Write for Us
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Major League Baseball  /  General Baseball

MLB Wild Card 2025: SportRelay Writers Predict

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

After a dramatic 2025 MLB regular season, the American League and National League’s best teams now battle in the postseason, starting with the wild card.

The MLB playoffs start Tuesday (1:00 ET). After a full 162 games, 18 teams are out, leaving 12 still chasing the Commissioner’s Trophy. With the MLB playoffs now in swing, eight teams take the limelight of national television to try to punch their ticket to the Division Series.

The Wild Card round sets the stage with four matchups, each carrying its own storylines: teams riding late-season hot streaks, underdogs looking to shock the baseball world, and heavyweights fighting to avoid an early exit. From clutch pitching duels to explosive lineups, every game is a win-or-go-home opportunity to keep October dreams alive.

October baseball always delivers unpredictability — with unexpected heroes stepping into the spotlight and powerhouses stumbling under pressure. The 2025 Wild Card round promises no shortage of drama, with each series shaping the path toward the coveted Commissioner’s Trophy.

Embed from Getty Images

SportRelay writers weigh in with their 2025 Wild Card predictions for a promising slate of action:

Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians

  • Game 1: Tuesday at 1:08 p.m.
  • Game 2: Wednesday at 1:08 p.m.
  • Game 3*: Thursday at 1:08 p.m.

*if necessary

An AL Central matchup between two less nationally marketed rivals now has casual fans glued to the series. On September 5, the Cleveland Guardians had a 2.9% chance to make the playoffs according to FanGraphs, sitting 11 games behind the Tigers. The 2024 ALCS participants were down to 0.1% odds. Although Cleveland’s 2024 season also featured improbable comebacks, few expected the Guardians to capture the division. Yet the improbable became reality.

Tigers Collapse, Guardians Surge

For much of the first half, Detroit looked every bit like the American League’s top team. The Tigers hit the All-Star break with the best record in baseball, rolling like a turbocharged version of the 2024 squad that had improbably sneaked into October. Tarik Skubal was dominant, the rotation held steady, and an offense built on interchangeable parts kept producing. Gleyber Torres and Javy Báez even earned All-Star starter nods. Everything seemed to click.

Then it unraveled. Detroit stumbled to a 28–37 mark after the break — the worst second-half record of any playoff team. When the Guardians caught fire in September, the Tigers faltered, giving away the division crown in the final week. Only Houston’s late collapse saved Detroit from missing the field altogether. In the end, all that matters is that they are in the postseason. Any team can dance when given the chance.

Tigers X-Factor: Kerry Carpenter

The Tigers’ offense sputtered after the All-Star break, hitting just .239. Against Cleveland’s expected right-handed rotation of Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, and Slade Cecconi, Kerry Carpenter will be critical. The left-handed slugger hit 26 homers this season — 23 against righties — but struggled in Cleveland, going 1-for-9 at Progressive Field.

Guardians X-Factor: José Ramírez

It may be obvious to highlight Cleveland’s best position player, but José Ramírez is the key to their success. The switch-hitting third baseman has been hot recently, batting .318 over the past week, and he hit .289 at home this season. Against Detroit, he posted a .347 average in 2025 and has a career .333 mark against Tarik Skubal. For Cleveland to win, Ramírez will need to spark the offense early.

SportRelay Writers Predictions:

  • Brooks Thomason: Guardians 3
  • Dean Koutouratsas: Guardians in 3
  • Ezra Charles: Guardians in 3
  • Terynce Garner: Guardians in 2
  • John (JJ) Misiewicz Jr: Cleveland
  • Nate Miller: Tigers in 3
  • Fabian Garcia: Guardians
  • Chris Gray: Tigers in 2
  • Joshua Gingrich: Guardians
  • Jeffrey Cagan: Tigers in 3
  • Peyton Youse: Guardians
  • Grant: Tigers in 3
  • Evan Thompson: Guardians

Guardians — 9 picks
Tigers — 4 picks

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

  • Game 1: Tuesday at 6:08 p.m. 
  • Game 2: Wednesday at 6:08 p.m. 
  • Game 3*: Thursday at 6:08 p.m. 

