MLB 2025 Playoffs: A Path To Postseason For Every Team (Even The Rockies And White Sox)

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

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American League Contenders & Their Paths to the 2025 Playoffs

The American League is stacked with talent, making the race for the AL Playoffs fiercely competitive. The AL East, AL Central, and AL West all boast teams capable of deep postseason runs. Let's examine the potential pathways to the postseason for these contenders:

• AL East: The New York Yankees are perennial contenders, but the Tampa Bay Rays are always a threat. The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays will also be vying for a playoff spot, creating a thrilling divisional race. The AL East winner will likely secure a playoff spot, while others will need to battle it out in the Wild Card race.

• AL Central: The Cleveland Guardians have shown consistency, but the Chicago White Sox face an immense challenge in turning their fortunes around. Their path to the AL Playoffs hinges on significant improvements. Other teams in this division may surprise, leading to a very close fight.

• AL West: The Houston Astros remain the team to beat in the AL West. However, the Los Angeles Angels, with their star-studded lineup, and the Seattle Mariners, known for their consistent performance, will be pushing them hard. The winner of the AL West should automatically secure a playoff berth.

• AL Wild Card: The AL Wild Card race will likely be a nail-biter, with several teams vying for the limited spots. Teams outside of the division winners needing to win more games will have to consistently outperform their opponents to secure a playoff spot. The path to the AL Postseason via the Wild Card requires consistent strong play and avoiding key injuries.

National League Contenders & Their Paths to the 2025 Playoffs

The National League also offers a compelling playoff race. Teams in the NL East, NL Central, and NL West all possess the capability of making deep postseason runs. Let's delve into their potential paths:

• NL East: The Atlanta Braves are the team to beat, but the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will push them. The NL East winner is virtually guaranteed a playoff spot.

• NL Central: The St. Louis Cardinals are in a rebuilding phase, offering opportunities for the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and other teams in the division. The NL Central will likely be a fight between several strong teams vying for a post-season berth.

• NL West: The Los Angeles Dodgers are typically the dominant force in the NL West, but the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants will challenge their reign. The winner of the NL West is expected to secure a playoff spot. The Colorado Rockies face a significant challenge to reach the postseason.

• NL Wild Card: The NL Wild Card race promises fierce competition. Teams that just miss the division lead will need to perform strongly to reach the post-season.

Long Shots: Rockies and White Sox's Road to the 2025 Playoffs

For the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox, reaching the 2025 MLB Playoffs will require a monumental effort.

• Rockies' Improvements Needed: The Rockies need significant improvements across the board. Upgrading their pitching staff is paramount, and they'll need more consistent offensive production. A major factor is their home stadium’s altitude, which is more favorable to hitters, therefore strong pitching will be key to their post-season chances.

• White Sox's Necessary Changes: The White Sox need to address internal issues and strengthen their pitching staff. They need key player acquisitions to bolster their lineup and build a stronger team dynamic.

• Realistic Scenarios: For both teams, a playoff appearance requires a combination of exceeding expectations, improved team chemistry, strong pitching, and perhaps a bit of luck. Other teams underperforming would also increase their chances.

Factors Influencing the 2025 MLB Playoffs Race

Several external factors will influence the 2025 MLB Playoffs race:

• MLB Injuries: Injuries are an unpredictable variable that can derail even the most promising seasons.

• Free Agency: Offseason free agency signings can dramatically reshape teams' rosters and potential.

• Trades: Mid-season trades can significantly alter the playoff race.

• Player Performance: Individual player performance will play a major role in each team's success.

• Managerial Impact: Managerial decisions and team chemistry can make or break a season.

Conclusion

The 2025 MLB Playoffs are set to be a thrilling spectacle. While teams like the Yankees, Astros, Dodgers, and Braves are expected to contend, the paths to the postseason are far from certain. The AL and NL Wild Card races will be exceptionally competitive. The Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox face long odds, but with significant improvements and a bit of luck, a surprising playoff berth is not entirely out of the question. What are your 2025 MLB Playoff predictions? Share your thoughts on the Rockies' and White Sox's path to the MLB Postseason! Discuss your MLB 2025 Playoffs outlook in the comments!