MLB September: Key Predictions, Playoffs, and More Surprises

Deep Dive into the 2025 MLB Season: Predictions and Key Scenarios

Welcome to September! With five months of the 2025 Major League Baseball season elapsed, several aspects seem defined, from some divisions to the races for individual awards. However, intrigue persists as we approach the final stretch. Alofoke Deportes presents you with an exhaustive analysis of what is to come.

Which teams from the current contenders will advance to the playoffs? How will the close divisional races unfold? Which teams will secure first-round byes? To answer these crucial questions, we have consulted a group of MLB experts, who share their perspectives and bold predictions for the month of September and beyond.

Who will take home the league’s best record?

• Milwaukee Brewers: 14 votes
• Detroit Tigers: 1 vote
• Los Angeles Dodgers: 1 vote

The Brewers are shaping up as the favorites to secure the best record. Their consistent performance, a favorable run differential, and an accessible schedule support this prediction. Furthermore, the team’s production comes from all positions and categories, making them a very complete team, according to analyst Bradford Doolittle.

How many current teams will make the playoffs?

• The current 12 teams: 15 votes
• 11 teams: 1 vote

Most experts anticipate that the 12 teams currently projected for the playoffs will maintain their position. The consistency of several key teams suggests that surprises will be minimal in the final phase.

Who will lead the American League?

• Detroit Tigers: 14 votes
• Toronto Blue Jays: 2 votes

The Detroit Tigers are favored to secure the top spot in the American League. According to Jeff Passan, the Tigers’ favorable schedule, combined with talent similar to their competitors, could be the deciding factor. On the other hand, Eric Karabell highlights that the Blue Jays are on an upward trend, with a powerful offense and a formidable pitching staff.

Who will get the second pass in the National League?

• Los Angeles Dodgers: 9 votes
• Philadelphia Phillies: 5 votes
• San Diego Padres: 2 votes

Despite the difficulties and injuries, the Dodgers remain the favorites for the second pass in the National League. The team’s depth and talent, along with the imminent recovery of key players, give them a significant advantage, according to Alden Gonzalez.

Who will win the National League West Division?

• Los Angeles Dodgers: 13 votes
• San Diego Padres: 3 votes

The Dodgers are the clear favorites to win the division. Buster Olney argues that the Dodgers approach the season with a long-term perspective, allowing them to manage injuries and keep their players fresh for the playoffs. On the other hand, the Padres, with a high-caliber roster, could surprise.

Who will win the American League West Division?

• Houston Astros: 8 votes
• Seattle Mariners: 8 votes

The American League West presents an uncertain panorama with the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners as contenders. Jesse Rogers highlights the experience of the Astros and the return of Yordan Alvarez. Jorge Castillo points out the solidity of the Mariners’ rotation and the need for the Astros to improve their performance.

How many losses will the Rockies suffer?

• 118 losses: 3 votes

Experts predict a difficult September for the Rockies. Tristan Cockcroft points out that the team has performed poorly against teams in playoff contention and that the lineup is increasingly based on young and less experienced players.

Bold Predictions for the Final Stretch

• Tim Kurkjian: Cal Raleigh (Mariners) will finish the season with 60 home runs.
• Matt Marrone: Raleigh will set a new American League home run record.
• Kiley McDaniel: Shohei Ohtani will surpass Raleigh in total WAR.
• Jeff Passan: Nick Kurtz (Athletics) will finish in the top five in the American League MVP voting.
• Eric Karabell: Andrew Painter will be called up by the Phillies on September 7th and will finish with a 3-0 record and a 1.50 ERA.
• Dan Mullen: Nolan McLean will be the best pitcher in the National League, behind Paul Skenes, and will be the Game 1 starter for the Mets in the playoffs.
• Paul Hembekides: Garrett Crochet (Boston) will win the American League Cy Young award.
• David Schoenfield: The Red Sox will win the American League.
• Alden Gonzalez: The Yankees will win the American League.
• Tristan Cockcroft: The Yankees will win the division title and a direct pass to the first round.
• Buster Olney: The Yankees will finish with the second-best record in the American League.
• Tim Keown: The Padres will win the National League West Division.
• Jorge Castillo: The Mets will win the National League.
• Bradford Doolittle: The postseason will remain unchanged.

As the regular season comes to an end, the excitement and uncertainty intensify. Alofoke Deportes will keep you informed about every twist and every key moment of this exciting MLB season.