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The Astros’ 76-86 third-order record is the worst of any 2026 playoff team, even worse than their 81-81 mark that is the worst of any MLB playoff team in a real season. Since the playoffs expanded to include ten teams in 2012, four teams have qualified with a sub-.500 third-order record:
3Ord Post
2025 Guardians 75-87 1-3
2023 Marlins 78-84 0-2
2017 Twins 80-82 0-1
2016 Rangers 79-83 0-3
Those four teams went a combined 1-9 in the playoffs. They did not win a single series.
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