The Houston Astros clinched a playoff spot on Sunday afternoon as the Texas Rangers fell to the Minnesota Twins 6-4. It happened as the Astros were leading the A's 8-0, on their way to clinching the spot without help anyway.
As the Astros defeated the Athletics 9-0, Houston finishes the roller coaster 2026 season with a record of 81-81, becoming the first MLB to clinch a postseason berth with a .500 record (in a full length, non-shortened season). Houston won the American League West for the eighth time in the past ten seasons. The Rangers finished a game back at 80-82.
Houston will host the Chicago White Sox in a Wild Card series beginning Tuesday at Daikin Park, slated for a 4p pitch pitch. You can hear all of the action on your home for Astros baseball, SportsTalk790!
Photo: Heather Diehl / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Houston won the American League West in '17, '18, '19, '21, '22, '23, '24 and now '26, with Oakland winning in '20, and the Mariners winning in '25.
Manager Joe Espada will lead Houston into the postseason for the second time in his three seasons as manager. The Astros lost a Wild Card series vs the Tigers at home in 2024.