The 2025 MLB season is reaching its thrilling climax, with playoff berths and division titles still up for grabs. The Seattle Mariners celebrated a momentous occasion, clinching the AL West for the first time since 2001, adding to the excitement with Cal Raleigh's impressive 60th home run of the season. However, the race for the remaining playoff spots is far from over.
The AL East is a whirlwind of uncertainty. The New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays are locked in a dead heat, both boasting a 90-68 record. The Boston Red Sox are hot on their heels, just three games back. A crucial detail: the Yankees lack the tiebreaker against either Toronto or Boston. Their path to the division title necessitates a flawless 4-0 finish or relying on Blue Jays losses. The remaining games promise nail-biting finishes as these teams fight for supremacy.
Meanwhile, the AL Central has seen a surprising turnaround. The Cleveland Guardians, once considered long shots, now lead the division after a remarkable surge. The Detroit Tigers, fighting for a Wild Card spot, face a crucial rematch against Cleveland. The Houston Astros, trailing the Tigers, need to win every remaining game to secure a postseason berth.
The National League playoff race is equally intense. The Arizona Diamondbacks, despite injuries and a trade deadline sell-off, remain competitive. They are currently one game behind the New York Mets, setting up a dramatic weekend against the San Diego Padres. The Cincinnati Reds, also one game back of the Mets, present another compelling contender. The weekend’s games will decide which teams advance to October baseball.
The playoff bracket, assuming current standings, shapes up as follows:
**AL Wild Card Series:** No. 6 Tigers vs. No. 3 Guardians; No. 5 Red Sox vs. No. 4 Yankees
**ALDS:** Yankees/Red Sox vs. Blue Jays; Tigers/Guardians vs. Mariners
**NL Wild Card Series:** No. 6 Mets vs. No. 3 Dodgers; No. 5 Padres vs. No. 4 Cubs
**NLDS:** Dodgers/Mets vs. Phillies; Cubs/Padres vs. Brewers
The final games promise high stakes and intense competition. Will the Yankees overcome their tiebreaker disadvantage? Can the Guardians hold onto their lead in the AL Central? The answers will be revealed in the coming days, culminating in a captivating postseason showdown.
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Originally published at: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6660629/2025/09/25/mlb-playoff-watch-mariners-al-west-clinch/
