MLB September Prediction Analysis: Who Will Advance to the Playoffs?
September is already here! With five months of the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season underway, several divisions and award races seem defined. However, intrigue persists as we approach the final stretch. At Alofoke Deportes, we analyze the experts’ predictions to decipher which teams will advance to the playoffs, how the tight divisional races will be resolved, and which teams will secure direct passes to the next round.
To get answers, we consulted 16 baseball experts and asked them the most important questions of the moment, covering from September to the end of the season. We also asked them for bold predictions about what will happen in this final stretch.
Who will lead the league?
- Milwaukee Brewers: 14 votes
- Detroit Tigers: 1 vote
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 1 vote
The Brewers are the favorites to secure the best record in the league. Their consistent performance and good run differential suggest they will maintain their pace. Furthermore, their remaining schedule is favorable and the team has shown production in all positions and categories, making them a very complete team.
Which teams will make the playoffs?
- All 12 projected teams: 15 votes
- 11 teams: 1 vote
Most experts predict that the 12 teams currently projected for the playoffs will secure a postseason spot.
Who will lead the American League?
- Detroit Tigers: 14 votes
- Toronto Blue Jays: 2 votes
The Tigers are the favorites due to a more favorable schedule. Although the Blue Jays are performing well, the Tigers do not have such a rigorous schedule. In such a close competition, factors like luck in the schedule can be decisive.
The Blue Jays are playing well, scoring many runs, and with Max Scherzer and Shane Bieber leading the rotation. However, the Tigers have performed well, although they have struggled to score runs and their ERA is among the ten worst in the league.
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 injuries and the underperformance of some key players, the Dodgers remain the favorites for second place in the National League. Their bullpen and lineup are close to being complete, and their rotation is solid. They have the depth and talent to demonstrate their potential.
The Phillies have performed well and have Cristopher Sanchez as their best starter. Kyle Schwarber has the opportunity to break the team’s home run record, and the team reinforced its bullpen. Currently, the Phillies are in second place in the National League.
Who will win the National League West Division?
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 13 votes
- San Diego Padres: 3 votes
The Dodgers are the favorites to win the division. The Padres could have a chance, as they have reinforced their bullpen and are focused on winning now, while the Dodgers might be more focused on the postseason.
Who will win the American League West Division?
- Houston Astros: 8 votes
- Seattle Mariners: 8 votes
The American League West Division is very competitive. The Astros, with Yordan Alvarez back, have more experience. The Mariners, although they are not playing their best baseball, are healthy and close to the Astros. Their starting rotation is excellent and they could surprise.
How many losses will the Rockies have?
The Rockies could have a difficult September. They have performed very poorly against playoff teams, and their schedule includes several games against them. This could mean a complicated month for the team.
Bold Predictions for the Final Stretch
- Mariners’ Cal Raleigh will finish the season with 60 home runs.
- Shohei Ohtani will surpass Cal Raleigh in WAR.
- Athletics’ Nick Kurtz will be in the top five in the American League MVP voting.
- Phillies’ pitching prospect Andrew Painter will have a 3-0 record with a 1.50 ERA.
- Nolan McLean will be the best pitcher in the National League, excluding Paul Skenes, and will be the Mets’ starter in the first playoff game.
- Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet will win the American League Cy Young award.
- The Red Sox will win the American League.
- The Yankees will win the American League.
- The Yankees will get a bye to the next round.
- The Yankees will have the second-best record in the American League.
- The Padres will win the National League West Division.
- The Mets will win the National League.
- The playoffs will be identical to what is expected.
