MLB Playoffs: Halfway through the divisional series, here’s where we stand as baseball fans.

by Kobey Ronk, October 07, 2025

We’re half way into the MLB Divisional Series and we’re already lining up the NLCS and ALDS. From shocking performances from the Phillies, to pure domination by the Blue Jays, the divisional series has been far from competitive thus far. The only exception has been the Tigers and Mariners that currently sits at 1 a piece going back to Detroit. Los Angeles is up 2-0 going back home, Toronto has torched the Yankees to a 2-0 lead heading back to New York, and Milwaukee is currently up against Chicago looking to lead 2 games going south to Wrigley Field.

The Wildcard Series gave us some excitement with all the series going to 3 games besides the Dodgers and Reds (shocker.) Sadly Cincinnati didn’t have the hit power and bullpen to keep up with Dave Roberts’ team. Detroit got their sweet revenge against Cleveland after Jose Ramirez and co stole the division title from their paws. This was achieved by a Tarik Skubal masterclass of 14 strikeouts in game 1, followed by a bullpen save in Game 3 to send the Tigers to the divisional round. The Tigers did not get much of a break as they are going up against a loaded Seattle team that is hungry for postseason success. T-Mobile Park was ecstatic for Games 1 and 2. Jorge Polanco is showing potential signs of a post season wonder as he hit both home runs in Seattle’s 3-2 Game 2 win. It’ll be interesting to see how this series plays out in Detroit, especially since Skubal is not starting either game.

The Red Sox and Yankees series gave us a classic matchup against two teams that hate each other more than most. After the Yankees blew game 1 with bases loaded and no outs, everyone thought the Red Sox had this series in the bag. The Big Apple prevailed, but they currently do not have an answer for Toronto’s bats. Toronto scored 23 runs between Games 1 and 2 of the ALDS and show no signs of slowing down heading into the Bronx for a clinching game 3 for the Blue Jays. Even with Max Fried on the mound, the Blue Jays were able to rally off 8 hits against only 1 strikeout in Game 2. Carlos Rodon takes the bump in Game 3 with a 18-9 record against Shane Bieber who’s only played 7 games all season. Part of me thinks the Yankees have to win 1 especially at home. The way Toronto has been hitting the ball though, I think it’s safe to say the Blue Jays will have a date with either the Mariners or the Tigers in the ALCS. The Blue Jays haven’t made the ALCS since 2016 and are looking for a postseason resurgence in the north.

I don’t think many expected the Reds to put up a fight against the Dodgers, but the Phillies performance has been pitiful. Trust me, I don’t want to see the Dodgers win another one, but right now it’s looking like no one can stop them. I thought the Phillies of all teams would have it in them. They managed to maintain a lead against the Dodgers for most of Game 1, until Teoscar Hernandez sent the ball flying to take a 5-3 lead and seal the win. That was his 3rd homer of the post season and he continues to keep his bat rolling. The Phillies showed signs of a comeback tonight, only to fall short in the 9th. I want the Phillies to take both games in LA and send it back to The Bank for Game 5. Sadly, I think the inevitable of another Dodgers World Series run is upon us.

The last series is a classic NL Central clash between the Cubs and The Brewers. The Brewers were unbeatable at one point during the season, and were able to secure the #1 seed. Milwaukee has had some Wild Card failures in recent years and has never won a world series. Even as the #1 seed, they are seen as a dark horse to go all the way and win it. When you are going up against the Phillies and Dodgers this serves as no shocker, but Milwaukee has an all around good team that can keep up with the heavy hitters. The Cubs at one point looked like they weren’t going to make the post season, but rallied off some late season heroics to make it in. Chicago has a good lineup, but it’s showing it can’t keep up with the likes of Milwaukee. These teams are close geographically, so I’m sure there have been plenty of Cubs fans in Milwaukee, and there will also be plenty of Milwaukee fans heading to Wrigley Field. I don’t think the Cubs get swept, but I do see the NLCS lining up to be Milwaukee vs Los Angeles.