*if necessary

America’s past time brings the most traditional baseball rivalry into October. The Red Sox, the Yankees, a fixture filled with rancor and resentment. Since 1999, the two AL East foes are 12-12 against each other in the postseason; however, the Red Sox are 8-1 in the last nine postseason games against the Bronx Bombers. Contextually, this season, the Sox are 9-4 this season, and 5-2 against the pinstripes in Yankee Stadium.

Red Sox Rocket Race

The 2025 Red Sox experienced a season full of highs and lows. The team traded longtime star Rafael Devers following a public dispute over his defensive role, a move accelerated by a season-ending knee injury to Tristan Casas on May 2. Free-agent addition Alex Bregman missed two months with a quad injury, while a group of top prospects had mixed results — Kristian Campbell struggled, and both Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony dealt with injuries.

Yet the Carmines shook off the troubles and delivered. Garrett Crochet emerged as one of the best in the majors and is expected to finish second in AL Cy Young voting. Hovering around .500 for much of the first half, Boston used a nine-game winning streak before the All-Star break to reestablish itself in the playoff race.

Yanks Rakes

The Yankees enter October with one of the most productive offenses in baseball. They led the league in runs, home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS. Aaron Judge put together another MVP-caliber campaign, while Giancarlo Stanton returned from an elbow injury and provided consistent power. Jazz Chisholm Jr, Ben Rice, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger all surged their way as key contributors towards the Yankees strong season.

New York’s rotation remained strong despite losing Gerrit Cole to a torn UCL in spring training. Max Fried delivered in his first year with the club, Carlos Rodón rebounded with an important season, and rookies Cam Schlittler and Will Warren established themselves as reliable starters. The bullpen has been less consistent, but overall pitching depth has carried the team. Newly acquired David Bednar helped shake the tough start from the bullpen, significantly from Opening Day closer Devin Williams.

Red Sox X-Factor: Garrett Crochet

The new style power vs power lineup. Garrett Crochet zips the ball around the triple digit mark, and the Bronx Bombers did not get their tagline hanging around for no reason. The Yankees hit 274 home runs, 30 more than any other team. Crochet is 21st in the majors in HR/9 (1.1). The long ball could be the reason that the Red Sox go home early. However, Crochet’s tries to continue to streamline success against their strongest rival. The left-handed ace struck out 39 batters across in 27 1/3 innings. The Red Sox need his Game One performance to mimic his regular season success, and could be the reason why the Red Sox will take the driver’s seat after Game One.

Red Sox X-Factor: Aaron Judge

Mano a mano. The Red Sox power ace is their deciding factor, and former AL MVP and current AL MVP candidate Aaron Judge is their deciding factor. Judge’s inability to hit the ball in the postseason is his most detrimental case against his hall-of-fame resume. Judge posts a current .205 batting average with 45 hits, 16 home runs, 34 RBIs and 37 runs scored in 58 games in the postseason in his career. In 2024, Judge hit .184 but had a .344 OBP. He had nine hits, but three of them went over the fence. Judge’s 2025 campaign is stellar. .331 average, 179 hits, 53 homers, 114 RBI. MVP statistics from one of the most talented hitters in the 21st century. In 2025 against the Sox, Judge posted a .286 batting average with 14 hits, 5 homers, 8 RBIs and 12 runs scored in 13 games.

SportRelay Writers Predictions:

  • Brooks Thomason: Red Sox 2
  • Dean Koutouratsas: Yankees in 3
  • Ezra Charles: Red Sox in 3
  • Terynce Garner: Yankees in 3
  • John (JJ) Misiewicz Jr: Red Sox
  • Nate Miller: Red Sox in 3
  • Fabian Garcia: Red Sox
  • Chris Gray: Yankees in 3
  • Joshua Gingrich: Red Sox
  • Jeffrey Cagan: Yankees in 3
  • Peyton Youse: Yankees
  • Grant: Yankees in 2
  • Evan Thompson: Red Sox

Red Sox — 7 picks
Yankees — 6 picks

Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers

  • Game 1: Tuesday at 9:08 p.m. 
  • Game 2: Wednesday at 9:08 p.m. 
  • Game 3*: Thursday at 9:08 p.m. 

