Boston Red Sox Playoffs 2026
Boston Red Sox 2026 playoff page. The Red Sox are 82-70, 3rd in the AL East with a +82 point differential and a 2-game losing streak. If the season ended today they would be the No. 5 seed in the AL (wild card, magic number 5).
Last time out they lost to the Texas Rangers 3-7 on the road. Next up: away at the Texas Rangers (76-76) on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:05 PM EDT. Their remaining opponents have a combined 0.552 record, including 10 games against teams currently in playoff position. Updated Sep 17, 2026 6:10 AM EDT.
Red Sox Playoff Outlook
Last game
L 3-7 at 
Texas Rangers
Next game
at Texas Rangers (76-76)
What it takes
Magic number 5: any combination of Red Sox wins and Houston Astros losses adding up to 5 clinches a berth.
Remaining schedule
10 games left · opponents’ record 0.552 · 10 vs current playoff teams
AL East Standings
| # | Team | W-L | Div | Conf | Diff | Strk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Tampa Bay Rays | 92-59 | 3-7 | 12-10 | +71 | W5 |
| 2 |  New York Yankees | 88-64 | 9-4 | 14-8 | +136 | L1 |
| 3 | Boston Red Sox | 82-70 | 6-3 | 10-10 | +82 | L2 |
| 4 |  Toronto Blue Jays | 76-77 | 7-6 | 17-14 | -37 | W1 |
| 5 |  Baltimore Orioles | 75-78 | 6-11 | 11-12 | -26 | W3 |
Projected Path to World Series
- Wild Card: at #4 New York Yankees
- LDS: likely at #1 Tampa Bay Rays
- LCS: AL title game, higher seed hosts
- World Series: Home park of the pennant winner with the better record, Oct 23, 2026
Season Trend
Red Sox Playoff Push: 2026 Recent Results and Upcoming Games
| # | Date | Opponent | Opp. record | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs  Mariners | 71-82 | W 9-8 | |
| 2 | vs Mariners | 71-82 | L 6-9 | |
| 3 | vs Mariners | 71-82 | L 3-8 | |
| 4 | at Orioles | 75-78 | W 6-5 | |
| 5 | at Orioles | 75-78 | W 1-0 | |
| 6 | at Orioles | 75-78 | W 5-0 | |
| 7 | at Orioles | 75-78 | W 3-1 | |
| 8 | vs  Angels | 58-94 | W 5-2 | |
| 9 | vs Angels | 58-94 | L 1-6 | |
| 10 | vs Angels | 58-94 | L 4-6 | |
| 11 | vs  Royals | 67-85 | L 2-3 | |
| 12 | vs Royals | 67-85 | W 5-1 | |
| 13 | vs Royals | 67-85 | W 4-1 | |
| 14 | at Rangers #3 | 76-76 | L 2-4 | |
| 15 | at Rangers #3 | 76-76 | L 3-7 | |
| 16 | at Rangers #3 | 76-76 | ||
| 17 | at Rays #1 | 92-59 | ||
| 18 | at Rays #1 | 92-59 | ||
| 19 | at Rays #1 | 92-59 | ||
| 20 | vs  Guardians #2 | 78-75 | ||
| 21 | vs Guardians #2 | 78-75 | ||
| 22 | vs Guardians #2 | 78-75 | ||
| 23 | vs  Cubs #4 | 85-68 | ||
| 24 | vs Cubs #4 | 85-68 | ||
| 25 | vs Cubs #4 | 85-68 |
This Boston Red Sox playoffs page refreshes after every Red Sox game: record, seed, magic number and remaining schedule. Compare them with the rest of the AL playoff picture, or see their projected route on the bracket.
Boston Red Sox playoffs FAQ
Are the Boston Red Sox in the 2026 playoffs?
As of today, yes: they hold the No. 5 seed in the AL, with a magic number of 5 to clinch.
What seed would the Red Sox be?
No. 5 in the AL (wild card).
Who leads the AL East?
Tampa Bay Rays (92-59); the Red Sox are 3rd.
When is the next Red Sox game?
Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 8:05 PM EDT, away at the Texas Rangers.
How hard is the Red Sox remaining schedule?
10 games left against opponents with a combined 0.552 record; 10 against teams currently in playoff position.
How can the Red Sox clinch a playoff spot?
Win the AL East, or finish with one of the three best records among AL non-division-winners. Current magic number: 5.
What is the Red Sox record at home and on the road?
9-6 at home, 9-8 away; 6-3 in the division and 10-10 in the league.