The 2025 MLB playoffs are set to begin, offering fans an electrifying postseason experience. With 12 teams vying for the coveted World Series title, this year’s playoffs promise to be full of surprises and excitement. The playoffs kick off on October 1, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Teams and Their Prospects
Here’s a look at the leading contenders for the World Series along with their playoff odds and potential MVP candidates.
American League
- Toronto Blue Jays (AL East Champs, 94-68)
- ALDS opponent: New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 11.4% | ESPN BET: +750
- Key Player: George Springer – A strong postseason performer with a significant batting average in October.
- Weakness: The offense must regain its strength after a late-season slump.
- Seattle Mariners (AL West Champs, 90-72)
- ALDS opponent: Cleveland Guardians or Detroit Tigers
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 9.7% | ESPN BET: +500
- Key Player: Julio Rodriguez – Emerging as a strong contender for MVP if the team performs well.
- Weakness: Concerns about the rotation’s performance due to injuries.
- Cleveland Guardians (AL Central Champs, 88-74)
- Wild-card opponent: Detroit Tigers
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 1.5% | ESPN BET: +2000
- Key Player: José Ramírez – Crucial for offensive production during the playoffs.
- Weakness: Inconsistency in scoring runs could hinder success.
- New York Yankees (Wild Card, 94-68)
- Wild-card opponent: Boston Red Sox
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 9.1% | ESPN BET: +850
- Key Player: Aaron Judge – A potential game-changer in the playoffs.
- Weakness: Relievers’ performance may determine postseason fate.
- Boston Red Sox (Wild Card, 89-73)
- Wild-card opponent: New York Yankees
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 4.7% | ESPN BET: +1800
- Key Player: Aroldis Chapman – Dependable in closing games.
- Weakness: Offense struggles without key players.
National League
- Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central Champs, 97-65)
- NLDS opponent: Chicago Cubs or San Diego Padres
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 19.8% | ESPN BET: +800
- Key Player: Brice Turang – Has shown significant improvement in batting.
- Weakness: Limited power output during the season.
- Philadelphia Phillies (NL East Champs, 96-66)
- NLDS opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers or Cincinnati Reds
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 16.5% | ESPN BET: +400
- Key Player: Bryce Harper – A proven postseason performer.
- Weakness: The lineup needs to remain healthy; Trea Turner’s performance is crucial.
- Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champs, 93-69)
- Wild-card opponent: Cincinnati Reds
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 10.7% | ESPN BET: +500
- Key Player: Freddie Freeman – Shows consistent postseason capability.
- Weakness: Bullpen struggles could jeopardize their postseason run.
- Chicago Cubs (Wild Card, 92-70)
- Wild-card opponent: San Diego Padres
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 6.2% | ESPN BET: +1400
- Key Player: Ian Happ – Important for driving in runs.
- Weakness: Late injuries could limit their effectiveness.
- San Diego Padres (Wild Card, 87-75)
- Wild-card opponent: Chicago Cubs
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 4.8% | ESPN BET: +1800
- Key Player: Manny Machado – Needs to deliver for offensive success.
- Weakness: Inconsistencies in starting pitching could hinder their chances.
- Cincinnati Reds (Wild Card, 83-79)
- Wild-card opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers
- Doolittle’s World Series Odds: 1.5% | ESPN BET: +2000
- Key Pitcher: Hunter Greene – Needs to dominate to lead the Reds deep into October.
- Weakness: Scoring production could limit postseason success.
This year’s playoffs will reveal if established teams like the Yankees and Dodgers can fend off challenges from rising clubs like the Mariners and Guardians. Each team carries its own unique story, and fans will have plenty to cheer for as the chase for the World Series title heats up.
