Exciting MLB Playoffs Kick Off Following Dramatic Final Day of the Regular Season
The 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) playoffs are set to begin after a thrilling conclusion to the regular season on September 30, 2025. With two division titles and one wild card spot still in contention heading into the final game, the stakes were high for several teams.
Playoff Picture: National League and Wild Card Developments
In the National League, the playoff landscape was mostly clear. The New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds were battling for the final wild card spot, but both teams ended up losing on Sunday. However, the Reds triumphed in securing their October berth through a tiebreaker. This development adds an exciting twist to the upcoming playoff series.
American League Shows Intense Competition
Meanwhile, the situation was more intense in the American League, where both the AL East and AL Central titles remained undecided until the last game of the season. The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays entered the final day tied, alongside the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. Ultimately, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed the AL East title and the top seed in the American League after their victory, while the Cleveland Guardians clinched the AL Central title.
Upcoming Wild Card Round
For the fourth consecutive year, the 12-team postseason will kick off with a thrilling wild card round, starting Tuesday on ESPN. A total of eight teams will compete for four spots to advance into the division series. Here’s a look at the matchups:
- American League Wild Card Series:
- Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians: Tuesday, 1:08 PM ET on ESPN
- Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees:
- Game 1: Tuesday, 6:08 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 2: Wednesday, 6:08 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 3*: Thursday, 6:08 PM ET (ESPN)
- National League Wild Card Series:
- Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Game 1: Tuesday, 9:08 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 2: Wednesday, 9:08 PM ET (ESPN)
- Game 3*: Thursday, 9:08 PM ET (ESPN)
- San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs:
- Game 1: Cubs 3, Padres 1
- Game 2: Wednesday, 3:08 PM ET (ABC)
- Game 3*: Thursday, 3:08 PM ET (ABC)
- Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers:
The excitement doesn’t stop there.
Division Series, Championship Series, and World Series
Following the wild card round, the division series will feature the winners going head-to-head in best-of-five series. Noteworthy matchups include:
| American League Division Series | Date | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Mariners vs. Winner of Tigers-Guardians | Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 4 | Fox/FS1 |
| Toronto Blue Jays vs. Winner of Red Sox-Yankees | Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 4 | Fox/FS1 |
The journey will then advance to the championship series and culminate in the World Series, showcasing the finest teams in baseball.
Don’t miss out on any action: stay updated with the postseason brackets, schedules, results, and viewing options throughout this exciting October. The ultimate outcomes remain to be seen, and every game could potentially shape the legacy of the 2025 MLB season.
Tune in to ESPN and El-Balad for the latest news and in-depth analysis as the playoffs unfold.
