As the 2025 MLB regular season comes to an end, several teams are already focusing their sights on October.
The Milwaukee Brewers were the first to secure their place, aiming for the NL Central title. The Detroit Tigers have practically secured their participation in the postseason, leading the AL Central with a considerable advantage. The Philadelphia Phillies are also comfortably at the top of their division.
Key Scenarios in the Playoff Race
As the regular season comes to an end and the playoffs approach, there are several important stories to follow:
- How are the current playoff matchups?
- What games are crucial each day leading up to October?
- Which team will be the next to secure a postseason spot?
- What is the playoff schedule like?
Here is all the essential information for this final stretch of the regular season.
Who could secure a place in the playoffs soon?The Phillies have a magic number of one, which means they could clinch a playoff spot as early as Sunday.
The Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres have at least a 98% chance of making the postseason.
Possible Playoff Matchups
Here’s how the possible MLB matchups in October would look:
American League
Wild Card Round: (6) Mariners vs. (3) Astros, (5) Red Sox vs. (4) Yankees
ALDS: Mariners/Astros vs. (2) Tigers, Red Sox/Yankees vs. (1) Blue Jays
National League
Wild Card Round: (6) Mets vs. (3) Dodgers, (5) Padres vs. (4) Cubs
NLDS: Mets/Dodgers vs. (2) Phillies, Padres/Cubs vs. (1) Brewers
American League Race Analysis
The Blue Jays and Tigers compete for the top spot in the AL, with Detroit practically securing the AL Central crown. While Toronto leads the AL East, the Red Sox and Yankees fight for the wild card classification. In addition, the Astros try to distance themselves from the Mariners in the race for the AL West. Meanwhile, a fall by Seattle has allowed the Rangers and Guardians to stay close for the last wild card spot.
National League Career Analysis
The Brewers were the first MLB team to secure their place in October. A group of contenders have separated at the top of the NL standings, with the Mets clinging to an advantage over the Giants and Reds for the last playoff spot. The Phillies seem to be on their way to a division title, but there is much intrigue in the NL West, as the Dodgers try to fend off the Padres for the division crown.
Playoffs Schedule
Wildcard SeriesBest of three, all games at the stadium of the team with the best ranking.
Game 1: Tuesday, September 30
Game 2: Wednesday, October 1st
Game 3: Thursday, October 2*
Divisional SeriesBest of five
ALDS
Game 1: Saturday, October 4th
Game 2: Sunday, October 5th
Game 3: Tuesday, October 7
Game 4: Wednesday, October 8*
Game 5: Friday, October 10*
NLDS
Game 1: Saturday, October 4th
Game 2: Monday, October 6
Game 3: Wednesday, October 8
Game 4: Thursday, October 9*
Game 5: Saturday, October 11*
League Championship SeriesBest of seven
ALCS
Game 1: Sunday, October 12th
Game 2: Monday, October 13th
Game 3: Wednesday, October 15
Game 4: Thursday, October 16
Game 5: Friday, October 17*
Game 6: Sunday, October 19*
Game 7: Monday, October 20*
NLCS
Game 1: Monday, October 13th
Game 2: Tuesday, October 14
Game 3: Thursday, October 16
Game 4: Friday, October 17th
Game 5: Saturday, October 18*
Game 6: Monday, October 20*
Game 7: Tuesday, October 21*
World SeriesBest of seven
Game 1: Friday, October 24
Game 2: Saturday, October 25
Game 3: Monday, October 27
Game 4: Tuesday, October 28
Game 5: Wednesday, October 29*
Game 6: Friday, October 31*
Game 7: Saturday, November 1st*
