The excitement of October baseball is upon us a day early this year, as Major League Baseball kicks off its postseason festivities with games starting Tuesday afternoon.
This year’s playoff picture is remarkable in its unpredictability, significantly differing from last season when the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared as the clear favorites. No team has dominated the majors in 2025, with none achieving more than 97 wins; a notable statistic that marks the Milwaukee Brewers as the team with the lowest win total to secure a postseason slot since 2013, excluding the unique circumstances of the pandemic-altered 2020 season.
The lack of a front-runner implies that any one of the twelve contesting teams could claim the coveted World Series title, including three franchises that have never hoisted the championship trophy. The postseason landscape showcases franchises from both the coasts and the Midwest, offering a diverse array of teams for fans to support.
For those who find joy in rooting for the underdog, there’s a compelling story in the Seattle Mariners, who are the only team yet to reach the Fall Classic among the five franchises that have never won a World Series. With a loyal fanbase that has endured an astounding 49 seasons of anticipation, the Mariners finally broke their long postseason drought in 2022.
Seattle’s fortunes have taken a positive turn with standout performances from players like catcher Cal Raleigh, who has emerged as a candidate for the AL MVP after hitting a historic 60 home runs this season. Ownership made significant moves during the trade deadline, and the Mariners surged through September to clinch the AL West division title—marking their first division win since 2001.
This season, the Mariners earn a second seed, which grants them direct entry into the AL Division Series. They will face the victor of the Wild Card Series between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians; both teams might share long title droughts but have had their own moments on the World Series stage in recent history.
If rooting for perennial losers doesn’t resonate, there are two additional teams in the postseason that also have yet to win a World Series: the San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers. Fans of these teams have weathered their share of playoff disappointments, with the Padres last appearing in the World Series in 1998 and the Brewers looking back to their 1982 appearance.
In past years, both franchises have become frequent playoff contenders, yet neither has managed to claim the ultimate prize. The Brewers built up momentum through July and August, emerging as one of baseball’s hottest teams despite having one of the lower payrolls in the league at $121 million. Meanwhile, the Padres, who have invested significantly in star players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, have repeatedly found themselves thwarted by their rivals, the Dodgers, in the postseason.
For fans who thrive on rivalry, the old-school classic tussle between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox awaits in the Wild Card round. While this rivalry has seen various narratives over the years, including the notorious ‘Curse of the Bambino,’ both teams find themselves at a crossroads as they grapple for postseason supremacy.
Each team brings its own strengths to this historic showdown. The Yankees boast a powerful lineup led by Aaron Judge, who had yet another breathtaking season with a .331 batting average and an unbelievable 53 home runs. Conversely, the Red Sox have leaned a bit more on their pitching staff, with standout performances from Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman, who is enjoying the best ERA of his career despite being 37 years old.
For fans who cherish the art of contact hitting, the Toronto Blue Jays present the opportunity to watch players excel in this area. As the AL’s top seed, the Blue Jays feature four players with batting averages above .280, including Bo Bichette and George Springer. Altogether, the Blue Jays led the league in several offensive categories, demonstrating a strong ability to get on base while taking fewer risks with stolen bases and sacrifice flies.
If you simply want a team that checks the box of success, the Philadelphia Phillies may be the perfect fit. With powerful hitters such as Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner, they have transformed into a formidable force capable of defeating any opponent. Despite recent injuries to key players, the team’s depth in hitting guarantees they remain a dangerous contender.
Another powerhouse team to watch is the Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh from their previous World Series win in 2024. While currently dealing with injuries—including to catcher Will Smith—their star-studded lineup featuring MVP-caliber players like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman remains a sight to behold.
Shohei Ohtani, in particular, has generated buzz after returning to the mound following elbow surgery. Although he has only pitched a limited number of innings this season, his teammates remain optimistic about his significant potential in postseason play. As Mookie Betts recently remarked, Ohtani’s abilities could allow him to integrate seamlessly into any game strategy during the playoffs.
On the other hand, for fans excited about young talent, the playoffs offer a robust selection of rising stars. Detroit’s ace Tarik Skubal, with his impressive 2.21 ERA, is putting together a season worthy of a potential Cy Young award. The Chicago Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong represents another exciting young player to keep an eye on, while Elly de la Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds showcases remarkable skills and will be making his playoff debut against the Dodgers.
As the postseason grows nearer and these narratives unfold, look forward to thrilling baseball that offers a wide range of stories, rivalries, and promising talent. With no clear favorite emerging in the league, it’s shaping up to be anyone’s World Series title to claim.
Embrace the drama of October baseball and pick a team that resonates with you.
image source from：npr
