The 2025 MLB postseason kicked off with a bang this week, as the Wild Card Series delivered the kind of edge-of-your-seat action that reminds everyone why October is baseball's holy month. Four matchups got underway on Tuesday, and already, the bracket is twisting in unexpected ways. In the American League, the Tigers stunned the Guardians in Game 1, but Cleveland fired back Wednesday with a convincing 6-1 victory, forcing a decisive Game 3 on Thursday. Over in the AL East clash, the Red Sox took the opener from the Yankees, only for New York to even it up in a tense pitchers' duel—another do-or-die looming.
Indeed, the National League side has been no less thrilling. The Cubs grabbed an early lead against the Padres, yet San Diego responded forcefully to push their series to the brink. And don't forget the Dodgers, who dispatched the Reds in Game 1 but now face elimination pressure after Cincinnati's comeback win—wait, no, the Reds were on the ropes, but updates confirm they're battling back hard. These best-of-three tilts have already eliminated any notion of predictability; underdogs are barking louder than expected.
Meanwhile, the top seeds enjoy a well-earned breather. The Blue Jays and Mariners in the AL, along with the Brewers and Phillies in the NL, sit out until Saturday's Division Series. Philadelphia, with their powerhouse lineup, looks primed to dominate, though Milwaukee's quiet efficiency could surprise. As for the World Series? It's too early to crown champions, but whispers around the league point to the Dodgers' star-studded roster as a favorite, even if their Wild Card wobble raises eyebrows. The full bracket, locked in after the regular season's frantic finale, sets up potential rematches from a year of rivalries.
However, with three Game 3s slated for Thursday, the real story is resilience—these teams are grinding through fatigue and high stakes. Brewers fans might recall last year's heartbreak, fueling their bye-week motivation. And as the bracket evolves, one can't help but wonder if this postseason will deliver a fresh World Series narrative or recycle old dynasties.