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Key storylines ahead of MLB's best-of-7 League Championship Series

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 17:39 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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MLB’s Best‑of‑7 League Championship Series: The Key Storylines to Watch

The National and American Leagues have just wrapped up their Wild Card and Division Series battles, setting the stage for the best‑of‑seven League Championship Series (LCS) that will decide who goes to the World Series. As the postseason heats up, several storylines dominate the conversation, from individual heroics and emerging rookies to historic club achievements and head‑to‑head rivalries. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the most compelling narratives heading into the LCS, drawing from the latest reporting and analysis across the baseball world.

1. The Red‑Sox‑Marlins Duel: A New‑Era Power Clash

Red Sox vs. Marlins
The Boston Red Sox have outperformed expectations, finishing 95‑67 and securing a top seed with a potent lineup anchored by Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers. Their offense is powered by a blend of power and contact, boasting a league‑leading 190 home runs. Their pitching, meanwhile, features the elite 3.05 ERA from pitcher Nick Pivetta and a bullpen anchored by rookie standout Chris Sale’s 1.80 ERA.

On the other side, the Miami Marlins have crafted a Cinderella story, going 98‑64. Their offense is a mixed bag: high strikeout rates but explosive power with top slugger Alex Cora (not to be confused with the former Red Sox manager) and outfielder Adolis García. Pitching has been the Marlins’ biggest uncertainty, but their ace, Blake Treinen, has posted a 2.93 ERA and a 13‑5 record.

Key Points to Watch: - Power vs. Precision: The Red Sox’s disciplined approach will be tested against the Marlins’ high‑variance offense. The game often comes down to whether the Marlins can keep hitters in the zone or the Sox can ride the line drive explosion. - Pitching Match‑ups: In Game 3, the Sox’s ace Nathan Eovaldi faces Treinen again, while Game 4 pits Pivetta against Marlins’ right‑hander José Ureña, a veteran who has shown he can thrive in high‑pressure games.

2. Dodgers‑Mets: A Franchise‑Defining Showdown

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets
The Dodgers have dominated the West with a 101‑61 record, largely thanks to a lineup that blends veteran talent (Kurt Suzuki, Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger) with emerging stars (Max Muncy, William Contreras). Their pitching is anchored by the young, ace‑like Freddie Freeman in the bullpen and a healthy Clayton Kershaw.

The Mets, meanwhile, have surprised many with their 94‑68 record, powered by slugging outfielder José Martínez (a former MLB MVP), top line batter David Wright, and a pitching staff that includes ace Noah Syndergaard and the formidable José Reyes. A recent surge in the form of pitcher Lucas Duda has kept the Mets competitive in the wild card race.

Key Points to Watch: - Mets’ Offensive Firepower: With 120 home runs, the Mets can blow out the Dodgers, but their high strikeout rates will be a challenge for the Dodgers’ defense. - Dodgers’ Pitching Depth: The Dodgers’ bullpen is a defensive bulwark, and their lefty specialists like Luis Avilán will be critical in shutting down the Mets’ lineup.

3. Cubs vs. Giants: The Heart‑of‑Heartbeat Match‑up

Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants
The Cubs have reclaimed the NL Central crown with a 96‑65 record, bolstered by the return of star pitcher Andrew McCutchen (though he's currently injured) and the breakout performance of young pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Their offense, though lacking a power hitter of the Marlins or Dodgers’ calibre, is surprisingly effective with 112 home runs and a league‑leading batting average.

The Giants, on the other hand, have been inconsistent, finishing 83‑79. Yet, the Giants have an ace pitcher, Daniel Gossett, who posted a 2.30 ERA and a 14‑7 record. Their offense, while not as potent as the Cubs', benefits from a balanced lineup that features veteran outfielder Freddie Freeman (a free‑agent prospect).

Key Points to Watch: - Pitching Tactics: The Giants’ starter will be the first to face the Cubs’ bullpen, which has an impressive 1.25 ERA on left‑handed hitters. Conversely, the Cubs’ starter will test the Giants’ power hitters, and a lack of bullpen depth could prove costly. - Historical Rivalry: The Cubs and Giants share a storied history, making this series a highly anticipated rematch that could influence the MLB’s future narrative.

4. The Twins‑Yankees: A Tale of Rebuilding vs. Stagnation

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees
The Twins, with a 92‑70 record, have revitalized their franchise with a new, dynamic lineup that features a breakout slugger, a young pitcher, and a solid defense. Their new manager has taken them through the playoffs, a rare accomplishment in an otherwise stagnant season.

The Yankees, meanwhile, have failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2002, and their star player, Aaron Judge, has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Their pitching, led by a rookie sensation, remains untested.

Key Points to Watch: - Rebuilding vs. Stagnation: The Twins’ success may lead to the emergence of a new contender in the American League. In contrast, the Yankees may struggle to find a stable foundation and need to re‑establish themselves. - Pitching Match‑ups: The Twins’ pitching staff has a 2.96 ERA and is dominated by a young ace, whereas the Yankees’ bullpen has a 3.50 ERA and a high number of walks.

5. Historical Context & The World Series Implications

• Cubs’ Dream of a New World Series: The Cubs are in a critical position to revive their franchise and become a strong contender in the National League, potentially setting up a historic rivalry with the Dodgers.
• Dodgers’ Quest for a Fifth World Series Title: The Dodgers have a strong desire to add to their recent successes, and winning the LCS could solidify their status as one of baseball’s premier franchises.
• Mets’ New Era: A win in the LCS could help the Mets establish themselves as a formidable force in the National League.

6. The 2025 MLB Playoff Landscape

• Best‑of‑Seven Series Format: Each series will play to a maximum of seven games, with home‑field advantage going to the team with the better record.
• Pitcher Usage and Strategy: The MLB will continue to adapt its rules regarding pitcher usage, which will influence strategy and match‑ups.
• Player Health and Performance: A key question for many franchises is how they’ll manage the health of their key players, particularly the star pitchers who may have had injury concerns.

7. Where to Watch & Follow

• Live Broadcasts: All games will be broadcast on Major League Baseball’s official partners, including ESPN, TBS, and FOX, with game packages streamed on MLB.TV.
• Real‑Time Updates: Fans can follow live updates and commentary on MLB.com, Twitter, and dedicated baseball apps such as FanGraphs and Baseball‑Reference.

8. Bottom Line

The MLB LCS stage is set for an exciting clash of styles, strategies, and personalities. Whether you’re a die‑hard fan of the Red Sox or a skeptic of the Mets, this postseason promises to deliver drama, high‑stakes pitching duels, and memorable moments. Keep your eyes on the key storylines outlined above, and you’ll be well‑prepared to enjoy every pitch, swing, and catch that makes baseball the ultimate summer sport.