The 2026 MLB postseason opens September 29 with four best-of-three Wild Card series, setting the stage for potential walk-off wins through extra-inning drama or ninth-inning rallies in high-leverage matchups. Teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, Braves, and Astros feature potent offenses capable of late home runs, while pitching staffs and bullpen depth will influence whether games reach extra frames or stay close. Historical postseason data shows walk-offs remain infrequent across the full bracket of Division Series, League Championship Series, and World Series games, though expanded playoffs increase opportunities. Schedule congestion, rest advantages for higher seeds, and rivalries such as Red Sox-Yankees add situational pressure that can lead to tight contests. Trader consensus reflects expectations for a moderate total based on typical extra-inning frequency and power-hitting trends in October.