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MLB playoff predictions 2025: Sporting News experts project World Series winner, breakout stars and more | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 30th 2025 at 15:30 GMT by Sporting News
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MLB 2025 Playoff Outlook – Sporting News Predictions

In a recent Sporting News feature, the baseball analytics team set out to map out the most likely postseason picture for the 2025 Major League Baseball season. The article, which can be accessed on the Sporting News website (https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/mlb-playoff-predictions-2025-sporting-news-world-series/bdef9eef092a9dad5cdaffae), offers a blend of statistical modeling, historical context, and expert commentary. Below is a comprehensive summary of its key points, organized by league, division, and the factors that could influence each club’s postseason fate.

1. Methodology: How the Predictions Were Made

Sporting News used a multi‑layered approach that combines:

The article explains that each simulation draws from the full set of team statistics, then applies a weighted scoring system that emphasizes offensive output and defensive solidity. The authors also factor in “unknowns” such as weather‑induced rainouts and mid‑season trades.

2. American League (AL) Predictions

AL East

Narrative: The Yankees’ return of Aaron Judge and the addition of power hitter Aaron Judge (the article references the Aaron Judge news page on MLB.com) is expected to keep them at the top. The Red Sox, while historically competitive, have an aging core, so their mid‑season trade window will be critical. The White Sox, with a rejuvenated bullpen, could exceed expectations if their offense stays healthy.

AL Central

Narrative: Houston’s dominance in the next decade is virtually guaranteed; their offense is 15‑run better than the league average. Detroit’s core remains competitive, but injuries to outfielder J.D. Martinez (the article links to the J.D. Martinez injury updates on MLB.com) could hurt. The Royals’ resurgence hinges on the emergence of rookie slugger Dylan Lee.

AL West

Narrative: The Dodgers are set for another deep run thanks to their robust bullpen and the return of Mike Trout (linking to the Trout health update). Seattle, with a high‑powered lineup, is poised to break the division’s drought if pitcher Julio Teherán stays healthy. The Rangers’ pitching rotation is a risk factor that could swing their season either way.

3. National League (NL) Predictions

NL East

Narrative: The Phillies’ combination of veteran core and a top‑notch bullpen keeps them front‑running. The Mets’ aggressive trade strategy (link to the Mets trade activity page) could yield a surprise contender. The Braves’ aging core could collapse if their pitching staff fails to stay healthy.

NL Central

Narrative: The Cubs’ new manager (the article links to the Cubs coaching changes article) and revamped pitching rotation give them a promising upside. The Cardinals have a stable lineup but face a mid‑season trade window to secure a postseason berth. The Reds, while developing talent, need to guard against injuries to star catcher Yordan Álvarez.

NL West

Narrative: Los Angeles maintains the edge over San Diego, which depends on the performance of its young pitcher, Max Scherzer. The Giants could break out if their veteran pitcher, Daniel Zarza, stays healthy.

4. Playoff “Dark Horses”

Sporting News highlights a few teams that could defy expectations:

• Tampa Bay Rays: With their historically efficient payroll and a deep bullpen, the Rays could overtake the AL East if they capitalize on the early‑season slump of the Orioles.
• Cincinnati Reds: A breakout season for rookie pitcher Tyler Smith could propel the Reds into the postseason, especially if the Cardinals’ key acquisitions underperform.
• Minnesota Twins: If their power-hitting duo, Dylan Lee and Max Scherzer (not to be confused with the pitcher), stay healthy, the Twins could challenge the Twins’ rivals.

5. Injury Outlook and Its Impact

The article notes that injuries to Aaron Judge (Yankees), J.D. Martinez (Tigers), Mike Trout (Dodgers), and Yordan Álvarez (Cubs) are the most critical risk factors. It also points out that Mickey Mantle’s retirement (an error) and Babe Ruth’s legacy are historical footnotes—no real impact on the 2025 season.

6. Where to Find More Detailed Data

• MLB Advanced Stats: https://www.mlb.com/stats
• Team Payrolls: https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/teams/
• Injury Reports: https://www.mlb.com/transactions
• Trade Windows: https://www.mlb.com/news/trade-window
• Player News: https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb

These resources are cross‑linked within the Sporting News article, allowing readers to dive deeper into the numbers behind each prediction.

7. Bottom Line

Sporting News’ 2025 MLB playoff predictions position the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Los Angeles Dodgers as the clear frontrunners in their respective divisions, with each team enjoying a playoff probability above 80 %. While these teams have the statistical advantage, the article emphasizes that baseball is inherently unpredictable, citing injury risk, mid‑season trades, and the “dark horse” teams that could surprise us all. As the season unfolds, keeping an eye on the detailed projections and real‑time injury updates will be crucial for fans, analysts, and gamblers alike.