The 2025 MLB postseason is finally here, and the Wild Card Series kicks off this Tuesday. Across both leagues, four best-of-three matchups are set to bring drama, tactical moves, and endless storylines.
Historic rivalries are back in the spotlight, and a few surprise contenders have crashed the party. Fans get the intrigue they crave, plus expert predictions and betting odds that hint at some tightly contested series.
American League Wild Card Battles
The AL bracket features two eye-catching showdowns. The No. 3 Cleveland Guardians face the No. 6 Detroit Tigers. Meanwhile, the No. 4 New York Yankees square off against their oldest rivals, the No. 5 Boston Red Sox.
Each series comes with its own narrative. But both matchups showcase postseason-ready talent itching to make their mark.
Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers
Most analysts are picking the Tigers here, and honestly, it’s hard to argue. Tarik Skubal has turned into one of the game’s top pitchers, and his knack for shutting down hitters could swing the series.
The Guardians play great defense, but their offense often sputters. Still, someone out there is betting on Cleveland to grind out a win in three games, banking on their ability to stay cool in tight spots.
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox
This is the classic AL East rivalry, but there’s a twist this time. Boston edged out the Yankees in the regular season, but four out of five CBS Sports experts are backing New York to move on.
Why? It comes down to roster depth and postseason experience. The Yankees’ pitching and stacked lineup have them favored in betting at -178. One expert is even calling for a sweep by the Bronx Bombers, which feels bold.
National League Showdowns
The NL matchups bring some real contrasts. The Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Cincinnati Reds. The Chicago Cubs host the San Diego Padres.
Each pairing has its own flavor, with pitching and offense both under the microscope.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds
When it comes to postseason experience, the Dodgers are tough to top. Their star-studded rotation and deep lineup have them as heavy favorites—FanDuel lists them at -270.
Most experts expect LA to move on. Still, one analyst is picking the Reds in three, pointing to Cincinnati’s late surge and aggressive base-running as possible difference-makers.
Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres
This one’s a coin flip. Three of five CBS Sports experts like the Padres, citing their pitching depth and some savvy trade-deadline moves.
The other two back the Cubs, thinking their balanced offense and home-field edge could matter. The betting markets can’t pick a side either—odds are basically even.
Expert Predictions and Betting Insights
Expert takes and sportsbook odds together paint a picture of what could be a wild opening round. Some teams look like safer bets, but, honestly, surprises are always lurking.
- Yankees (-178) – Favored for their depth and pitching.
- Tigers – Riding Tarik Skubal’s hot hand against Cleveland.
- Dodgers (-270) – The usual postseason juggernaut.
- Cubs vs. Padres – Balanced offense faces pitching depth; odds are a toss-up.
Who Might Advance?
Most experts lean toward the Yankees, Tigers, and Dodgers making it to the next round. Cubs-Padres is anybody’s guess, honestly. The postseason loves a good curveball, so even the best numbers can’t guarantee anything.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 MLB Wild Card Series is finally here. Powerhouse franchises and up-and-coming teams are set to collide, and the rivalries feel especially intense this time around.
Fans will see the Yankees try to prove they’re still on top. The Tigers are counting on their starting pitchers to carry them, while the Dodgers hope to keep their October tradition alive.
Then there are the Padres and Cubs, both hungry for a shot at supremacy. It’s anyone’s guess which team will make the biggest statement in these opening rounds.
Every game in these short series matters—a single swing can flip everything. The experts predict tight matchups, and the betting odds seem to agree.
If you love high-stakes baseball, October’s about to deliver. Honestly, isn’t that what we all wait for?
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Here is the source article for this story: 2025 MLB playoff predictions: Expert picks for every Wild Card Series
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