2025 MLB Playoffs Begin with Thrilling Wild Card Series

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The 2025 Major League Baseball playoffs kicked off on October 1, featuring an exciting Wild Card Series among 12 teams. Four games were played as the race for the World Series began.

The postseason opened with matchups including the Cleveland Guardians against the Detroit Tigers, the Chicago Cubs facing the San Diego Padres, the New York Yankees hosting the Boston Red Sox, and the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Cincinnati Reds.

The Dodgers quickly advanced after a dominant sweep of the Reds, setting the stage for a matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies in the next round. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays, Mariners, Brewers, and Phillies all earned byes and will start their playoffs on Saturday.

On Wednesday, the Guardians defeated the Tigers 6-1 to push their series to a decisive Game 3, while the Padres and Cubs also faced off in a close contest, resulting in a 3-0 win for the Padres. The Yankees edged the Red Sox 4-3 to send their series to a third game as well.

Thursday evening will see three crucial Game 3s, starting with the Guardians vs. Tigers at 3:08 p.m. ET, followed by the Cubs vs. Padres at 5:08 p.m. ET and concluding with the Yankees against the Red Sox at 8:08 p.m. ET. All times are listed in Eastern time.

Following the Wild Card Series, the League Division Series will commence on October 4. Teams are vying for the opportunity to compete in the World Series, set to begin on October 24.

Engage with the playoffs live across ESPN, ABC, Fox, and FS1.