Overview
The postseason field is now complete, and the path to the World Series begins with the Wild Card Series. Twelve teams have qualified, six from each league. The format gives the two best division winners in each league a bye into the Division Series, while the remaining division winner and three wild card clubs play best-of-three Wild Card matchups. Every game in these opening series will be hosted by the higher seed.
This year’s playoff field is particularly competitive. MLB’s power rankings and recent performance suggest that there is no overwhelming favorite. The difference in records from top to bottom is relatively small, meaning upsets are a real possibility. The following breakdown looks at each team’s standing, the strengths they bring into October, and the risks they face.
American League
Byes into ALDS: Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners
The Blue Jays enter the postseason as the top seed in the American League. Their success comes from a balanced roster that combines front-line starting pitching with a deep lineup. Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Shane Bieber form the backbone of their rotation, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette headline the offense. The Mariners take the second bye on the back of timely hitting and a lineup that found rhythm late in the year. Their challenge will be sustaining offensive production against elite pitching staffs.
Wild Card Series Matchups
- (3) Cleveland Guardians vs. (6) Detroit Tigers
The Guardians surged late in the season to win the AL Central, overturning a sizeable deficit. Their bullpen and timely hitting carried them in September, making them a dangerous opponent. Detroit, meanwhile, stumbled down the stretch. The Tigers spent much of the season atop the division but faltered in the final weeks. With Tarik Skubal anchoring the rotation, they remain dangerous, though their momentum is shaky. - (4) New York Yankees vs. (5) Boston Red Sox
Few matchups carry as much history as Yankees–Red Sox in October. The Yankees bring power and star power, led by Aaron Judge. Their late-season form was strong, though the bullpen will need to hold up in close games. The Red Sox clinched their berth in dramatic fashion with a walk-off win in the final series. They rely on resilience and clutch hitting but have thinner pitching depth compared to New York.
National League
Byes into NLDS: Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies
Milwaukee finished with the best record in the National League, thanks to a consistent, balanced approach. Their rotation is steady, their bullpen dependable, and their lineup efficient. The Phillies secured the second bye and remain one of the most dangerous lineups in baseball, featuring a mix of power and postseason experience. The bullpen is their variable, but their ceiling is high.
Wild Card Series Matchups
- (3) Los Angeles Dodgers vs. (6) New York Mets
The Dodgers remain one of the most complete teams, boasting star talent such as Shohei Ohtani alongside depth throughout the roster. They are perennial contenders, though in a short series even they are vulnerable. The Mets enter as underdogs with young arms and sporadic offensive production. For New York to advance, their pitching will need to exceed expectations. - (4) Chicago Cubs vs. (5) San Diego Padres
This pairing looks evenly matched. The Cubs have a mix of emerging talent and experienced players, giving them a solid core. They have played with energy down the stretch, though bullpen depth remains a concern. San Diego’s strength lies in its bullpen, which has been one of the best in the league. Offensively, they can compete with anyone, but rotation depth may be tested over three games.
The Cincinnati Reds also secured a wild card spot, though they enter as one of the lowest-ranked postseason teams. Their youth and inconsistency make them a long shot, yet they have shown resilience throughout the year.
Key Themes
The postseason will likely be defined by a few recurring factors. Bullpen reliability is paramount in short series, where one bad inning can alter an entire matchup. Rested teams such as the Blue Jays, Mariners, Brewers, and Phillies benefit from resetting their rotations, but they risk losing momentum while waiting. Experience is another factor, with clubs like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies more accustomed to the postseason stage compared to teams like the Tigers or Reds. Finally, star power often decides October. Performances from players such as Guerrero, Judge, Ohtani, and Bryce Harper will shape their teams’ fortunes.
Conclusion
The 2025 postseason begins with a balanced field where every matchup has the potential for drama. Traditional contenders such as the Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies face pressure to deliver, while rising teams like the Guardians, Cubs, and Reds aim to make their mark. With only three games deciding the Wild Card Series, unpredictability is guaranteed. The journey to the World Series is now underway, and this year’s October promises to be among the most competitive in recent memory.