MLB Divisional Series 2025: Breaking Down Every Matchup That Could Shape the Postseason

MLB
October 3, 2025

Yankees vs. Blue Jays: Who Rules the AL East?  

This Saturday marks the start of an explosive and never-before-seen matchup: the New York Yankees vs. the Toronto Blue Jays, in a best-of-five series that promises to ignite the MLB postseason. Two AL East giants face off in the playoffs for the first time, and betting interest is heating up.

 

Clash of Titans: Same Record, Different Outcome

Both teams finished the regular season with a solid 94-68 record, but Toronto claimed the division title by winning the season series 8-5 against the Yankees. Thanks to that tiebreaker, the Blue Jays got a bye and a week of rest, while New York had to battle the Red Sox in a tough Wild Card series.

So, who’s better prepared? The well-rested team, or the one coming in hot? The MLB Odds are tight, reflecting just how unpredictable this series might be.

 

Game 1: Key to Establishing Dominance

 

Yankees: It All Comes Down to the Bats

The New York Yankees’ pitching staff is worn down. Luis Gil is expected to start Game 1 after Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Cam Schlittler were used in the Wild Card round. Despite having a powerful lineup, they only scored nine runs in three games against Boston. Their offense needs to wake up fast.

 

Blue Jays: Fresh and Ready

The Toronto Blue Jays have the upper hand by starting with their top pitcher. Their offense was among the most dangerous during the season, leading the AL in batting average and on-base percentage. They’ve got the power and the freshness to strike early.

 

Expect Fireworks

With two high-octane offenses, this series could turn into a slugfest. While the Yankees may have the better starting rotation from Game 2 onward, Toronto holds a slight edge early on.

If you’re thinking about placing a bet, the MLB Lines suggest a razor-close matchup. But if you’re into home run power, the Canadian squad might be the better pick.

 

How to watch the Game

  • Yankees vs. Blue Jays: Game 1 info
  • Time: 4:08 p.m. ET | Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
  • Location: Rogers Centre — Toronto
  • TV channel: FOX | Live stream: Fubo.tv
  • Starting pitchers: TBD

 

Mariners vs. Tigers: A Fresh Matchup With a Taste of Revenge!  

The Seattle Mariners and the Detroit Tigers are facing off in a Division Series filled with excitement, drama, and great opportunities for bettors. These two teams have never met in the playoffs before, and both have something to prove. Who will strike first?

 

Seattle Shines Again in the AL West

The Seattle Mariners finished the season with a 90-72 record, earning their first AL West title since 2001. That gave them a direct ticket to this round, along with some much-needed rest and home-field advantage, where they were dominant with 51 wins and only 30 losses.

Even though they were swept by the Dodgers in a meaningless final series, they had won 17 of their previous 18 games, showing they’re coming in strong. Their pitching rotation is well set, and many bettors are already keeping a close eye on how this might impact the MLB Betting.

 

Tigers: Surviving and Advancing

The Detroit Tigers were hoping to get a bye, but after blowing a 14-game lead in their division, they had to enter the Wild Card Series as the No. 6 seed. Still, they took down the Guardians in three games, led by a strong outing from pitcher Tarik Skubal in Game 1.

That said, the outlook is shaky. Since July 8, Detroit has only won 28 of its last 69 games. While they did show a late offensive spark in Game 3, their overall consistency remains a question mark. Cautious bettors are closely watching how this affects the current MLB Lines for this series.

 

Where’s the Value for Bettors?

Seattle enters this matchup rested, at home, and with the stronger record. Detroit has momentum, but they’re coming in tired and with several question marks. The Mariners have a historic opportunity; they’re the only team in MLB history to never reach a World Series. Could this be their year?

With all factors considered, MLB Odds slightly favor Seattle, but the gap isn’t as wide as some might expect. The key will be in the pitching matchups and who sets the tone in Game 1.

 

How to watch the Game

  • Mariners vs. Tigers: Game 1 info
  • Time: 8:38 p.m. ET | Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
  • Location: T-Mobile Park — Seattle
  • TV channel: Fox | Live stream: Fubo.tv
  • Starting pitchers: TBD

 

Phillies vs. Dodgers: A Clash of Giants for a Spot in the Championship Series!  

This Saturday kicks off one of the most anticipated matchups of the postseason: The Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series (NLDS). Two powerhouse teams, loaded with talent… and currently the top picks in the MLB Betting to win the World Series.

 

Two Title Favorites… But Only One Will Move On

The Los Angeles Dodgers come in with momentum, having swept the Cincinnati Reds in two games in the Wild Card Series. The Philadelphia Phillies, on the other hand, earned a first-round bye thanks to posting the second-best regular-season record in the National League.

Both teams won over 90 games this season, and it’s no surprise that, according to MLB Lines, the Dodgers (+420) and Phillies (+500) are currently leading the futures market to win it all. The winner of this best-of-five series will advance to the NLCS to fight for the pennant.

