Houston Astros earn MLB playoff spot with historic 81-81 record

The Houston Astros secured a position in the 2026 MLB postseason by winning the American League West, finishing the season with an 81-81 record. This record sets a new low for the worst regular-season team to qualify for the playoffs in a non-shortened season, surpassing the 2005 San Diego Padres. The Astros clinched the division title with a 9-0 victory over the Athletics on the final day of the regular season. They also had a tiebreaker advantage over the Texas Rangers, who ended with an 80-82 record. Houston now prepares to face the Chicago White Sox in a best-of-three Wild Card Series starting Tuesday.

• 3:11 PMYahoo Sports — Houston Astros set new low for MLB playoff teams