In a stunning twist, the Houston Astros have been knocked out of Major League Baseball’s postseason race, marking their first playoff absence since 2016. Analysts across multiple outlets question the factors behind the team’s sudden downfall and look ahead to a pivotal offseason.

Boston clinches its first postseason berth since 2021, marking a triumphant return to October baseball. Meanwhile, the AL East title remains undecided as the Blue Jays and Yankees battle for first place with only two games left.