MLB Division Series 2026
Division Series of the 2026 MLB playoffs: 4 games on Oct 3–10, 2026; the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2 and 5 (2-2-1). Matchups are set when the previous round finishes and appear here immediately. Updated Sep 17, 2026 6:10 AM EDT.
Division Series Schedule and Scores
How the LDS Works
The Division Series is where the rested top seeds enter. Because MLB does not reseed, the No. 1 seed always draws the 4/5 winner, even if that means facing a strong wild card rather than the lowest seed. The 2-2-1 format gives the higher seed Games 1, 2 and a decisive Game 5 at home.
Who plays
The two bye teams (seeds 1 and 2) plus the two Wild Card Series winners in each league.
Matchups
No. 1 v the 4/5 winner; No. 2 v the 3/6 winner, best of five.
Home field
The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2 and 5 (2-2-1).
What is next
Winners advance to the League Championship Series.
How to Watch
Division Series games are on NLDS on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes; ALDS on TBS, truTV and HBO Max. Peacock streams the NBC games, HBO Max the TBS games and the FOX app or FOX One the FOX games; live-TV packages such as YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and Sling carry all of them. MLB.TV subscribers who authenticate through a pay-TV provider can watch the FOX, FS1 and TNT Sports games in the app. ESPN Radio has every game; Spanish-language coverage is on FOX Deportes, Universo and Univision. Game times are announced round by round and appear on each game page.
Where This Round Sits
- Regular seasonMar – Sep 27
- Wild CardSep 29–1
- LDSOct 3–10
- LCSOct 11–20
- World SeriesOct 23–31
Everything on this Division Series page updates automatically: matchups when they are set, scores while games are on, results when they end. The full bracket shows how this round connects to the rest of the 2026 MLB playoffs.
Division Series FAQ
When is the 2026 MLB Division Series?
Oct 3–10, 2026 (Oct 3 to 10).
How many games are in the Division Series?
4. No. 1 v the 4/5 winner; No. 2 v the 3/6 winner, best of five.
Who plays in the Division Series?
The two bye teams (seeds 1 and 2) plus the two Wild Card Series winners in each league.
Who hosts?
The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2 and 5 (2-2-1).
What channel is the Division Series on?
NLDS on FOX, FS1 and FOX Deportes; ALDS on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.
How many games is the Division Series?
Best of 5: first to 3 wins.
Who plays the No. 1 seed in the Division Series?
The winner of the 4 v 5 Wild Card Series. The 3 v 6 winner faces the No. 2 seed. There is no reseeding.