Our Guide to MLB Playoffs 2025: Matchups, Predictions, and Schedule
The MLB Playoffs have arrived, bringing October drama, unforgettable moments and plenty of intrigue for fans and bettors alike. With the field set and the chase for the World Series underway, this is the perfect time to break down the bracket, key matchups and where the MLB Playoff Odds currently stand.
As always, baseball odds will vary depending on the sportsbook, but they offer a clear picture of which teams are viewed as true contenders and which underdogs could shake things up. This guide will get you ready to place smarter bets and identify where the best value might be as the postseason unfolds.
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As outlined by the league, the MLB playoffs feature 12 teams, six from each league. Each league includes three division winners and three Wild Card teams. The Wild Card round is best-of-three, while the Division Series, Championship Series, and World Series are all best-of-seven.
The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds receive first-round byes and advance directly to the Division Series. In the Wild Card Series, the No. 3 seed faces the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed faces the No. 5 seed. All Wild Card games are played at the higher seed’s home park over a three-day span in a three-game series to minimize downtime for the top two seeds.
Teams are not reseeded after the Wild Card round. The No. 1 seed will face the winner of the 4 vs. 5 Wild Card Series, while the No. 2 seed will face the winner of the 3 vs. 6 matchup. This setup ensures that the top seed avoids playing another division winner in the Division Series while keeping the bracket format intact.
Bracket and Matchups
Before the Division Series, four different Wild Card matchups are currently taking place. The winner in each of these three-game series will advance, and that's when the playoffs truly start. October is the best time of the year when it comes to baseball.
Wild Card Matchups
- Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians (Tigers Lead 1-0)
- Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (Red Sox Lead 1-0)
- Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers (Dodgers Lead 1-0)
- San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs (Cubs Lead 1-0)
Following these four series, only eight teams will remain in the chase for a World Series.
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Odds via FanDuel (as of 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 30)
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Philadelphia Phillies: +460
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Los Angeles Dodgers: +470
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Seattle Mariners: +500
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Toronto Blue Jays: +650
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Milwaukee Brewers: +650
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Chicago Cubs: +900
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Boston Red Sox: +1100
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New York Yankees: +1200
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Detroit Tigers: +1400
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San Diego Padres: +3000
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Cleveland Guardians: +4000
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Cincinnati Reds: +8000
The MLB Playoffs are simply remarkable. When it comes to professional sports, baseball is a special scene come playoff time. From here, there will be favorites that fall, while underdogs shock the world.
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