Midway through the 2025 MLB season, the postseason picture is taking shape. In the American League, the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros lead their divisions, while the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays are in the Wild Card hunt. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs hold the top spots, with the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Brewers vying for Wild Card positions. Notably, the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Guardians, Baltimore Orioles, and Kansas City Royals, all of whom made the playoffs last year, are currently outside the postseason picture. (mlb.com)

Midseason Postseason Overview for 2025

We have now reached the midpoint of the 2025 season, with every team having completed at least 81 games. It’s a perfect moment to assess the playoff landscape if the season were to conclude today.

Which teams are securing playoff spots? Which ones are on the outside looking in? And who is just missing out?

While there is still plenty of time left in the season for things to shift, let’s take a closer look at the current postseason outlook.

(For context on playoff tiebreakers, which were applied in forming this playoff picture.)

Current Standings

Byes: Tigers (1), Astros (2)

Wild Card Series Matchups:

Mariners (6) at Yankees (3)

Blue Jays (5) at Rays (4)

Teams Just Missing Out

Just Missed: Rangers, Guardians, Angels (all 1½ games out of a Wild Card spot)

Team Highlights

The Tigers lead the American League with the best record, sharing the top spot in the majors with the Dodgers at 52-32. Following a strong finish last season that saw them reach the playoffs after a decade-long absence, Detroit is proving their success wasn’t a fluke. With ace Tarik Skubal at the helm and a strong offensive lineup, they look poised for a significant run as the All-Star break approaches.

The Astros continue to dominate, remaining in first despite offseason losses. Even with key players departing, they are still the team to beat in the AL West, maintaining their competitiveness in a tightly contested division.

Challenges for Competing Teams

The Yankees are currently leading the AL East, but the dynamic has shifted considerably with the Rays and Blue Jays gaining ground. Both teams are experiencing a surge, putting pressure on New York’s previously comfortable position. Out west, the Mariners are struggling to stay competitive, sitting seven games back in their division.

Prospects for October

The Tigers have set their sights on more than just a playoff spot this year, aiming for their first World Series title in over 40 years. Meanwhile, the Astros, with two recent championships, are looking to extend their impressive streak of deep postseason runs. The Yankees also aspire to defend their AL championship title, but their current playoff sketch suggests a tougher journey ahead compared to last season.