*if necessary

The underdog vs the “struggling” powerhouse. The Cincinnati Reds were in pole position to make the wild card in game 162. With a win, they would clinch. However, their loss against the Milwaukee Brewers left the New York Mets able to capitalize with a win. The Mets lost 4-0 against the Miami Marlins, securing the Reds first playoff berth since 2020 and first in a full 162-game season since 2013.

Reds Ready

The Reds came in with promising hopes of Elly De La Cruz being an MVP candidate and a long shot for the playoffs. Although the hopes of De La Cruz didn’t land, the hiring of Terry Francona as manager signaled a victory in the Reds dugout. The experienced manager gave the Reds a much needed change after David Bell lost his spot last fall. The pitching staff of Cincinnati helped the Reds make it to October, with a 3.86 team ERA and .233 opponent average.

Dodgers Downspot

After an offseason that included the additions of Blake Snell, closer Tanner Scott and international star Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers entered 2025 as heavy favorites. The year, however, came with challenges. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman endured uncharacteristic struggles at the plate. Albeit, Shohei Ohtani delivered a historic campaign with a franchise-record 55 home runs and is in position to win his third consecutive MVP Award while also returning to the mound.

Injuries again tested the Dodgers’ rotation early, but improved health in the second half allowed a group led by Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Ohtani to stabilize. Los Angeles ultimately captured the NL West title for the 12th time in the past 13 seasons, entering October with both experience and star power. The Blue Crew finished as the worst NL division winners, a very different expectation from the pre-season looks. Nevertheless, a spot in the postseason is all they need.

Reds X-Factor: Hunter Greene

Hunter Greene, the ace of the Cincinnati Reds, is the focal point of this playoff-worst win percentage team. The Reds post a .706 OPS, 100 fewer runs and outslugged by 50 points by the Dodgers. The pitching staff can be the main team that can open the key in the lock towards the NLDS. However, the game one starter must be on point. Against Blake Snell, the Dodgers lefty ace is strong through five innings, but historically gets pulled around that time. The Dodgers bullpen is shaky this season, and the Reds can outmaneuver the Dodgers to steal game one, and further through.

Greene this season slots a 7-4 record, 2.76 ERA, and 0.938 WHIP. Against the Dodgers in his career, the righty is 1-3 with an ERA of 4.55 and 25 strikeouts in 5 appearances. This season, Greene pitched once against the NL West Champions, going five full innings, six hits, five runs, three earned. In order to get the Reds closer to the NLDS door, the flame-throwing pitcher needs to shake the Dodger scares and pitch his best.

Dodgers X-Factor: Bullpen

The Dodgers bullpen ranks 21st in ERA in the regular season at 4.27. Out of all playoff teams, they rank second to last. Although the hitting of the Dodgers is up and down, if the game comes to a high-scoring affair, the The Los Angeles Dodgers had a record of 75-15 when scoring 5+ runs this season. In low scoring games, the Dodgers had a record of 18-54 when scoring at most 4 runs this season. If the hitting goes mute, the bullpen is shaky at best. Tanner Scott leads the Majors with 10 blown saves, while Blake Treinen has also struggled in recent outings.  In response, the Dodgers have recently turned to Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw out of the bullpen, with the possibility of Shohei Ohtani also being used in a relief role. In order to combat the struggles, the Dodgers are trying anything to shake the struggles.

