The 2025 MLB playoffs are delivering drama right from the Wild Card round, with the Los Angeles Dodgers making a statement sweep over the Cincinnati Reds to punch their ticket to the NLDS. Last night, the Dodgers wrapped up their series with an 8-4 victory on October 1, following a dominant 10-5 win in Game 1. Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernandez powered the offense with multiple home runs across the two games, while Blake Snell pitched like the ace he is, shutting down the Reds' bats. It's no surprise, really—the Dodgers, fresh off clinching the NL West, look poised to make another deep run, though their bullpen depth remains a quiet question mark.
Meanwhile, the American League side is heating up with all eyes on the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians series. The Guardians staved off elimination in Game 2, edging the Tigers 4-3 in a tense affair that went down to the wire. Detroit had taken the opener, but Cleveland's relentless pressure forced a decisive Game 3 on Thursday at Progressive Field. Tarik Skubal's gem for the Tigers in Game 1 set the tone, yet the Guardians' home crowd could swing this one. Indeed, these best-of-three matchups are proving why the expanded playoff format keeps fans on edge.
Over in the other series, the New York Yankees bounced back against the Boston Red Sox to force their own Game 3, while the San Diego Padres did the same versus the Chicago Cubs. The full bracket now sees the Dodgers set to face the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS starting Saturday, with the AL byes going to the top seeds like the Astros and Orioles waiting in the wings. Scores from today—well, yesterday evening—confirm the Dodgers as the only team advancing so far, but with three do-or-die games looming, the playoff schedule through October is packed.
However, not everything is smooth; injuries and fatigue are already creeping in, testing these rosters early. As the postseason unfolds, one can't help but wonder if the underdogs like the Tigers can pull off the upset or if the favorites will steamroll through.