The 2025 MLB playoffs look ready to bring drama, big moments, and maybe even shake up baseball’s power structure. Sports Illustrated’s panel of senior writers and editors shared their predictions, mixing safe picks with some gutsy calls.
From the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry in the Wild Card to the Mariners’ shot at a historic World Series, this year’s postseason feels packed with stories. There’s no shortage of plotlines to keep baseball fans glued to every pitch.
American League Predictions: Mariners’ Historic Push
In the American League, talk quickly turned to the Yankees-Red Sox Wild Card showdown. Some experts leaned toward New York’s firepower, while others thought Boston’s hot streak and heavy hitters could spark an upset.
Mariners Poised for Breakthrough
The Seattle Mariners’ chase for their first World Series is grabbing a lot of attention. Analysts love their pitching rotation and Julio RodrÃguez’s MVP-level season, saying those two pieces could be the difference.
Seattle’s balanced roster seems built for October, giving them a real shot against the usual favorites. The Yankees have muscle at the plate, but their defense and streaky play spark questions that just won’t go away.
Seattle’s mix of homegrown stars and smart offseason moves could finally pay off. Maybe this is the year it all comes together for them.
National League Outlook: Dodgers, Padres, and Phillies
The National League looks just as wild. Dodgers and Padres are the favorites in their Wild Card games, setting up some possible heavyweight showdowns.
Both teams come loaded with talent and postseason know-how, but there’s no clear favorite to go the distance. People can’t seem to agree on who’s got the edge.
Dodgers’ Star Power vs. Phillies’ Rotation
Plenty of experts like the Los Angeles Dodgers to reach the NLCS and maybe the World Series. Still, some warn that the Philadelphia Phillies’ pitching staff and playoff grit could tip the scales.
The Phillies have power arms and hitters who show up when it counts, making them a threat to anybody. It feels like October baseball is exactly their kind of stage.
Tom Verducci and Stephanie Apstein see a Dodgers-Yankees World Series coming, while Will Laws and Nick Selbe are betting on the Mariners. Ryan Phillips is all in on the Phillies, convinced their pitching will carry them all the way.
Power as the Postseason Difference-Maker
Power hitting still rules when it comes to winning in October. Verducci pointed out no team outside the top half in home runs has won the World Series since 2015.
Slugging turns tight games upside down and rattles opponents, and that’s often what separates the champs from the rest. It’s hard to argue with that logic.
Shohei Ohtani and Historic Feats
The panel tossed around some bold predictions for the 2025 playoffs. Shohei Ohtani could make history as a two-way postseason star, dominating on the mound and at the plate.
His talent feels almost unreal—maybe fans will see a complete-game playoff effort for the first time since 2017. That’d be wild, especially in an era obsessed with bullpens.
Unexpected Heroes and Dark Horses
Not every prediction focused on the usual stars. Some writers picked breakout players and surprise teams to watch.
Boston rookie Connelly Early could light up the postseason, bringing energy and confidence to the Red Sox. That kind of spark sometimes changes everything.
Reds Ready to Challenge
One of the more daring calls has the Cincinnati Reds nearly toppling the Dodgers, thanks to ace Hunter Greene’s electric starts. The Reds might be underdogs, but their aggressive style and fearless attitude could cause chaos.
Final Takeaway: Power, Pitching, and Possibility
The 2025 MLB playoffs line up matchups packed with history and fresh talent. We’ll see tactical battles everywhere you look.
Maybe the Mariners finally chase down their first World Series berth. The Dodgers might push for another title run, while the Phillies lean on their pitching to make some noise.
Sluggers, breakout rookies, and two-way stars are all set to take the stage. There’s always a dark horse or two, right?
This postseason could seriously shake up the way we remember October baseball. Who knows what kind of clutch moments or wild upsets we’ll talk about for years?
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Playoffs Roundtable: Expert Picks, Bold Predictions
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