2025 MLB Playoff Schedule: Dates and Matchups

Major League Baseball has announced the 2025 playoff schedule, featuring an expanded postseason format with 12 teams competing in four rounds.

The 2025 MLB playoffs are set to kick off on September 30, with the first round featuring four best-of-three wild card series in both the American and National leagues. These games will take place from September 30 to October 2, setting the stage for the next round.

The divisional series, which will be best-of-five games, are scheduled from October 4-11. This round will determine the teams that move on to the league championship series.

Two of the best words in sports: playoff baseball.

The 2025 #Postseason begins on September 30! pic.twitter.com/w3ayOwh9c1

— MLB (@MLB) August 12, 2025

The league championship series, a best-of-seven game format, will run from October 12-21. The winners of these series will then face off in the 121st World Series, which is slated to begin on October 24.

2025 MLB Playoff Schedule:

• Wild Card Series: September 30 - October 2 (best-of-three)

• Divisional Series: October 4-11 (best-of-five)

• League Championship Series: October 12-21 (best-of-seven)

• World Series: Starting on October 24 (best-of-seven)

The 2025 World Series is set to begin on October 24 at the home of the league champion with the better record. Given the current standings, the Milwaukee Brewers, with a 74-44 record in the National League, seem likely to secure home-field advantage. Their American League counterparts, the Toronto Blue Jays, are leading with a 69-50 record, narrowly ahead of the Detroit Tigers at 69-51.

If necessary, Game 7 of the World Series would take place on November 1. However, the start date might be adjusted based on the outcome of the League Championship Series. If both series conclude within four or five games, Game 1 could start as early as October 21.