The 2025 MLB postseason is shaping up to be one of those October runs that just feels different. Twelve teams are in the hunt for baseball’s ultimate prize: the World Series title.
ESPN ran a poll with 25 respected baseball experts, asking them to predict each round. The results give us a glimpse at which clubs might rise above the October chaos.
Defending champions want to pull off the rare back-to-back. Underdogs are lurking, ready to shake up the league. The predictions paint a vivid picture of how this playoff landscape could play out—though, honestly, who ever really knows?
Breaking Down the 2025 MLB Playoff Picture
This year’s postseason lineup has a wild mix of perennial contenders and some new faces. The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming to become the first team since the 2000 Yankees to win consecutive titles.
They’re not alone. Powerhouse squads like the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners are all coming in with confidence and high hopes.
The 12-team format cranks up the intensity from the first pitch. Wild-card games could set the tone for a dramatic stretch of baseball.
ESPN’s poll captures a wide range of opinions, showing both consensus and spots where surprises might be brewing.
AL Wild Card Predictions
In the American League, the Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians matchup split expert votes almost down the middle. That’s playoff baseball—unpredictable as ever.
The New York Yankees got overwhelming support over the Boston Red Sox. Experts seem pretty sold on the Yankees’ lineup depth and pitching.
NL Wild Card Outlook
Over in the National League, experts almost unanimously picked the Dodgers to beat the Cincinnati Reds. Their postseason pedigree and loaded roster speak for themselves.
The San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs matchup was much closer. San Diego edged out Chicago by just a slim majority.
Division Series Insights
Moving into the ALDS and NLDS, the poll showed clearer favorites. In the ALDS, the Seattle Mariners got strong backing to take down either the Tigers or Guardians.
Most experts also picked the Yankees to beat the Blue Jays, even after Toronto’s impressive regular season.
NLDS Forecast
The Phillies got the nod over the Dodgers in the NLDS. That could turn into a heavyweight clash if it happens.
On the other side, the Brewers were picked by a narrow margin to get past the Padres. Sounds like a toss-up.
Who Takes the Pennant?
The Mariners dominated the American League conversation. Their young stars and tough pitching staff earned them the biggest share of expert votes.
The Yankees and Red Sox got some support too, but not as much. In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies emerged as the favorite, with the Dodgers, Padres, and Brewers trailing behind.
World Series Favorites
The Phillies weren’t just the top NL pick—they were the most common choice to win the whole thing. Experts like their balanced roster and deep postseason experience.
Even without ace Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia’s pitching depth and lineup versatility seem up to the challenge.
Final Expert Predictions
Here’s how the most frequent World Series champion picks shook out in ESPN’s poll:
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Seattle Mariners
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Milwaukee Brewers
- New York Yankees
- San Diego Padres
The Phillies got the most love, but several teams have a real shot. Injuries, hot streaks, and the wild nature of playoff baseball could flip everything upside down. That’s October for you.
What to Expect in October
Storylines swirl around the Dodgers’ hunt for back-to-back titles and the Phillies’ desperate chase for redemption. The 2025 MLB playoffs look set to bring drama, intensity, and those moments fans talk about for years.
Will predictions actually pan out, or will October throw us some wild curveballs? Either way, baseball’s biggest stage is about to put on a show.
When the wild-card round kicks off, watch those matchups that everyone calls toss-ups. That’s usually where the underdog stories start—and honestly, that’s what makes October baseball so special.
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