The 2025 MLB playoffs consist of a 12-team format, with six teams from each league (American League and National League). The top two division winners in each league receive a first-round bye, while the other four teams per league compete in the Wild Card round, which is a best-of-three series. The winners advance to the Division Series, which is a best-of-five format. Then, the winners of the Division Series move to the League Championship Series (ALCS and NLCS), a best-of-seven format. Finally, the two league champions face off in the World Series, also best-of-seven, to determine the MLB champion.
How the 2025 MLB Playoffs Work
- Wild Card Round : Four teams in each league (seeded 3 to 6) play a best-of-three series. The top two seeds (best division winners) have byes.
- Division Series (ALDS and NLDS): Best-of-five series including the top two seeds from each league and the Wild Card round winners.
- League Championship Series (ALCS and NLCS): Best-of-seven series to determine the league champions.
- World Series : Best-of-seven series between the American League champion and National League champion.
Seeding and Format Details
- Each league has three division winners (top three seeds) plus three wild-card teams with the next best records.
- The top two division winners get first-round byes.
- Home-field advantage is based primarily on regular season records, with specific rules for each round.
Schedule Highlights
- Wild Card Series start around September 30.
- Division Series occur in early to mid-October.
- League Championship Series run mid to late October.
- The World Series typically starts late October and can extend into early November.
