October drama begins: 2025 MLB playoffs set to deliver fireworks

The wait is over—October baseball is here. The 2025 MLB postseason officially kicks off this week, and with it comes high drama, rivalries renewed, and the chase for a World Series crown. Both the American League and National League feature tantalizing Wild Card matchups before the top seeds join the fray in the Division Series. Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect from every series, with predictions from our sports expert, Orrin Dixon.

American League

(3) Cleveland Guardians vs (6) Detroit Tigers

The Guardians return to October with a pitching staff built for short series, headlined by Tanner Bibee and Emmanuel Clase at the back end. Detroit, meanwhile, has defied expectations, riding a breakout season from Spencer Torkelson and steady contributions from a young rotation. Cleveland’s experience gives them the edge, but the Tigers are playing loose and dangerous—exactly the kind of team that can spring an upset.

Orrin Dixon predicts: Cleveland’s bullpen depth will be too much for Detroit. Guardians win in two tight games.

(4) New York Yankees vs (5) Boston Red Sox

Baseball’s most storied rivalry adds another chapter under the bright lights of October. The Yankees leaned heavily on Aaron Judge’s bat and a resurgent pitching staff to clinch a Wild Card spot, while the Red Sox stormed into the postseason on the back of Rafael Devers’ monster year. Both lineups can mash, but pitching depth will decide it.

Orrin Dixon predicts: Judge delivers the difference-maker, but Boston’s lineup is deeper. Red Sox win in three-game thriller.

AL Division Series Outlook

(1) Toronto Blue Jays await the Yankees–Red Sox winner.

Orrin Dixon predicts: Toronto’s balance wins out, but if it’s Boston, expect a slugfest. Blue Jays advance in five games.

(2) Seattle Mariners draw the Guardians–Tigers winner.

Orrin Dixon predicts: Julio Rodríguez leads Seattle to a dominant series. Mariners win in four games.

National League

(3) Los Angeles Dodgers vs (6) Cincinnati Reds

The Dodgers once again enter October with sky-high expectations. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman headline an offense that can strike at any time, while Walker Buehler looks ready to shoulder the ace role. The Reds, led by Elly De La Cruz’s electrifying blend of power and speed, bring a youthful flair.

Orrin Dixon predicts: The Reds steal one game on adrenaline, but L.A.’s veterans close it out. Dodgers in three games.

(4) Chicago Cubs vs (5) San Diego Padres

Two franchises that have taken very different routes to October collide. The Cubs surged behind Dansby Swanson’s leadership and a homegrown pitching staff, while the Padres remain star-studded with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado.

Orrin Dixon predicts: Padres’ star power finally clicks. San Diego takes it in two games.

NL Division Series Outlook

(1) Milwaukee Brewers will face the lower-seeded Wild Card winner.

Orrin Dixon predicts: Milwaukee’s pitching is elite, but the Padres’ bats push them. Padres shock the Brewers in five games.

(2) Philadelphia Phillies await the higher-seeded Wild Card winner.

Orrin Dixon predicts: “Red October” magic continues. Phillies beat the Dodgers in four games.

The Road Ahead

With rivalries like Yankees–Red Sox, upstarts like the Tigers and Reds, and powerhouse clubs like the Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Phillies, the 2025 postseason promises no shortage of storylines.

Orrin Dixon’s World Series Forecast: Phillies vs Mariners — with Philadelphia’s October pedigree edging out Seattle in six games to capture the 2025 World Series crown.