The 2025 MLB regular season is barreling toward a dramatic finish, with the standings tighter than ever and playoff spots still very much up for grabs. As of September 24, fans are witnessing one of the most competitive races in recent memory, with division titles, wild card berths, and even first-round byes hanging in the balance.
Division Races Heating Up
The
American League West has been a battleground all season, but the Seattle Mariners have surged ahead at just the right moment. After sweeping the Houston Astros last weekend, the Mariners now hold a commanding three-game lead and have clinched the season series tiebreaker over Houston. This puts Seattle in the driver’s seat for the division crown, while the Astros are left scrambling for a wild card spot.
Over in the
National League West, the Los Angeles Dodgers are once again asserting their dominance. With a three-game cushion over the San Diego Padres and the tiebreaker advantage, the Dodgers are poised to clinch the division. However, they’re unlikely to secure a first-round bye, as the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies have built a gap at the top of the NL standings.
Wild Card Mayhem
The wild card races are where things get truly chaotic. In the
American League, the Detroit Tigers (85-72) and Houston Astros (84-73) are neck-and-neck, with the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers still in the hunt. Every game in this final week could tip the balance, and tiebreakers may come into play.
The
National League wild card picture is equally murky. The New York Mets, once contenders for the NL East, have stumbled badly since August, going 18-29 and falling out of the division race. Their playoff hopes now hinge on overtaking the Cincinnati Reds, who currently hold the third wild card spot after a crucial win last Sunday.
Power Rankings Shake-Up
The latest MLB power rankings reflect just how volatile this season has been. The Toronto Blue Jays currently boast the best record in baseball, but the Cubs, Brewers, Mets, Dodgers, Tigers, and Astros are all within three games of the top spot. The Cubs’ deep lineup, especially their bottom-of-the-order hitters, has been a quiet key to their success, leading the majors in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging from the 6-9 spots.
What’s at Stake in the Final Week
With so many teams bunched together, the final week of the season promises high drama:
-
Division titles could be decided by head-to-head matchups and tiebreakers.
-
Wild card berths are still up for grabs, with multiple teams in both leagues separated by just a game or two.
-
First-round byes in the playoffs are still in play for the Brewers and Phillies in the NL, while the AL picture remains fluid.
Fans can expect scoreboard-watching, nail-biting finishes, and possibly even Game 163 tiebreakers if teams finish deadlocked.
Expert Take: Why This Race Feels Different
As a longtime baseball observer, I can’t remember a season where so many teams were still alive this late in September. The expanded playoff format and balanced schedule have created a perfect storm of parity. Every at-bat, every pitching change, and every managerial decision is magnified. For fans, it’s a dream scenario—unless your team is on the bubble.
What to Watch For
-
Key series: Cubs vs. Brewers, Mariners vs. Astros, Mets vs. Reds
-
Potential tiebreakers: Head-to-head records and season series could decide who plays in October
-
Surprise contenders: Don’t count out the Royals or Rangers in the AL, or the Reds in the NL
The only certainty is that nothing is certain. Buckle up—this MLB finish is going to be one for the ages.
Sources
1. Postseason bracket, tiebreakers, clinch scenarios, more
2. Massive upheaval atop this week's Power Rankings - MLB.com
3. 2025 MLB Standings and Records: Regular Season
4. Ready for a wild final week? Here's everything at stake - MLB.com
5. MLB Standings - 2025 season - ESPN
6. 2025 MLB Trade Deadline most interesting teams
7. 2025 MLB Standings: Wild Card | FOX Sports
8. Projected 2025 standings and playoff odds are here - MLB.com
9. 2025 MLB Baseball Standings - CBSSports.com
10. ESPN - Serving Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere.
