MLB Playoff Preview: A Tale of Two Leagues (October 2025)
This article previews teh 2025 MLB Championship Series, highlighting the contrasting journeys of the teams involved.
american League: Toronto Blue jays vs. Seattle Mariners
The ALCS pits the Toronto Blue Jays against the Seattle Mariners. Both franchises share a unique history as expansion teams from 1977. Toronto, the only MLB team outside the US, and Seattle, the furthest geographically from baseball’s origins, are now battling for a World Series berth. Toronto, despite two titles in the early 90s, has seen limited playoff success as, only recently returning in 2015. The series schedule begins in Toronto (Oct 12th & 13th) then moves to Seattle (Oct 14th onwards), with potential return games to Canada.
national League: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The NLCS features a compelling narrative of underdog versus powerhouse. The Milwaukee Brewers, boasting their best-ever regular season (97-65) led by stars like freddy Peralta and Brice Turang, aim to avenge past playoff defeats, particularly against the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Milwaukee swept the Dodgers during the regular season, a rare occurrence for the usually dominant LA team. The Brewers are seeking their first World Series appearance as 1982 (when they where in the AL) and are one of five MLB teams yet to claim a championship.
The Dodgers, with a league-leading $350.3 million payroll (compared to Milwaukee’s $121 million), are a perennial contender, reaching the championship series seven times in the last decade and winning in 2020 and 2024. Led by Shohei Ohtani and managed by Dave Roberts, they are tied for sixth in World Series titles (8). The series begins in Milwaukee (Oct 13th & 14th) before shifting to los Angeles (Oct 16th onwards).
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