MLB Postseason Rules: Key Changes for October 2025

NEW YORK, NY — As the Major League Baseball postseason approaches, fans are gearing up for exciting playoff action starting Tuesday with Game 1 of the Wild Card Series. This marks the fourth year the playoffs will be structured under the 12-team format, which includes six clubs per league: three division winners and three wild card entries.

One key difference for this postseason is the absence of the ‘ghost runner’ rule. In regular season games that go into extra innings, an automatic runner is placed on second base to speed up play. However, that rule does not apply in the playoffs. Should playoff games extend beyond nine innings, pitchers will start with no runners on base, which could lead to longer games.

Another change involves the challenges managers can make. During the regular season, teams are allowed one challenge per game. In the postseason, managers receive two challenges. If a call is overturned, they keep the challenge; if not, they lose it.

Other regular season rules remain intact for postseason play. The pitch clock continues to be in effect, with a 15-second timer between pitches when the bases are empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Additionally, pitchers are still limited to two disengagements per plate appearance.

The three-batter minimum for relief pitchers is also in effect. This rule requires pitchers to face at least three batters or finish a half-inning before they can be replaced. If they face only one batter to end an inning, they can return in the next inning but must face at least two more batters upon return.

In the World Series, the pennant winner with the better regular season record is granted home-field advantage. If both teams possess the same record, home-field advantage is determined through tiebreakers including head-to-head records and divisional games.

As the postseason begins, the landscape is set for potential upsets and memorable games, holding promise for fans and players alike. The playoffs will feature all teams performing under this updated set of rules, setting the stage for competitive matchups as teams vie for the championship title.