October Baseball Heats Up: Dodgers Aim for Repeat, Tigers Seek Redemption
The
2025 MLB postseason is officially underway, and the drama is already palpable. The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their 12th NL West title in 13 years, are gunning to become the first repeat World Series champions since 1998. But their journey hasn’t been smooth—injuries, a slow start from superstar Mookie Betts, and a shaky bullpen nearly derailed their season. Now, with Betts back in form and Shohei Ohtani thriving in his two-way role, the Dodgers look poised for another deep October run.
On the American League side, the Detroit Tigers are hungry to end a World Series drought that stretches back to 1984. After a wild late-season collapse, the Tigers barely held on for a postseason berth. With ace Tarik Skubal in Cy Young form and new addition Gleyber Torres deepening the lineup, Detroit is hoping to flip the script and finally capture the crown.
Postseason Schedule: What Fans Need to Know
MLB’s 2025 postseason kicked off with four Wild Card Series games on September 30, all airing on ESPN and ABC. The Division Series begins October 4, with potential Game Fives scheduled for October 10 (ALDS) and October 11 (NLDS). The American League Championship Series starts October 12, and the National League Championship Series follows on October 13. The World Series opener is set for October 24, hosted by the team with the best regular-season record.
Key Dates:
- Wild Card Series: Sept 30–Oct 2
- Division Series: Oct 4–Oct 11
- ALCS: Oct 12 onward
- NLCS: Oct 13 onward
- World Series Game 1: Oct 24
Mets and Rays: Endings and New Beginnings
The New York Mets’ season ended in heartbreak, missing the playoffs after a crushing loss to the Marlins in Game 162. Star first baseman Pete Alonso announced he’ll opt out of his contract and re-enter free agency, signaling major changes ahead for the franchise. Injuries plagued the Mets, with Brett Baty’s promising season cut short by an oblique strain.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are entering a new era. The sale of the team to a Patrick Zalupski-led ownership group was finalized, ending the Stuart Sternberg chapter. The Rays missed the postseason for the second straight year, but fans are hopeful that fresh leadership will spark a turnaround. Rising star Junior Caminero continues to make headlines, and six Rays are nominated for the All-MLB Team.
Shohei Ohtani: The Face of Baseball
Shohei Ohtani remains the sport’s biggest draw, leading MLB jersey sales for the third consecutive season and vying for a third straight MVP award. His impact on and off the field is undeniable, and he’s a central figure in the Dodgers’ quest for back-to-back titles.
What This Means for Fans
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Dodgers fans: Get ready for another thrilling postseason ride, with Ohtani and Betts leading the charge.
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Tigers faithful: Hope springs eternal—this could be the year Detroit finally breaks its World Series curse.
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Mets and Rays supporters: Change is coming, and the offseason promises plenty of intrigue.
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Baseball lovers everywhere: October is here, and anything can happen.
Stay tuned as the postseason unfolds—this year’s October baseball is shaping up to be unforgettable.
Sources
1. 2025 MLB Postseason PREVIEW! Previewing ALL 12 ... - YouTube
2. Latest Mets News | New York Mets - MLB.com
3. Complete 2025 postseason schedule and updated bracket - MLB.com
4. Latest Rays News | Tampa Bay Rays - MLB.com
5. MLB.com experts pick Wild Card Series winners
6. MLB News: Scores, Standings, Stats, Trades, Rumors
7. 7 of MLB's Longest World Series Title Droughts Belong to 2025 Playoff Teams
8. MLB.com | The Official Site of Major League Baseball
9. Watch the 2025 MLB Wild Card Series on ABC & ESPN
10. Yanks get Chapman on ropes -- then let him escape in Game 1 loss
11. Welcome to the October without a superteam -- and why it could make for the best MLB playoffs yet
12. Latest Angels News - MLB.com
13. MLB Baseball News Archive - October 2025 - ESPN
14. Latest Cubs News - Chicago - MLB.com
15. 2025 Major League Baseball season - Wikipedia
16. MLB Trade Rumors, 2025 Trade Deadline and Free Agent News
