# MLB postseason race and expansion discussions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/major-league-baseball-postseason-and-expansion-discussions
> Updated: 2026-09-08T16:31:21.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Major League Baseball is entering the final stretch of the regular season, with intense competition for playoff spots and wild card positions across both leagues. The Milwaukee Brewers continue to hold the league’s best record and are nearing a division clinch. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres are engaged in tight battles for postseason positioning.

Simultaneously, discussions regarding expansion to 32 teams are intensifying following the resolution of stadium and relocation issues for the Rays and Athletics. Six primary candidate cities have emerged: Salt Lake City, Nashville, Portland, Orlando, Raleigh, and Montreal.

Salt Lake City has emerged as a strong contender, supported by the Larry H. Miller Company and Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who has backed legislation for up to $900 million in public financing for a potential stadium. Montreal remains a significant candidate due to its large demographic base and baseball history. Other markets, including Nashville and Portland, also show potential through various funding and cultural proposals.

## Claims

- September call-ups carry massive stakes across both leagues. (single source)
- MLB rosters expand by one pitcher and one position player each month in September. (single source)
- The Milwaukee Brewers have a magic number of 9 to clinch their division. (single source)
- The Los Angeles Dodgers have a magic number of 8 to clinch their division. (single source)
- The Milwaukee Brewers have a magic number of 4 to clinch a playoff berth. (single source)
- The Los Angeles Dodgers have a magic number of 6 to clinch a playoff berth. (single source)
- Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to pitch during the upcoming postseason due to knee issues. (single source)
- Pete Crow-Armstrong is a contender for the 2026 NL MVP award. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: MLB considers expansion and potential return of Montreal Expos

Major League Baseball is considering expansion, with reports suggesting a potential return of the Montreal Expos as the league seeks two new teams by 2029.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mlb-considers-expansion-and-potential-return-of-montreal-expos

### 2026-09-07: Major League Baseball enters playoff race and expansion discussions

As the MLB regular season nears its end with critical playoff races underway, the league is also facing renewed momentum for expansion to 32 teams, with Salt Lake City, Montreal, and Nashville among top bidders

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mlb-postseason-race-intensifies-with-brewers-and-dodgers-nearing-division-clinches

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Cite as: MLB postseason race and expansion discussions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/major-league-baseball-postseason-and-expansion-discussions