Introduction to the 2025 MLB Playoffs
The defending World Series champions are another step closer to a repeat. The No. 3-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers rolled past the No. 6 Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card Series of the 2025 MLB playoffs. Los Angeles, which outscored Cincinnati 18-9 over two games, was the only team to pull off a Wild Card Series sweep; the other three matchups are headed to decisive Game 3s on Thursday.
The Dodgers have reached the NLDS for a staggering 13th straight season, as they try to become the first back-to-back champion since the New York Yankees pulled off a three-peat from 1998-2000.
The Division Series will see the introduction of the top two seeds in the American and National Leagues to the postseason. The AL’s No. 1 Toronto Blue Jays and No. 2 Seattle Mariners, and the NL’s No. 1 Milwaukee Brewers and No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies earned byes past the Wild Card Series and into the Division Series.
Are Teams Reseeded in the MLB Playoffs?
There isn’t any reseeding in the MLB postseason, which follows a bracket format.
What Are the Matchups in the 2025 ALDS, NLDS?
The Dodgers will next put their title defense on the line against the Phillies. The other three Division Series matchups will take shape on Thursday as the opening round of the postseason comes to a close.
Here are the Division Series bracket possibilities:
American League
National League
Ruben Amaro Jr. and Ricky Bottalico discuss Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber’s track record with the Phillies in the postseason.
When Do the 2025 ALDS, NLDS Start?
All four Division Series begin Saturday, Oct. 4.
How Many Games Are in the ALDS, NLDS?
Following best-of-three Wild Card Series, the postseason moves to a best-of-five format for the Division Series. The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2 and, if necessary, 5.
What Is the Schedule for the 2025 ALDS, NLDS?
Here’s a series-by-series look at the Division Series schedule (this section will be updated as details are finalized):
American League
No. 1 Toronto Blue Jays vs. No. 4 New York Yankees/No. 5 Boston Red Sox
- Game 1: Yankees/Red Sox at Blue Jays — Saturday, Oct. 4, time TBD, Fox/FS1
- Game 2: Yankees/Red Sox at Blue Jays — Sunday, Oct. 5, 4:08 p.m. ET, FS1
- Game 3: Blue Jays at Yankees/Red Sox — Tuesday, Oct. 7, time TBD, Fox/FS1
- Game 4 (if necessary): Blue Jays at Yankees/Red Sox — Wednesday, Oct. 8, time TBD, Fox/FS1
- Game 5 (if necessary): Yankees/Red Sox at Blue Jays — Friday, Oct. 10, time TBD, Fox/FS1
No. 2 Seattle Mariners vs. No. 3 Cleveland Guardians/No. 6 Detroit Tigers
- Game 1: Guardians/Tigers at Mariners — Saturday, Oct. 4, time TBD, Fox/FS1
- Game 2: Guardians/Tigers at Mariners — Sunday, Oct. 5, 8:03 p.m. ET, FS1
- Game 3: Mariners at Guardians/Tigers — Tuesday, Oct. 7, time TBD, Fox/FS1
- Game 4 (if necessary): Mariners at Guardians/Tigers — Wednesday, Oct. 8, time TBD, Fox/FS1
- Game 5 (if necessary): Guardians/Tigers at Mariners — Friday, Oct. 10, time TBD, Fox/FS1
National League
No. 1 Milwaukee Brewers vs. No. 4 Chicago Cubs/No. 5 San Diego Padres
- Game 1: Cubs/Padres at Brewers — Saturday, Oct. 4, time TBD, TBS
- Game 2: Cubs/Padres at Brewers — Monday, Oct. 6, time TBD, TBS
- Game 3: Brewers at Cubs/Padres — Wednesday, Oct. 8, time TBD, TBS
- Game 4 (if necessary): Brewers at Cubs/Padres — Thursday, Oct. 9, time TBD, TBS
- Game 5 (if necessary): Cubs/Padres at Brewers — Saturday, Oct. 11, time TBD, TBS
No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies vs. No. 3 Los Angeles Dodgers
- Game 1: Dodgers at Phillies — Saturday, Oct. 4, time TBD, TBS
- Game 2: Dodgers at Phillies — Monday, Oct. 6, time TBD, TBS
- Game 3: Phillies at Dodgers — Wednesday, Oct. 8, time TBD, TBS
- Game 4 (if necessary): Phillies at Dodgers — Thursday, Oct. 9, time TBD, TBS
- Game 5 (if necessary): Dodgers at Phillies — Saturday, Oct. 11, time TBD, TBS
What TV Channels Are the ALDS, NLDS On?
ALDS games will air across Fox and FS1.
TBS will broadcast the NLDS games.
How to Stream the ALDS, NLDS Live Online
The ALDS action can be streamed on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app.
NLDS games can be streamed on TBS.com, the TBS app and HBO Max.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLB playoffs are heating up, with the Division Series set to begin on Saturday, Oct. 4. The Los Angeles Dodgers, defending World Series champions, will face the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, while the top seeds in the American and National Leagues will also begin their postseason journeys. With a best-of-five format and the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2, and 5, the Division Series promises to be an exciting and unpredictable ride.
FAQs
- Q: When do the 2025 ALDS, NLDS start?
A: All four Division Series begin Saturday, Oct. 4. - Q: How many games are in the ALDS, NLDS?
A: The postseason moves to a best-of-five format for the Division Series. - Q: What TV channels are the ALDS, NLDS on?
A: ALDS games will air across Fox and FS1, while TBS will broadcast the NLDS games. - Q: How can I stream the ALDS, NLDS live online?
A: The ALDS action can be streamed on FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports app, while NLDS games can be streamed on TBS.com, the TBS app and HBO Max.
