
10 Bold Predictions for the 2025 MLB Playoffs. Read 10 Bold Predictions for the 2025 MLB Playoffs

10 Bold Predictions for the 2025 MLB Playoffs
The MLB Playoffs begin on Tuesday, which means it’s time to make some bold predictions. Which players will emerge as superstars and lead their team to glory? Who will disappoint and send their team home earlier than expected? Let’s dive in!

No. 1 - Gavin Williams Continues Dominance over Tigers
Gavin Williams will likely take the ball in Game 2 of their opening series against the Detroit Tigers. Williams enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, logging 167 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.06 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. However, during the campaign, Williams has been especially dominant against the Tigers.
In three starts against the Tigers, Williams has logged a stellar 1.06 ERA with a 0.88 WHIP. He has struck out 29 hitters in just 17 frames.

No. 2 - Elly De La Cruz Leads Reds in Historic Run
The Reds narrowly clinched a spot in the NL playoff picture and will face a challenging task in the opening round, taking on the reigning World Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, do not be surprised if De La Cruz leads the Reds to a thrilling Cinderella run on the national stage.
Over the last 12 games, he has begun to heat up, posting a strong .904 OPS with two home runs and two stolen bases. Given his elite power and speed, he can kickstart the Cincinnati offense on his own.

No. 3 - Garrett Crochet Tallies 10+ Ks in Playoff Debut
Garrett Crochet was the ace the Red Sox were hoping for when they acquired him in the winter. Through his first 205 1/3 innings in Boston, the southpaw dominated, posting an elite 2.59 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 31.3% K rate. In the opening round, the Red Sox will travel to the Bronx to face the Yankees.
In his playoff debut, the hard-throwing left-hander will not only set the Red Sox up for a victory but also put his name in the history books, tallying double-digit punches against the Yankees. He has already posted two double-digit strikeout outings against them in the regular season.

No. 4 - Roki Sasaki Emerges as Lock-Down Closer
Roki Sasaki was one of the major offseason acquisitions the Dodgers made. However, the right-hander has dealt with numerous injuries and has not been able to find his footing during his rookie season. However, since returning from the IL, Sasaki has been deployed out of the bullpen, instead of the rotation, and has looked rather dominant.
In two appearances, Sasaki has tallied two holds and struck out four hitters while allowing only one hit. With the Dodgers lacking a true closer, Sasaki has a path to emerge as their go-to high-leverage option in October.

No. 5 - Michael Busch is the Cubs' Top Hitter
While the Cubs have several high-impact bats in the heart of their lineup, such as Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki, do not be surprised when Michael Busch is the most productive hitter in October. Over his last 15 games, Busch has been among the top hitters in the sport, boasting a dominant .324/.424/.980 line.
During this stretch, Busch has gone deep eight times and tallied 13 RBI. Busch will be the key to the Cubs making a long run in the postseason.

No. 6 - Tigers Upset as the No. 6 Seed Again
Last fall, the Tigers sat as the No. 6 seed but were able to upset the heavily favored Houston Astros in Houston. Now in 2025, the Tigers are the No. 6 seed and will travel to Cleveland in the opening round.
While the Guardians are one of the hottest teams in the sport at the moment, the Tigers were viewed as a World Series favorite throughout most of the first half. With Tarik Skubal set to start one game and Jack Flaherty likely the other, do not be surprised if the Tigers take down the favorite once again.

No. 7 - Yankees Exit in the Wild Card Series
The New York Yankees represented the American League in the World Series last fall but may fall short of expectations this season. Even though they hold the second-best record in the league in 2025, they sit as the No. 4 seed, as the Blue Jays were able to capture the AL East.
As a result, the Yankees will face an emerging Red Sox team led by ace Garrett Crochet. Even though they are the favorites, their longtime rival could take them down in the Bronx and cut their season much earlier than expected.

No. 8 - The Brewers Fall Short in October
The Milwaukee Brewers hold the top seed in the National League but may fall short of playoff expectations. Despite having a deep lineup, led by Christian Yelich and young superstar Jackson Chourio, they will have to face their divisional rival, the Chicago Cubs or the San Diego Padres, in the NLDS, which is no easy task.
Then, in the NLCS, they will likely face the Philadelphia Phillies or the reigning champions. While they were among the sport’s best teams in the regular season, they could fall short in October, given the number of talented teams in the National League. Outside of Freddy Peralta, they lack the pitching depth, which may prevent them from making a deep run.

No. 9 - Kyle Schwarber Sets Playoff HR Record
In 2020, Randy Arozarena almost single-handedly led the Tampa Bay Rays to a World Series victory. In their run to the World Series, Arozarena blasted 10 long balls, which still stands as a single-season playoff home run record.
However, leading the Phillies’ offense is the perfect choice to dethrone this record. In the regular season, Kyle Schwarber launched 56 long balls, the second-most in the sport. Even though they have a first-round bye, Schwarber could easily match Arozarena’s total if this team can return to the World Series.

No. 10 - Seattle Mariners Win the World Series
Lastly, the final bold prediction would cap off an incredible MLB season. The Seattle Mariners have never won the World Series, but they finally have the team built to do so. Led by AL MVP favorite Cal Raleigh and an elite pitching staff, the Mariners are well-equipped to win the World Series.
They also have one of the easiest paths to the World Series, avoiding the Yankees or Blue Jays until the ALCS, as they will face the winner of the Tigers/Guardians series in the ALDS.