Six teams in MLB history have made the playoffs in a season in which they had a 10-game losing streak. The Cubs and Phillies both did it this year (h/t Sarah Langs of MLB.com).

1. Lindor launches HR No. 300

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor had been stuck on 299 career home runs for the past two weeks. In his final chance of 2026, he came through with No. 300. Lindor went back-to-back with Ronny Mauricio in the second inning against DJ Herz on Sunday. He’s the first shortstop to reach 300 home runs and 200 steals (h/t the Mets on X). Lindor missed two months during the middle of the year with a calf strain. He was limited to 105 games, his fewest since his rookie season in 2015 (excluding 2020). Lindor still managed to pop 20+ homers for the sixth straight year.

2. Scherzer empties the tank

Blue Jays righty Max Scherzer turned in a vintage performance on Sunday, holding the Reds to one run over seven frames. The veteran fired 114 pitches in what could be the final start of his career. Scherzer was noncommittal about his future heading into the game. If this is it, Toronto sent him off right. Scherzer’s fellow Blue Jays remained in the dugout as he took the mound to begin the game. He was removed after a leadoff walk in the eighth inning and left to a standing ovation (video link via MLB on X).

3. Postseason bracket is complete

We had to wait until Sunday to get the final pieces of the playoff puzzle, but the field is now set. The Astros crushed the Athletics to secure the AL West title. The Phillies cruised past the Rays to avoid a devastating collapse and lock up the final NL Wild Card spot. Philadelphia will kick off the postseason against Atlanta on Tuesday. That matchup will be followed by White Sox/Astros, Red Sox/Yankees, and Cubs/Padres.

Photo courtesy of Brad Mills, Imagn Images