MLB Playoff Races Heat Up: Mets, Giants, Rangers, Mariners, and Reds Battle for Wild Card Spots
With just five series remaining in the 2025 MLB regular season, the wild-card races in both the American League and National League are incredibly tight. Several teams, including the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds, are vying for a coveted playoff berth.
National League Wild Card Outlook
In the National League, a recent slump by the Mets has tightened the race, with the Giants and Reds just 1.5 games out of a playoff spot. The Mets, despite holding a 76-71 record and a slim lead, are facing increasing pressure after being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies. Their remaining schedule includes series against the Rangers, San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, and Miami Marlins, making their path to the postseason challenging.
The Cincinnati Reds (74-72), under manager Terry Francona, are surging at the right time. Although Elly De La Cruz hasn't been the sole driving force, contributions from players like Matt McLain, Noelvi Marte, and Ke'Bryan Hayes have been crucial. Their strong starting pitching, led by Hunter Greene, Brady Singer, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo, is also a key factor. Their remaining schedule includes series against the Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Milwaukee Brewers.
The San Francisco Giants (74-72) have emerged as one of baseball's hottest teams, going 13-4 in their last 17 games. The offense, boosted by the acquisitions of Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, and Jung Hoo Lee, along with rookie Drew Gilbert, is driving their success. However, they face a tough road ahead with series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and St. Louis Cardinals.
American League Wild Card Outlook
In the American League, the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros are locked in a battle for the AL West title and the third AL wild card spot, with the Texas Rangers close behind. The Mariners (79-68) have surged in the second half and are now tied for the AL West lead. Their remaining schedule includes series against the Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. The series against the Astros will likely determine the division winner.
The Texas Rangers (77-70), despite injuries to key players like Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Adolis Garcia, remain in contention thanks to a group of young players. Their upcoming series against the Mets and Astros will be critical in shaping their playoff chances.
2025 MLB Awards Watch: MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year
As the postseason nears, the races for individual awards are also intensifying. Here’s a look at the leading contenders:
Most Valuable Player
American League: The race is between Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners. While Judge has had the better offensive season, Raleigh's catching position and potential to break the single-season home run record for switch-hitters make him a strong contender.
National League: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers appears to have a lock on the award, combining exceptional hitting and pitching. Juan Soto of the New York Mets is a distant second.
Cy Young Award
American League: Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers is the frontrunner, with Garrett Crochet of the Boston Red Sox close behind. Skubal has shown no signs of slowing down, making him the favorite to win.
National League: The race is incredibly tight between Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies. Skenes' sub-2.00 ERA gives him the edge.
Rookie of the Year
American League: Nick Kurtz of the Oakland Athletics is the overwhelming favorite after a historic season. His performance puts him in contention with past rookie greats like Aaron Judge.
National League: A wide-open race, with Isaac Collins of the Milwaukee Brewers and Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves among the leading contenders. However, Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs has been surging lately.
Manager of the Year
American League: A close contest between A.J. Hinch of the Detroit Tigers and John Schneider of the Toronto Blue Jays. The team that secures the top overall seed in the AL bracket will likely determine the winner.
National League: Pat Murphy of the Milwaukee Brewers is poised to win his second straight award, leading his team to a likely top overall seed in the NL.
2025 MLB Playoff Picture: Standings and Projections
With just weeks remaining in the regular season, here's a look at the current playoff picture:
If the season ended today...
- AL byes: Blue Jays and Tigers
- AL Wild Card Series: Mariners vs. Astros, Yankees vs. Red Sox
- NL byes: Brewers and Phillies
- NL Wild Card Series: Dodgers vs. Mets, Cubs vs. Padres
| AL Wild Card | W | L | WCGB |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | 81 | 65 | +2.5 |
| Boston Red Sox | 81 | 66 | +2.0 |
| Houston Astros | 79 | 68 | -- |
| Texas Rangers | 77 | 70 | 2.0 |
| Cleveland Guardians | 75 | 71 | 3.5 |
| Kansas City Royals | 74 | 73 | 5.0 |
| NL Wild Card | W | L | WCGB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 83 | 63 | +7.5 |
| San Diego Padres | 80 | 67 | +4.0 |
| New York Mets | 76 | 71 | -- |
| San Francisco Giants | 74 | 72 | 1.5 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 74 | 72 | 1.5 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | 73 | 74 | 3.0 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 72 | 75 | 4.0 |
2025 World Series Odds
(All odds via Caesars as of Sept. 11)
