The 2025 MLB regular season is entering its final stretch, and the playoff picture is becoming clearer. Several teams have already secured their spots in the postseason, while others are battling fiercely for the remaining berths.
Teams That Have Clinched
So far, four teams have officially clinched playoff berths:
- Milwaukee Brewers: At least NL Wild Card
- Philadelphia Phillies: NL East Division
- Chicago Cubs: NL Wild Card
- Los Angeles Dodgers: At least NL Wild Card
Key Division Races
The NL West is a tight race between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. The AL West is also hotly contested, with the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros vying for the division title. The winners of these divisions will secure guaranteed playoff spots, while the runners-up will likely compete for a Wild Card berth.
Wild Card Watch
In the National League, the San Diego Padres and New York Mets currently hold Wild Card spots, but several teams, including the San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks, are within striking distance. Over in the American League, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are in Wild Card position, but the Cleveland Guardians are making a late push. The Toronto Blue Jays also have a strong chance to clinch a Wild Card spot.
Magic Numbers
Here's a look at some key magic numbers (as of September 19th) for teams looking to clinch:
- Toronto Blue Jays: 2 to clinch at least AL Wild Card
- San Diego Padres: 4 to clinch at least NL Wild Card
- New York Yankees: 6 to clinch at least AL Wild Card
When Do the Playoffs Start?
The 2025 MLB postseason is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 30th, with the Wild Card Series. The Division Series will follow on Saturday, October 4th.
With less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, every game matters. Expect intense competition and dramatic finishes as teams battle for a chance to compete for the World Series title.