ESPN Exclusive: 2025 MLB Wild Card Series Begins Sept. 30

The 2025 Major League Baseball Wild Card Series is shaping up to deliver an intense start to the postseason. ESPN Networks will be right in the thick of it.

From September 30 to October 2, ESPN plans to broadcast up to 12 games across TV, radio, and streaming. They’ll cover every pitch and home run in the best-of-three matchups for both the American and National Leagues.

With top-tier commentary, studio coverage, and plenty of streaming options, baseball fans can expect a pretty immersive playoff experience. It’s a lot to look forward to—maybe even a little overwhelming, but in a good way.

ESPN’s Exclusive Coverage of MLB’s Wild Card Series

The Wild Card Series format stays true to its competitive roots in 2025. Four best-of-three series will decide which teams get closer to the World Series.

Two series will play out in the American League, and two in the National League. ESPN Networks will air every single game, so fans won’t have to worry about missing out on any of the drama.

Key Dates and Game Schedule

The action gets underway on September 30 with Game 1 for each series. Game 2s follow on October 1, and if necessary, Game 3s on October 2 will decide it all.

Opening day is stacked with some big matchups:

• Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians – 1 p.m. ET on ESPN
• San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs – 3 p.m. ET on ABC
• Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees – 6 p.m. ET on ESPN
• Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers – 9 p.m. ET on ESPN

These games will definitely set the tone for the playoff run. Historic rivalries and powerhouse rosters mean fans should buckle up for plenty of drama.

Top-Tier Commentary & Studio Coverage

ESPN’s bringing its A-list commentary teams to the Wild Card Series this year. Every game will feature expert analysis and plenty of personality.

Here’s how the broadcast teams are shaping up:

• Sean McDonough and Todd Frazier for Tigers vs. Guardians
• Kevin Brown and Jessica Mendoza for Padres vs. Cubs
• Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez, and David Cone for Red Sox vs. Yankees
• Jon Sciambi and Doug Glanville for Reds vs. Dodgers

Fans can also catch Baseball Tonight for pregame, in-game, and postgame updates. Studio coverage will feature Hunter Pence, Kevin Connors, Xavier Scruggs, and Jeff Passan dishing out commentary and real-time reporting as the stories unfold.

Expanded Radio and Spanish-Language Broadcasts

ESPN Radio will carry audio coverage for every Wild Card Series game. Dedicated radio crews will keep listeners in the loop, even if they’re on the go.

Spanish-speaking fans aren’t left out, either. ESPN Deportes will offer full Spanish-language broadcasts to make sure everyone can tune in.

Streaming and Viewing Enhancements

In today’s digital-first world, ESPN’s making it easier than ever to catch the postseason. Every Wild Card Series game will stream live in the ESPN App.

Some of the cool features include:

• Multiview – Watch more than one game at once
• Integrated stats – Get real-time player and team stats during the broadcast
• Personalized SportsCenter updates – News alerts tailored to your favorite teams

If you want to bundle everything, ESPN’s offering its DTC Unlimited Plan. For $29.99 per month during the first year, you get full access to ESPN content, Disney+, and Hulu. Not a bad deal if you’re into sports and streaming.

Why This Series Matters

The Wild Card Series shapes the MLB postseason in ways you just can’t predict. Upsets happen all the time, and sometimes, heroes pop up out of nowhere.

Momentum from these games can push a team deep into October. With exclusive coverage on ESPN, fans can catch every inning—no matter where they are.

As teams get ready for this high-stakes showdown, fans can look forward to three intense days of baseball. These games will spark new rivalries and might even define some careers.

Whether you tune in on TV, radio, or stream on your phone, the 2025 Wild Card Series is shaping up to be a wild ride. Seriously, if you love baseball, you won’t want to miss it.

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