SportRelay Writers Predictions:

  • Brooks Thomason: Dodgers 2
  • Dean Koutouratsas: Dodgers in 2
  • Ezra Charles: Reds in 3
  • Terynce Garner: Dodgers in 2
  • John (JJ) Misiewicz Jr: Dodgers
  • Nate Miller: Dodgers in 2
  • Fabian Garcia: Reds
  • Chris Gray: Dodgers in 2
  • Joshua Gingrich: Dodgers
  • Jeffrey Cagan: Dodgers in 2
  • Peyton Youse: Dodgers
  • Grant: Dodgers in 2
  • Evan Thompson: Reds

Dodgers — 10 picks
Reds — 3 picks

San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs

  • Game 1: Tuesday at 3:08 p.m.
  • Game 2: Wednesday at 3:08 p.m.
  • Game 3*: Thursday at 3:08 p.m. 

*if necessary

Two of the most exciting teams in the majors. One led through recent history of not making the playoffs, the other trying to make it to the Fall Classic after many seasons of falling short. Both teams split the regular season series going 3-3 and an even run differential. Both teams have lofty expectations in the postseason.

Friar Faithful

The Padres reached the postseason in a new way this year. Instead of relying primarily on an star offense previously, the Padres were powered by pitching. They finished the regular season ranked in the top three in team ERA and led the Majors in bullpen ERA. A key moment came at the Trade Deadline, when the club acquired hard-throwing reliever Mason Miller from the A’s in one of the biggest moves of the summer. The NL West Wild Card team went all-in on the deadline, and are back in October.

Fly the W

The Cubs are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2018 in a 162-game season, posting their highest win total since that year. An explosive first-half offense — paced by breakout seasons from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch — helped Chicago build momentum early. The second half was more of a challenge, as offensive production dipped and the team leaned on its pitching staff to secure a Wild Card berth. With room to spare in the standings, the Cubs now have an opportunity to advance and set up a division-rival matchup in the NLDS if they can get past San Diego.

Padres X-Factor: Fernando Tatis Jr.

Fernando Tatis Jr’s season is a complete upside down for a right handed hitter. Against lefties, the 26-year-old hits .229 and five home runs. Meanwhile against righties, his .281 average and 20 home runs are a lofty change. For the Cubs, Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd look to toe the rubber in the opening two games. Tatis’ season struggles against lefties must change quick, but it is with good timing. In the last 15 days, Tatis is on fire. With a .368 average, .429 OBP and 1.034 OPS, Nando’s left the yard three times in the last four games. With the windy city in play, it’s a needed power to throw one over the hedges in the outfield or in the basket.

Cubs X-Factor: Kyle Tucker

After missing nearly a month with a calf strain, the left-handed outfielder is back. Tucker, who the Cubs acquired this off-season, is on an expiring deal, looking to increase his value. With the Padres backing three right-handed starters, Tucker may find his value fluctuate on his performance. The Cubbies need his strong .264 average and 14 home runs to come alive. Only two major problems. This season, Tucker struggles at home and in day games. At home, his .236 average shrivels compared to a .292 away from Wrigley Field. In day games, his .229 average ois considerably worse than his .297 in night games. For the Cubs to be successful, they need a revitalized Tucker coming off his injury in the postseason.

SportRelay Writers Predictions:

  • Brooks Thomason: Padres in 3
  • Dean Koutouratsas: Cubs in 3
  • Ezra Charles: Padres in 2
  • Terynce Garner: Cubs in 3
  • John (JJ) Misiewicz Jr: Padres
  • Nate Miller: Chicago Cubs in 2
  • Fabian Garcia: Padres
  • Chris Gray: Cubs in 2
  • Joshua Gingrich: Padres
  • Jeffrey Cagan: Padres in 3
  • Peyton Youse: Padres
  • Grant: Cubs in 2
  • Evan Thompson: Padres

(Padres eight picks, Cubs five picks)

 

More General Baseball Articles
More MLB Articles
 

Main Image:

Embed from Getty Images

Share "MLB Wild Card 2025: SportRelay Writers Predict" on social media:
More General Baseball News

Brooks Thomason

As a up and coming writer, Brooks has been born and raised as an Atlanta Braves fan. Going through the years of Jason Heyward, Justin Upton, and Brian McCann as a kid, to Freddie Freeman, and Acuña, Brooks has seen Braves stars come and go. However, his fandom always remains with Braves Country.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

© 2022 - 2025 SportRelay.com