MLB playoff seeding structure faces scrutiny as division leaders trail wild cards

Industry debate surrounds the MLB postseason seeding process following concerns about the current hierarchy. Under the existing rules, division winners are guaranteed higher seeds than wild-card teams, even when those wild-card clubs possess superior records. As of September 10, the AL West-leading Houston Astros occupy the No. 3 seed despite holding the fifth-best record in the American League. This structure potentially forces teams with higher win totals to face each other early in the bracket, while lower-performing division winners host series. Suggestions for reform include maintaining division-based qualification while assigning seeds based strictly on win-loss records to ensure the 162-game schedule is properly reflected in the postseason layout.

• 10:24 PMYahoo Sports — MLB needs a new postseason seeding process, but how?