As the leaves fall and temperatures continue to tease cooler days, one defining staple of the sports world has returned this autumn: October baseball. In one of the most refreshing playoff pictures in recent memory, four teams have advanced to the best-of-seven League Championship Series (LCS) in pursuit of one of the most coveted championships in professional sports, the World Series.
The four remaining teams in this year’s Major League Baseball (MLB) playoff race include the Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers. These franchises have all endured varying paths to reach this point, and clinching their respective league’s pennants would mean something entirely different for each fanbase.
Seattle Mariners
Receiving an automatic bye to the division series after winning the American League (AL) West, the Seattle Mariners are coming off a hard-fought American League Division Series (ALDS) victory against the Detroit Tigers that took extra innings in the decisive fifth game. In an epic playoff contest, the Mariners walked off the Tigers in the 15th inning at T-Mobile Park on a single from infielder Jorge Polanco. The home crowd erupted and sent Seattle to the ALCS for the first time since 2001. Although they had to use starters Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo out of the bullpen for multiple innings, the nature of the win or go home format demands that managers use their best arms in relief.
Seattle, which finished with a regular season record of 90-72, has the pitching depth and offensive capability to make a deep run. They finished third in the league in home runs (249) and fourth in home starting Earned Run Average (ERA) (3.30). Led by AL MVP frontrunner Cal Raleigh and star center fielder Julio Rodríguez, this team looks to reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history.
Senior Saint Louis University (SLU) student Jacob Laks, a Seattle native, commented on the team’s run.
“This is only the second time they’ve made the playoffs since I was born, and for them to be playing in the ALCS is insane,” Laks said. “I think it’s bringing a positive energy to the region as a whole […] whether fans are young or old, it feels like everyone finally has something to rally around.”
Toronto Blue Jays
Even with Seattle’s momentum following the walk-off, it would be hard not to select Toronto as favorites in the ALCS on paper. Coming off a convincing series win against the New York Yankees in four games, the Blue Jays are rested and hungry. Captained by superstar first baseman Vlad Guerrero Jr., Toronto led the league in on-base percentage and finished with the second fewest strikeouts. They consistently work counts and put pressure on opposing defenses by putting the ball in play. Moreover, they have a steady defense with guys like Andres Giménez, Myles Straw, Daulton Varsho and Alejandro Kirk.
In addition, the Rogers Center in downtown Toronto provides one of the best home field advantages in the sport. In a best-of-seven series, the Blue Jays would play the first two at home, the next three on the road and the following two games at home – if seven games are necessary. This is a crucial advantage for Toronto, as Guerrero Jr.’s grand slam in game two of the ALDS showcased the raucous nature of postseason baseball north of the border. This will be the team’s first LCS appearance since 2016.
Milwaukee Brewers
Over in the National League (NL), the Milwaukee Brewers had the best record in baseball this season at 97-65 and won the NL Central division. They are also coming off a division series that went five games against the Chicago Cubs, a stern test from within their own division. Ultimately, their pitching and timely hitting proved to be the difference.
Although the underdog against the reigning World Series champion Dodgers, the Brewers will look to play fundamental baseball. They will also likely look toward key players who all performed in the NLDS, such as William Contreras, Brice Turang and Jacob Misiorowski .
Seeking their first World Series appearance since 1982, the Brew Crew is looking to rely on their elite pitching staff, which had one of the best team ERAs in 2025, and their next man up mentality. They also ranked highly in on-base percentage (.333) and stolen bases during the regular season, a trend that must continue to put pressure on LA’s defense. They may not have the star power of their LA rivals, but they play the game the right way and typically find themselves getting the right hit at the right time. Milwaukee will pose a good challenge to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Finally, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to continue their World Series title defense, seeking to become the first repeat champions since the 1998-2000 Yankees. Ironically, the Dodgers did not have as good of a season as everyone predicted, still winning their division but being relegated to the Wild Card round against Cincinnati. However, the Dodgers are still loaded, watching studs like Freddie Freeman, Kiké Hernández and Mookie Betts contribute in the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies. Roki Sasaki has also found a new home as the Dodgers’ closer, with their bullpen potentially being the weakest aspect of their current playoff roster.
Two-way Japanese phenomenon Shohei Ohtani will be a player to watch in the National League Championship Series (NLCS). Since hitting two home runs against the Reds in game one, his bat has cooled off significantly – going just 2-22 (0.91) since. However, he still started that same game, recording nine strikeouts in six innings of work. The Brewers’ pitching staff will be keeping a close eye on him, and Ohtani will remain a significant factor in LA’s ability to get the offense going as their leadoff hitter.
The Championship series will begin on Oct. 12 and 13. The World Series will begin on Friday, Oct. 24, as the battle for the Commissioner’s Trophy reaches its finale. With powerhouse names and hungry underdogs alike, this year’s October slate promises drama, heartbreak and the opportunity for one city to stand atop the baseball kingdom all alone.