 

Game 1: Ohtani vs. Sánchez – Battle of the Aces

 

Dodgers: Ohtani’s Postseason Pitching Debut

Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani is set to make his long-awaited postseason pitching debut. He never made the playoffs with the Angels, and last year he only played as a hitter due to elbow surgery. Now fully recovered, he threw 91 pitches in his most recent outing, and interestingly, his second-to-last regular season appearance was against the Phillies: five no-hit innings with five strikeouts. Expectations are sky-high, and MLB Odds already reflect his impact on the Dodgers’ rotation.

 

Phillies: Sánchez Steps Up in Wheeler’s Absence

With ace Zack Wheeler sidelined due to thoracic outlet surgery, the Phillies will turn to lefty Cristopher Sánchez to start Game 1. He was one of the most solid pitchers in the league this year, though his last outing against the Dodgers was tough: four runs and seven hits allowed over seven innings. Still, his consistency and poise make him a strong option.

 

 A Tight Series… With Value for Smart Bettors

With so much talent on both sides, this series could easily go the distance. The Ohtani vs. Sánchez matchup is just the beginning of what promises to be a strategic, intense battle.

MLB Betting currently favors the Dodgers, but the Phillies have proven to be a clutch team in October. If you’re looking for betting value, this series offers plenty of options, from total games played to first home run, or even the winner of the Game 1 pitching duel.

 

How to watch the Game

  • Phillies vs. Dodgers: Game 1 info
  • Time: 6:08 or 6:38 p.m. ET | Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
  • Location: Citizens Bank Park — Philadelphia
  • TV channel: TBS | Live stream: HBO Max
  • Starting pitchers: Christopher Sánchez (PHI) vs. Shohei Ohtani (LAD)

 

Brewers vs. Cubs: Division Rivals Meet for the First Time in the Playoffs  

This Saturday marks a historic start as the Milwaukee Brewers and the Chicago Cubs face off for the first time in the playoffs, in an exciting best-of-five National League Division Series (NLDS). Two rivals from the NL Central with a close history in the regular season are now battling to advance to the next stage.

 

Division Title and a Path to the Pennant

Although the Chicago Cubs won the regular season series 7-6, the Brewers claimed the division title by five games and finished with the best record in all of MLB: 97-65. Thanks to that, the Milwaukee Brewers earned a bye and had extra rest, while the Cubs fought through a tough Wild Card Series against the Padres, winning 2-1.

The winner of this series will face the winner of the Dodgers vs. Phillies matchup in the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The Cubs are looking for their first pennant since 2016, while the Brewers aim for their first NL pennant ever (though they won the AL pennant in 1982).

 

Cubs’ Keys: Can the Bullpen Hold Up?

The Cubs have a solid bullpen, but the workload from the Wild Card Series raises some concerns: Andrew Kittredge pitched in all three games, and Brad Keller showed signs of fatigue in the ninth inning of Game 3. Chicago boasts one of the most powerful offenses in MLB, although they were mostly held in check by the Padres’ strong pitching staff last round.

With less rest, the Cubs will need to capitalize on their offensive talent to overcome the Brewers and their pitching.

 

 Brewers: Rest Advantage or Possible Rust?

The Brewers come into this series with nearly a week off thanks to the bye. Although their performance was inconsistent down the stretch (19-21 in their last 40 games), they swept the Dodgers in Los Angeles right after the All-Star break, an indication that the break might actually be beneficial.

Their ace, Peralta (17-6, 2.70 ERA), is their strongest weapon to start this series and aim for a dominant outing to give the Brewers the edge. However, the depth of their rotation behind Peralta remains a question mark.

 

 What Do the MLB Odds Say and Where Is the Betting Value?

This is a very close series between two teams that know each other well. The MLB Odds reflect this uncertainty, showing tight lines for both sides. The Cubs have the more powerful offense, and the potential return of rookie Cade Horton could make a difference. Meanwhile, the Brewers have the rest advantage and a rotation led by a top-tier pitcher.

For bettors, the key will be to analyze the starting pitchers and bullpens’ performances, as well as how the rest affects the Brewers. The MLB Lines  on sportsbooks could shift quickly depending on how the first games unfold.

Which team has the edge: the Cubs’ powerful offense or the Brewers’ pitching and rest advantage?

Check the MLB Betting, study the matchups, and get ready to bet on what could be an incredible series.

 

How to watch the Game

  • Cubs vs. Brewers: Game 1 info
  • Time: 2:08 or 9:08 p.m. ET | Date: Saturday, Oct. 4
  • Location: American Family Field — Milwaukee
  • TV channel: TBS | Live stream: HBO Max
  • Starting pitchers: TBD (CHC) vs. Freddy Peralta (MIL)

 

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