The 2025 MLB playoffs feature a 12-team format, with six teams from each league (American and National). Each league sends its three division winners plus three wild card teams. The two division winners with the best records in each league earn a first-round bye, automatically advancing to the Division Series. The playoffs begin with the Wild Card round, which is a best-of-three series. The remaining division winner (the one without a bye) and the three wild card teams compete, with the higher seeds hosting all games in this round. Following the Wild Card round, the postseason proceeds in a traditional manner:
- Division Series: Best-of-five series
- League Championship Series: Best-of-seven series
- World Series: Best-of-seven series between the American League and National League champions
This structure means the first playoff matchups are quick best-of-three contests, then the rounds get longer, culminating in the World Series to determine the MLB champion.
