MLB playoffs 2026: Fatal October flaws for every contender

Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers have clinched their fourth consecutive NL Central title and eighth playoff appearance in nine seasons, with this year's team on pace to top last year's franchise-record 97 wins. Their fatal flaw is a lack of power, as they are tied for 28th in the majors in home runs, with only 32.6% of their runs scored via home run, the lowest percentage in the majors, where the league average is 40.6%.

Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers' fatal flaw is second-half offensive struggles, as they are tied for 16th in runs since July 1 despite ranking fourth in runs overall this season. Injuries have hit the lineup, with Shohei Ohtani's knee, Freddie Freeman's knee, Andy Pages' fractured left hand, and Will Smith missing all of July and August.

Atlanta Braves: The Braves' fatal flaw is their postseason hitting, having batted .186 with 2.5 runs per game while going 2-8 across NLDS exits following 100-win seasons and a wild-card defeat, missing the playoffs last season. This year's roster includes essentially the same group of players who struggled in those series, along with second-year catcher/DH Drake Baldwin.