MLB Playoffs: Dodgers Favored, Mariners Surprise, and Snell Shines

The 2025 MLB Playoffs: An Epic Beginning

The first two weeks of the 2025 MLB playoffs have been spectacular. From the instant classic 15-inning game between the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners, which led Seattle to their first American League Championship Series since 2001, to the elimination of the Philadelphia Phillies by the Los Angeles Dodgers in an error-filled play in the 11th inning, and the dominance of the Toronto Blue Jays over the New York Yankees, the excitement has been palpable. Now, in the early stages of the league championship series, only four teams remain in the fight: one seeking to make history with consecutive titles, two yearning for their first championship, and one trying to revive the glory of the early 90s. The Mariners surprised everyone by winning the first two games in Toronto. The Dodgers maintained a slight lead to take Game 1 in Milwaukee. We analyze what happened in October with an edition of “Real or Not”, exploring the stories of the teams still in competition and those already eliminated.

Competing Teams

The Dodgers: The Favorites, Once Again

Verdict: Real They are the defending champions, with a star-studded rotation and players like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, who seems to have found his place as a closer. They are the favorites to win the championship. Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy sums it up like this:

“The Dodgers are a powerhouse, what can you say?”

Pat Murphy, Manager of the Milwaukee Brewers

Although the Dodgers are the favorites, no team has repeated since the Yankees in 2000. It won’t be easy.

The Blue Jays: The Key to Dethroning the Angels?

Verdict: Not Real

The Blue Jays had the lowest strikeout rate in the regular season (17.3%) and dominated the Yankees in the divisional series. However, Bo Bichette, one of their best offensive players, will miss the American League Championship Series due to a knee injury. Furthermore, the team’s contact rate is a strong indicator for October. The Dodgers, for example, had a similar strikeout rate to last season.

Toronto’s pitching depth, especially in the bullpen, will be crucial. Milwaukee’s pitching effectiveness, with Murphy’s unconventional strategies, is superior to Toronto’s. The strikeout rate could be a problem for the Mariners.

Jorge Polanco: The Most Valuable Player of the Playoffs?

Verdict: Real? Although Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a great performance in the divisional series, Polanco’s timely hitting has been key for the Mariners. His key moments include:

• Two home runs against Tarik Skubal in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.
• A walk and scoring the tying run in the seventh inning of Game 5 of the American League Division Series, and the walk-off hit in the 15th inning.
• A run-scoring single in the sixth inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series and another run-scoring single in the eighth.
• A 2-5 game with two runs and a three-run home run in the Game 2 victory for Seattle.

Polanco is the first player in MLB history to have a go-ahead hit in the fifth inning or later in three consecutive playoff games. Other players with a great start are Guerrero, Cal Raleigh, Ernie Clement, Jackson Chourio, and Teoscar Hernandez. Roki Sasaki could be the surprise MVP of October. The Dodgers had no idea who their closer would be, and Sasaki has stepped up. His first four appearances were impressive.

Shohei Ohtani: Ready for His October Explosion?

Verdict: Not Real Although Ohtani has already performed well as a pitcher, it’s a lot to ask him to maintain the same level of batting as in the regular season. In the regular season, Ohtani had an OPS of 1.014, but against pitches of 97 mph or more, his OPS drops to .889. The Brewers have several pitchers who average more than 97 mph with their fastballs, which could be a challenge for Ohtani.

The Spirit of the Mariners: Enough to Triumph in October?

Verdict: Real Although spirit doesn’t guarantee victories, home runs, good starting pitching, and strong bullpens do. The Mariners, with their victory against the Tigers and their victory against the Blue Jays, have demonstrated their ability to overcome challenges. The Mariners, despite having many strikeouts, have been driven by their pitching and power, and could reach the World Series if they continue playing at this level.

Blake Snell: The Man on the Mound in these Playoffs?

Verdict: Real Snell could have a memorable October. He has had outstanding performances, including a win against the Phillies with six scoreless innings and a one-run game and 10 strikeouts against the Brewers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested that Snell’s return was delayed so that he would be ready for October. Snell is determined to pitch more innings in games and prove his worth in crucial moments.

Eliminated Teams

The Phillies: The End of an Era?

Verdict: Not Real After the defeat against the Dodgers, speculation arises about the end of an era for the Phillies, with several key players like Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suarez, reaching free agency after this season. Although there could be changes, they are unlikely to be drastic.

Having an Ace Doesn’t Guarantee Success in October

Verdict: Real Although aces like Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, and Cristopher Sanchez pitched well in October, they couldn’t pitch deep into games, which affected their teams. Managers are pulling starters earlier, even if they are among the best. Aces are still valuable, but less so than before if they only pitch six innings and 90 pitches.

Aaron Judge: Did He Silence His Critics?

Verdict: Not Real Although Judge had a great postseason, he hasn’t silenced his critics, as until he wins a championship with the Yankees, he will remain under pressure in October.

Was This the Padres’ Last Chance?

Verdict: Real The Padres’ future could be complicated, with expensive contracts and a weak farm system. Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr. have large contracts that could affect the team. The Padres are becoming more expensive and older, and the future may not be promising.

Ohio Will Not Have Two Teams in the Playoffs in 2026

Verdict: Not Real

The Cleveland Guardians and the Reds had a playoff season in 2025. Both teams are likely to rely on run prevention and lack the resources to improve their offense. However, the Reds have a promising rotation and could return to the playoffs if their young hitters improve.