2025 MLB Divisional Picks: Yankees in 4, Dodgers in 5

The 2025 MLB postseason is shifting into high gear as the divisional round gets underway. After a tense, drama-filled wild-card stage where three of four series went the distance, fans are primed for another week of high-stakes baseball.

Each divisional matchup brings its own unique storyline, from redemption quests to heated rivalries. It’s shaping up to be a must-watch round for any baseball enthusiast.

American League Divisional Round Matchups

This year’s American League bracket is loaded with intrigue. Teams come in fueled by either momentum or unfinished business, and you can feel the energy.

Detroit Tigers vs. Seattle Mariners

The Detroit Tigers arrive in the ALDS after a wild regular season. They blew a huge division lead but clawed their way back into the playoffs.

Now, their resilience gets tested against a Seattle Mariners squad that’s built a well-balanced, fundamentally sound roster. Seattle took the regular-season series 4–2, so there’s a bit of a psychological edge there.

With home-field advantage on their side, the Mariners look like the favorites. Their offense stays consistent, their bullpen runs deep, and their defense is among the league’s best.

New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays

Arch-rivals meet in one of the ALDS’s most anticipated clashes. The Yankees punched their ticket by knocking out the Boston Red Sox in the wild-card round, setting up a showdown with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto edged them for the AL East crown on the final day of the season. Both clubs posted identical records, but the Yankees’ run differential and pitching depth stand out.

If New York’s starting rotation holds up and the bullpen locks things down late, they’re favored to take this series. Expect fireworks from both lineups and nerves in every at-bat.

National League Divisional Round Battles

The National League brings its own brand of drama. We’ve got bitter division rivalries and powerhouse clashes that could pass for a World Series preview.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs

The Brewers and Cubs have battled for Central Division supremacy for years. This latest chapter feels as evenly matched as ever.

Both teams bring dominant starting pitching and aggressive offenses. Every game should be a back-and-forth affair, honestly.

Milwaukee’s home-field edge could end up tipping the series. The Brewers have stayed steady in big moments, and their postseason veterans might just make the difference.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Here’s the marquee matchup of the divisional round. The Los Angeles Dodgers upgraded their bullpen with Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, and that move could matter a lot under playoff pressure.

The Philadelphia Phillies face a tough setback with ace Zack Wheeler out due to injury. That’s a blow, no way around it.

With all the talent on display, this series probably won’t be short. The Dodgers’ depth and bullpen strength make them slight favorites, but it’s hard to count out Philly’s fight.

Fans should expect tense late innings, dramatic swings, and both clubs emptying the tank to keep their World Series dreams alive.

What to Watch For

Every divisional round matchup brings its own flavor this year. There are a few storylines that really stand out:

• Resilience vs. Balance: The Tigers want to shake things up and topple the Mariners, who look like a well-oiled machine.
• Old Rivalries Renewed: Yankees and Blue Jays, still at each other’s throats in the AL East. That tension never really goes away, does it?
• Central Division Grit: Brewers and Cubs, both stubborn, both hungry, trying to outlast one another. It’s going to be a grind.
• Star Power Meets Depth: Dodgers and Phillies, packed with talent and depth, trying to put on a show that October baseball deserves.

The 2025 MLB Divisional Round promises to ramp up the drama. Home-field advantage might matter—or maybe it won’t, because October baseball doesn’t care about expectations.

Heroes are out there, waiting for their moment. Who knows what’ll happen next? This is the kind of chaos that makes playoff baseball so much fun.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 MLB Divisional Round Odds: Back Yankees in 4, Dodgers in 5