The 2026 MLB postseason opens September 29 with four best-of-three Wild Card series, including Red Sox at Yankees, White Sox at Astros, Phillies at Braves, and Cubs at Padres, followed by Division Series for the Rays, Guardians, Brewers, and Dodgers. Playoff games historically run longer than regular-season contests due to expanded commercial breaks, deliberate bullpen management, and conservative strategies in low-scoring environments. Extra-inning marathons have reached 18 innings multiple times in recent decades, often decided by walk-off home runs or pitching duels that exhaust bullpens. Bracket positioning, home-field advantage in early rounds, and the potential for 1-1 series ties heading into decisive Game 3s represent key variables that could extend individual contests. Later rounds, particularly the World Series, carry additional duration risk from deeper lineups and rest advantages.