# Al west race: Astros or Rangers clinch division

> Astros and Rangers battle for AL West crown in Game 162 to decide the No. 3 playoff seed.
- Title: Al west race: Astros or Rangers clinch division · Mlb
- Summary: Astros and Rangers battle for AL West crown in Game 162 to decide the No. 3 playoff seed. Astros win season series to hold division title edge over Rangers…
- Keywords: mlb, al west, astros, rangers, al wild card, game 162, division title, seattle, houston, texas, sports, west
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/al-playoff-picture-in-final-week-2026-season
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mlb, al west, astros, rangers, al wild card, game 162, division title, seattle, houston, texas, sports
## AL West standings
Astros and Rangers tied at 80-81 with Astros holding the season series advantage 9-4.
## Division title race
Both teams eliminated from Wild Card race, so division title is the only path to playoffs.
## Season series edge
Astros won the season series 9-4, giving them the inside track to the division title.
## Clinch scenarios
If Astros win, they take AL West title. If Rangers win, they claim division title.
## Playoff implications
Winners earn No. 3 seed for AL bracket and host White Sox in Wild Card Series.
## Key takeaway

Astros win season series to hold division title edge over Rangers in final game.