The 2025 MLB playoffs have reached a thrilling juncture with the League Championship Series in full swing. The Seattle Mariners have established a dominant 2-0 lead over the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League, while the Los Angeles Dodgers hold a narrow 1-0 advantage against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League. With the World Series berth on the line, every pitch in these best-of-seven series is critical as fans anticipate which two teams will battle for the Commissioner’s Trophy.
The intensity of postseason baseball has crescendoed into the League Championship Series, leaving four formidable teams to vie for a coveted spot in the Fall Classic. The journey through the Wild Card and Division Series rounds has been nothing short of spectacular, setting the stage for these high-stakes matchups. Fans across the globe are glued to their screens, eager to witness which contenders will seize the ultimate privilege of lifting the Commissioner’s Trophy.
American League Championship Series: Mariners Assert Dominance
The Seattle Mariners have made a resounding statement in the ALCS, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead against the Toronto Blue Jays. Their path to this point included a hard-fought Wild Card series win against the Detroit Tigers (2-1) and a thrilling Division Series victory over the Cleveland Guardians (3-2). This marks the Blue Jays’ first ALCS appearance since 2016, following their own strong performance in defeating the New York Yankees 3-1 in the ALDS, as reported by USA TODAY.
The Mariners, who clinched the AL West crown for the first time since 2001, have showcased their formidable roster, including star player Cal Raleigh, whose storybook season continues to unfold on baseball’s biggest stage. Game 1 saw the Mariners win 3-1, followed by a decisive 10-3 victory in Game 2. The series now shifts to Seattle, where the Mariners will look to press their advantage in front of their home crowd, aiming to reach their first World Series in franchise history.
Upcoming ALCS Schedule:
- Game 1: Mariners 3, Blue Jays 1
- Game 2: Mariners 10, Blue Jays 3 (Seattle leads 2-0)
- Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 15, Blue Jays at Mariners, 8:08 p.m. ET (FOX/FS1)
- Game 4: Thursday, Oct. 16, Blue Jays at Mariners, 8:33 p.m. ET (FOX/FS1)
- Game 5: Friday, Oct. 17, Blue Jays at Mariners, 6:08 p.m. ET (FOX/FS1) *if necessary
- Game 6: Sunday, Oct. 19, Mariners at Blue Jays, 8:03 p.m. ET (FOX/FS1) *if necessary
- Game 7: Monday, Oct. 20, Mariners at Blue Jays, 8:08 p.m. ET (FOX/FS1) *if necessary
National League Championship Series: Dodgers Take Early Lead
In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers have secured an early 1-0 lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in what promises to be a captivating series. The Dodgers advanced to the NLCS after a dramatic 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series, a team they reached by overcoming the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 in the Wild Card round. Their consistent dominance saw them clinch the NL West title for the 12th time in 13 years, highlighting their postseason pedigree.
The Brewers, meanwhile, completed their own “magic carpet ride” of a regular season, securing their third straight NL Central title. They navigated a tough Division Series matchup, squeaking by the Chicago Cubs 3-2 to earn their spot. Game 1 of the NLCS was a tight affair, with the Dodgers emerging victorious with a 2-1 score. The stage is set for an intense battle as the Brewers aim to even the series and the Dodgers look to extend their advantage.
Upcoming NLCS Schedule:
- Game 1: Dodgers 2, Brewers 1 (Los Angeles leads 1-0)
- Game 2: Tuesday, Oct. 14, Dodgers at Brewers, 8:08 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV, HBO Max)
- Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 16, Brewers at Dodgers, 6:08 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV, HBO Max)
- Game 4: Friday, Oct. 17, Brewers at Dodgers, 8:38 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV, HBO Max)
- Game 5: Saturday, Oct. 18, Brewers at Dodgers, 8:08 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV, HBO Max) *if necessary
- Game 6: Monday, Oct. 20, Dodgers at Brewers, 5:08 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV, HBO Max) *if necessary
- Game 7: Tuesday, Oct. 21, Dodgers at Brewers, 8:08 p.m. ET (TBS, truTV, HBO Max) *if necessary
The Road to the World Series
Both championship series are designed in a classic best-of-seven format, ensuring that only the most resilient and skilled teams will advance to baseball’s ultimate stage. The winners of the ALCS and NLCS will clash in the World Series, also a best-of-seven format, scheduled to commence on October 24. This annual spectacle pits the best of the American League against the best of the National League, determining who will claim the sport’s highest honor.
World Series Schedule:
- Game 1: Friday, Oct. 24 (TBD, FOX)
- Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 25 (TBD, FOX)
- Game 3: Monday, Oct. 27 (TBD, FOX)
- Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 28 (TBD, FOX)
- Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 29 (TBD, FOX) *if necessary
- Game 6: Friday, Oct. 31 (TBD, FOX) *if necessary
- Game 7: Saturday, Nov. 1 (TBD, FOX) *if necessary
Previously Completed Rounds: A Look Back
To fully appreciate the current matchups, it’s essential to recap the dramatic events of the earlier playoff rounds. The Wild Card and Division Series set the tone, featuring thrilling upsets and dominant performances that shaped the current bracket, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
American League Playoff Path:
AL Wild Card Series (Best of Three):
- Detroit Tigers (No. 6) vs. Cleveland Guardians (No. 3) – Tigers win series, 2-1
- Boston Red Sox (No. 5) vs. New York Yankees (No. 4) – Yankees win series, 2-1
AL Division Series (Best of Five):
- Toronto Blue Jays (No. 1) vs. New York Yankees (No. 4) – Blue Jays win, 3-1
- Seattle Mariners (No. 2) vs. Detroit Tigers (No. 6) – Mariners win, 3-2
National League Playoff Path:
NL Wild Card Series (Best of Three):
- Cincinnati Reds (No. 6) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (No. 3) – Dodgers win series, 2-0
- San Diego Padres (No. 5) vs. Chicago Cubs (No. 4) – Cubs win series, 2-1
NL Division Series (Best of Five):
- Milwaukee Brewers (No. 1) vs. Chicago Cubs (No. 4) – Brewers win, 3-2
- Philadelphia Phillies (No. 2) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (No. 3) – Dodgers win, 3-1
Where to Watch the Remaining Playoff Action
Fans eager to catch every moment of the 2025 MLB playoffs can tune in through various channels and streaming services. The American League playoffs are primarily broadcast on FOX and FS1, while the National League games are available on TBS. The pinnacle event, the World Series, will be exclusively aired on FOX. For streaming, viewers have options such as Fubo (offering a free trial for new subscribers) and DirecTV Stream, which covers all postseason games, including those on TBS.
Radio coverage for every game is also provided by SiriusXM, offering another way for fans to stay connected to the action. This accessibility ensures that no fan misses out on the thrilling conclusion of the 2025 MLB season as these four teams battle for supremacy.
Fan Perspectives: The Journey Continues
The narratives surrounding these remaining teams are rich with fan speculation and excitement. For the Mariners, their deep run, fueled by players like Cal Raleigh, has energized a fanbase hungry for a World Series appearance after a long drought. The Blue Jays, despite being down 0-2, have proven their mettle against strong opponents and are undoubtedly strategizing for a comeback on their home field.
In the NL, the Dodgers’ pursuit of another title, anchored by a powerful lineup including two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, makes them a perpetual favorite. Their journey, which included overcoming a Wild Card series after failing to earn a first-round bye, demonstrates their resilience. The Brewers, on the other hand, represent a Cinderella story for many, riding high on their consistent divisional success and aiming to upset the established order. The “what-if” scenarios and passionate discussions within fan communities highlight the profound impact of these playoffs.
