If you have been watching the 2025 MLB playoffs, you know that it has been absolute chaos. From shocking upsets to extra-inning thrillers, this postseason has everything baseball fans could possibly ask for. Big names like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have delivered, underdogs stories have developed, and every game deepens the aspect of the game in some way. Whether you are a die-hard fan of just tuning in to learn more, this year’s playoffs have been pure entertainment from the very beginning.
AL Wild Card – Detroit Tigers def. Cleveland Guardians (2-1)
Detroit stunned Cleveland in a divisional best-of-3, initially paced by a dominant outing from Tarik Skubal in Game 1 while Cleveland’s pitching outshined the Tigers leading to a 1-1 series tie. However, Detroit’s offensive surge in game 3 and their ability to capitalize on Guardians defensive plaques helped secure the series. Going up as an underdog against the AL central division champion, Detroit advances to the ALDS.
AL Wild Card – New York Yankees def. Boston Red Sox (2-1)
A century- long rivalry between two of the oldest teams in baseball history led this series to be the most anticipated of all. The Red Sox came out firing early in Games 1 and 2 however New York’s bullpen held them off in the latter contest which allowed for a Austin Wells go-ahead RBI to send the series to a game 3 finale. Yankees rookie phenom Cam Schlittler struck out 12 over eight scoreless innings effectively ending the Red Sox’s seasons and sending the Yankees back to the ALDS.
NL Wild Card – Los Angeles Dodgers def. Cincinnati Reds (2-0)
Current Champions LA Dodgers were big favorites heading into their wild card series against the Cincinnati Reds whose late Cinderella run powered them into the playoffs. The series was never really close with the Dodgers securing a 10-5 win in Game 1 and a 8-4 win in Game 2 to complete the sweep. The playoff depth and experience of the Dodgers stood out and exposed the Reds’ limitations under playoff pressure.
NL Wild Card – Chicago Cubs def. San Diego Padres (2-1)
Two middle of the pack teams face off in what was essentially the most competitive series of all. Chicago beat the Padres 3-1 to gain a series lead and San Diego responded with a Game 2 shutout (3-0) to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, with a strong outing and multi-reliver support, Cubs prevailed 3-1 establishing their return to the postseason for the first time in several years.
AL Division Series – Toronto Blue Jays def. New York Yankees (3-1)
This AL East matchup certainly did not live up to its hype as the Blue Jays cruised to victory over a dismantled Yankees team. Scoring 10+ runs in both of the first two games, the Jays offense pressured New York’s weak pitching staff giving them a comfortable 2-0 lead. Game 3 showed brief signs of hope with Aaron Judge’s three-run homer in the fourth tied the game and would later help the Yankees crawl back from a 6-1 deficit. However, Toronto sealed the series in Game 4 with steady pitching and clutch hitting which the Yankees could not reciprocate. New York’s dependence on star players faltered as Toronto’s offensive depth and bullpen outplayed them to advance to the ALCS.
AL Division Series – Seattle Mariners def. Detroit Tigers (3-2)
An epitome of playoff drama, Detroit and Seattle combined for a thriller, nerve-wrecking series. The first four games went back and forth as each team split to even the series (2-2). Game 5 certainly did not disappoint with a game deep into the 15th inning where Seattle’s Jorge Polance hit a walk-off single to clinch the series. Throughout the round both teams fought hard whether it was the home runs, strong pitching, tense late inning but however Seattle’s resilience and clutch hitting helped them win the marathon Game 5.
NL Division Series – Los Angeles Dodgers def. Philadelphia Phillies (3-1)
The Phillies were hyped up for the playoffs as they were the favorites to win it all this year. The most crucial point of the whole series was a 11-inning error by Phillies reliever Orion Kerking which gave the Dodgers the walk off run. Instead of fielding the clean hit up the middle, Orion botched the pickup and threw way off home plate rather than getting forced out at first. A painful way indeed for the Phillies season to end but however the Dodgers’ two-way star power and pitching depth was still spectacular.
NL Division Series – Milwaukee Brewers def. Chicago Cubs (3-2)
Milwaukee carrying the #1 seed has been one of the best teams in the regular season. NLDS was back and forth with both teams trading momentum and big hits. However, the Brewers prevailed due to the bullpen depth and small-ball situational execution. While Chicago may hav ebeen in moments of control, they could not close it out in Game 5 where Milwaukee seized the win with late-inning rallies and defensive steadiness. The tightly contested series highlighted how bullpen and offensive depth is especially crucial in the playoff knockout series.
AL Championship Series – Toronto Blue Jays def. Seattle Mariners (4-3)
One of the most engaging NLCS matchups in recent memory. Toronto and Seattle traded wins up until Game 7 where a three-run moonshot from Geroge Springer to gain the lead would ultimately seal the game. Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a standout series and earned the honor of ALCS MVP. Cal Raleigh, arguably the AL MVP, was an essential part of this Mariners’ team’s deep playoff run. With the young core of talent, Seattle is heading in the right direction and could be a threat in the AL for years to come. Throughout the postseason so far, the Blue Jays have showcased their offensive depth and star power which has propelled them into the World Series.
NL Championship Series – Los Angeles Dodgers def. Milwaukee Brewers (4-0)
The Dodgers swept the Top seed Brewers in dominating fashion. Through the whole series they only gave up four total runs. Milwaukee’s offense hit at an abysmal .118 for the series which was the lowest of any team in a multi-game postseason series. In the Game 4 clincher, Shohei Ohtani exploded for three home runs at the plate and 10 strikeouts while on the mound earning him the NLCS MVP. Shohei is a focal point of the Dodger’s lineup and is an essential part of their playoff success. The win sealed Los Angeles’ 17th NL Pennant and second straight trip to the World Series.
World Series – Los Angeles Dodgers v. Toronto Blue Jays series tied at 2-2
As of October 28, the series is even at 2 – 2 with back and forth victories for both teams. Game 1 was a battle of the offense which the Blue Jays won 11 – 4 with a grand slam from pinch hitter Addison Barger to seal the game with a lead of 2 – 9. Game 2 was catcher Will Smith driving in 3 RBIs and a Home Run to seal a 5 -1 decisive victory. Now we get to Game 3, which was probably one of the rarest in all of sports. The game went on till the 18th inning, yes you heard that right, the 18th Inning! This game tied the record for the longest World Series game by innings. However, Freddie Freeman hit a walkoff homerun in the bottom of the 18th inning to finally put an end to the game. Shohei Ohtani was the first ever player in postseason history to reach base nine times in a single game. His box score includes 2 home runs, 2 extra-base hits, and 5 walks. The Blue Jays answered back in Game 4 with a two-run shot from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. powering a four run 7th inning which led to a series split at 2 – 2.
Prediction: Dodgers def. Blue Jays (4-3)
Though the series is lopsided at 3 – 2 for the Blue Jays, I have the Dodgers coming out on top at the end. Their playoff experience, star players, and their clutch ability gives them the edge over the Blue Jays. The Dodgers showed their resilience when they won the game in the 18th inning and this resilience is going to be key especially over the next few games. Also, Shohei Ohtani is an unstoppable force and good pitching from the rest of the team has truly elevated this Dodger’s team which is why I have them winning the World Series 4 -3, going back to back.
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