Fourteen groups entered the 2025 MLB postseason with the hopes of profitable the World Sequence. Now solely two are left because the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays put together for Sport 1 of the Fall Basic on Friday evening.
Whereas 12 groups fell wanting reaching the World Sequence, there have been nonetheless classes discovered this postseason that might profit them in 2026. Listed here are the tough truths every membership realized, with groups listed in alphabetical order.
Boston Crimson Sox: Stability after chaos can yield outcomes
After the surprising determination in mid-June to commerce DH/3B Rafael Devers, the Crimson Sox’s capacity to seek out sufficient stability to make the playoffs reveals organizational resilience. Nonetheless, one other huge bat within the wild-card spherical may need made a major distinction.
Chicago Cubs: Making the playoffs is the first step; being aggressive is step two
The Cubs’ first postseason look since 2020 and first in a full season since 2018 reveals progress, however getting knocked out within the NLDS suggests there may be rather more work to do to seek out success deep into October.
Cincinnati Reds: Attending to the playoffs is nice, however you have to be able to compete
Beneath supervisor Terry Francona’s management, the Reds confirmed promise, however getting swept by the Dodgers confirmed they weren’t fairly postseason-ready. For a franchise that hasn’t gained a playoff collection since 1995 — the longest energetic drought in MLB — ending that form of skid requires extra than simply making it; you additionally should carry out.
Cleveland Guardians: Homegrown improvement can carry you far, nevertheless it’s not all the pieces
With 17 homegrown gamers (probably the most of any playoff group), Cleveland proved their farm system works. That mentioned, the Guardians’ wild-card spherical exit reveals they need to complement with strategic acquisitions to compete for championships.
Detroit Tigers: Do not blow leads late within the season
The Tigers’ gorgeous late-season collapse that almost value them a playoff spot is a cautionary story. Even with Tarik Skubal trying like the very best pitcher within the American League, you possibly can’t coast into the postseason in August or September.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Monetary benefits plus star energy can dominate
Making their thirteenth consecutive postseason look, the Dodgers confirmed their deferred-money technique and big payroll can work. Shohei Ohtani’s three-homer efficiency in Sport 4 of the NLCS exemplifies how elite expertise could make an influence in October.
Milwaukee Brewers: Common-season dominance means nothing if you cannot carry out in October
Incomes the NL’s prime seed and home-field benefit all through the postseason solely to get swept by the Dodgers within the NLCS is devastating. The Brewers’ 1-3 franchise report in championship collection appearances reveals they have not but discovered the best way to win when the stakes are highest.
New York Yankees: Star energy alone would not assure October success
Regardless of Aaron Decide’s MVP-caliber season and powerful postseason manufacturing, the Yankees’ early exit reveals that balanced roster building and well timed hitting matter greater than particular person brilliance within the postseason.
Philadelphia Phillies: 4 straight postseason appearances do not assure a pennant
Regardless of being constructed closely by way of free company and trades, the Phillies could not get previous the Dodgers within the NLDS, the newest in a string of postseason disappointments. Playoff expertise is efficacious, however you might want to capitalize in your window whereas it is open.
San Diego Padres: Lack of energy could be deadly in October
Rating twenty eighth in MLB with simply 152 regular-season homers and a .390 slugging share (lowest amongst NL playoff groups) proved problematic. Even with stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., you want constant offensive manufacturing to win within the postseason.
Seattle Mariners: Shield home-field benefit when it issues most
Regardless of beginning the ALCS with wins at Rogers Centre and taking a 2-0 collection lead, Seattle could not shut out the collection within the Pacific Northwest. The painful lesson? Early leads imply nothing if you cannot end, particularly when your pitching-centric id requires shutdown performances in elimination video games.
Toronto Blue Jays: Belief your core and end sturdy
After profitable the division on the ultimate day of the common season, the Blue Jays confirmed that clutch efficiency issues. Overcoming a 2-0 deficit towards Seattle to win the ALCS in seven video games proves that resilience and perception can overcome early adversity.
