2025 MLB Playoff Picks – Wild Card Round

The Wild Card round in 2025 has all the makings of edge‑of-your-seat baseball. With just three games per series, there’s no room for error.

In each league, the lowest-seeded division winner and three wild card teams square off in best‑of‑three series. The winners move on to the Division Series.

American League:

• Tigers (6th seed) at Guardians (3rd seed, the division winner)
• Red Sox (5th) at Yankees (4th)

National League:

• Reds (6th) at Dodgers (3rd)
• Padres (5th) at Cubs (4th)

Tigers @ Guardians
Detroit’s ride into the postseason came amid a worrisome late-season collapse. They’ll lean heavily on Tarik Skubal, who’s had a Cy Young–level season and offers their best shot at stealing a game. On Cleveland’s side, Gavin Williams and Tanner Bibee anchor the rotation, and the Guardians’ late surge gives them momentum.

Red Sox @ Yankees
This is the marquee Wild Card matchup. Boston dominated the season series (9–4), even winning 5–2 in The Bronx. The Red Sox will rely on Garrett Crochet (who was dominant vs. New York) and a deep bullpen. The Yankees counter with ace Max Fried, plus Carlos Rodón as a strong secondary arm.

Reds @ Dodgers
Los Angeles has long been a postseason mainstay, but this year they must earn their way through the Wild Card. The Dodgers dominated Cincinnati in the regular season (5–1), outscoring them 30–15. That makes them heavy favorites.

Padres @ Cubs
The most competitive series. The Cubs ended a long playoff drought and return to October in front of their home crowd. The two teams split their season series 3–3, and Chicago’s run differential was significantly better. The Padres bring pitching depth and a good bullpen, but they’ll have to overcome Wrigley’s atmosphere.

Enjoy the Wild Card Round!

Wild Card Picks