The 2025 MLB Playoff picture is coming into focus. The playoff chase is definitely fun this year. The expanded 12-team format has definitely equaled more drama than ever this season. As of September 22, the picture is sharpening: clinched spots, magic numbers ticking down, and heartbreaking eliminations on the horizon.
2025 MLB Playoff Picture
Drawing from MLB.com’s latest standings, FanGraphs’ playoff odds (updated daily), and Baseball-Reference’s simulations, here’s our take on who’s locking in October baseball, who’s clinging to hope, and who’s officially out. All standings are current before the games started on 9/22/2025. You can also checkout the latest from MLB here if we haven’t updated you yet.
Key Storylines Down the Stretch
- Wild Card Madness: The AL’s 4-6 seeds could swap daily—watch Houston-Boston series finale for potential elimination drama. In the NL, a Mets-Diamondbacks clash could decide the No. 6 spot.
- MVP and Cy Young Locks: AL MVP Aaron Judge (99% odds) chases 60 homers; NL’s Ohtani eyes history. Cy Young favorites: Skubal (AL) and Wheeler (NL, 1.98 ERA).
- Tiebreaker Rules: Head-to-head records rule—no more one-game playoffs. Toronto owns the AL tiebreaker over NYY/BOS; Philly dominates the NL East.
- Dark Horses Rising: Cleveland’s bullpen (1.85 ERA in Sept.) could steal a spot. Arizona’s walk-off magic (team-record 12) keeps fans dreaming.
2025 MLB Playoff Schedule
The Wild Card round kicks off next Tuesday. Here’s the schedule, and we have more detailed 2025 MLB Playoff schedule information up for you here.
- Wild Card Series (Best-of-3): Sept. 30–Oct. 2
- Division Series (Best-of-5): Oct. 4–10
- Championship Series (Best-of-7): Oct. 11–20
- World Series (Best-of-7): Oct. 22–29 (or 30)
