Analysts evaluate American League playoff contenders entering September

As the 2026 Major League Baseball season enters September, the American League standings remain tightly contested with only six teams above.500. Analysts are assessing the postseason viability of several clubs, noting the Yankees have maintained a top-two record despite significant injuries to Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton. The Rays lead the standings with a strong performance at Tropicana Field, recording a league-high 14 sweeps. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are looking to recapture form from earlier in the summer, supported by a bullpen featuring Aroldis Chapman, Erik Miller, and Garrett Whitlock. The Rangers have also emerged as late contenders for the playoff picture. With few teams separated by more than 5.5 games in the standings, the race for the pennant remains wide open heading into the final month of the regular season.

• 8:23 PMYahoo Sports — Which American League teams do we believe in? Making the case for the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays and even the Mariners