As the 2026 MLB playoffs progress, four teams remain, setting the stage for a historic outcome. The Los Angeles Dodgers may achieve a three-peat, while the Cleveland Guardians, Milwaukee Brewers, and Tampa Bay Rays seek to break their long World Series droughts. The Guardians' manager, Stephen Vogt, expressed excitement after their ALDS Game 5 victory over the Chicago White Sox, emphasizing the thrill of being one step from the World Series.

The playoffs have showcased a striking trend: offensive production is at a historic low. Teams are averaging just 3.46 runs per game, significantly down from the regular season average. Here’s a breakdown of runs per game:

• 2022: 4.28 (Regular season) → 3.66 (Postseason)
• 2023: 4.62 → 4.10
• 2024: 4.39 → 4.21
• 2025: 4.45 → 4.01
• 2026: 4.48 → 3.46

This year's postseason could set a record for the lowest scoring since 1995.

Several factors contribute to this decline:

• Injury to key players: Stars like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have been sidelined or compromised.
• Pitching dominance: The postseason has seen a surge in average fastball velocity, now at 96.1 mph, making hitting increasingly difficult.
• Positionless pitching: Teams are relying heavily on bullpens, with relievers throwing 52.9% of postseason innings.

Moreover, home runs have not provided the usual offensive boost, with a notable drop in homers per game.

As the National League Championship Series and American League Championship Series approach, the focus shifts to whether teams can adapt to this low-scoring environment and whether the best versions of pitchers like Jacob Misiorowski and Shohei Ohtani will emerge.