cares? The Dodgers simply traded for Tarik Skubal and activated Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow off the Injured List. In reality, all they need are those three pitchers anyway to make it through the postseason.

Edwin Diaz is back on the Injured List, but again, that doesn’t matter because Tanner Scott has been dominant in the ninth inning. From an offensive perspective, the Dodgers haven’t been particularly prolific, but they have both the depth and experience to make a deep postseason run.

Philadelphia Phillies

Oct 9, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jhoan Duran (59) reacts after a strike out in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images Power, starting pitching, and a lockdown closer. The Philadelphia Phillies have all three, but they also have postseason experience. While Aaron Nola has taken a few steps back, both Christopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo have stepped up. Jhoan Duran leads a strong bullpen, and Kyle Schwarber provides a legitimate power threat.

Bryce Harper moving back to the outfield to accommodate Luis Arraez provided needed depth and plate skills to the lineup as well. Yes, the Phillies have a longer path as they are currently trailing the Atlanta Braves by 4.5 games in the National League East, but they have a better team construction.

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New York Yankees

Aug 21, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The Yankees just got Cody Bellinger back, and Aaron Judge should be following. Spencer Jones has stepped up in the outfield, and the addition of Luis Garcia has proven to be a positive. Yes, there are still some health concerns in the rotation, but Max Fried should be back on Saturday, and both Gerrit Cole and Cam Schittler continue to dominate. Then factor in Carlos Rodon and David Bednar locking things down in the ninth inning, and we are in business.

There are some concerns in the bullpen aside from Bednar, but New York’s surplus of starting pitching should help to alleviate those concerns.

Milwaukee Brewers

Aug 9, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images At this point, Jacob Misiorowski looks unhittable. Once again healthy, Kyle Harrison hasn’t done too badly either, and that gives Milwaukee as good a top of the rotation as any. Trevor Megill has done well in the ninth inning, and the Brewers have strong starting pitching depth throughout their rotation.

Their lineup isn’t going to wow anyone, but Jackson Chourio is a budding superstar, and you can’t count out Brice Turang or Christian Yelich. Beyond that, the Brewers have some solid offense pieces, and they seem to always be in the postseason. Playing for Pat Murphy also gives Milwaukee an advantage.