MLB 2025 Divisional Series Duels: A Preview
The 2025 MLB postseason is underway,and the Divisional Series promise compelling matchups.Here’s a look at the key storylines and factors for each series:
Yankees vs. Blue Jays
This marks the first-ever postseason confrontation between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. Both teams enter the series evenly matched. They boast strong lineups (though the status of Blue jays’ Bo bichette remains a question mark), comparable starting pitching options, and relatively unproven bullpens. A significant difference, though, lies in defense. The Yankees have demonstrated defensive vulnerabilities, notably in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, while the Blue Jays possess the best defense in baseball. This series could hinge on New York’s ability to play clean baseball behind their pitchers against a Toronto offense that consistently puts the ball in play, leading MLB with a contact rate of 17.8%.
Player to Watch: George Springer. The 36-year-old has enjoyed a resurgent season,particularly against the Yankees,posting a .348/.464/.652 slash line with four home runs and 12 runs scored in 13 games against New york in 2025. Springer’s postseason credentials are also well-established; the 2017 World Series MVP is tied for sixth all-time with 19 home runs in playoffs and has a career postseason OPS of .875. However, he has struggled in past playoffs matchups against the Yankees, going 8-for-55 (.145) with an OPS of .527 in 14 games while with the Astros.
Mariners vs. Tigers
The Seattle Mariners won the regular season series against the Detroit Tigers 4-2. Seattle lost two of three games against Detroit at T-Mobile Park early in the season, but then swept the Tigers in Comerica Park just before the All-Star break, outscoring them 35-14 in that series.
This is also the first postseason meeting between the Mariners and the Tigers.
The Mariners appear to have an advantage in power hitting, out-homering the Tigers 238 to 198 during the regular season. They also possess greater pitching depth.Despite concerns about bryan Woo’s availability due to a pectoral issue,Seattle has more reliable starting pitching options than Detroit,and their bullpen is expected to be well-rested after a strong September performance. The Tigers, however, have Tarik Skubal. After striking out 14 batters in 7.2 dominant innings against the Guardians in Game 1 of the wild Card Series, skubal could make multiple starts with regular rest in the Divisional Series, including a potential Game 5.
player to Watch: Cal Raleigh. He became the seventh player in Major League history with a 6-homer season, setting records for ambidextrous catchers and batters along the way. He led the league with 125 runs batted in and helped the mariners win their first division title in over two decades. He even won the Home Run Derby. Now, he will attempt to lead the Mariners to the League Championship Series for the first time as 2001.
