When Is Baseball Postseason? 2025 MLB Playoff Dates

By Sarah Miller · February 10, 2052

The MLB postseason typically begins in early October, with the exact dates varying each year based on the regular season schedule and playoff format. In 2025, the postseason is expected to start around October 7th, following the conclusion of the regular season on September 28th.

Understanding the MLB Postseason Structure

The Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason is a thrilling culmination of the regular season, featuring the top teams from both the American League (AL) and National League (NL). It consists of several rounds that determine the World Series champion.

Postseason Format Overview

Wild Card Series: Best-of-three games hosted by higher seeds
Division Series (ALDS/NLDS): Best-of-five series
Championship Series (ALCS/NLCS): Best-of-seven series
World Series: Best-of-seven between AL and NL champions

Key Dates for the 2025 MLB Postseason

The official MLB calendar sets the framework for when fans can expect playoff action. While exact dates are confirmed closer to the season, historical patterns and league announcements provide reliable estimates.

Event	Expected Date (2025)	Location
Regular Season Ends	September 28, 2025	All MLB Stadiums
Wild Card Series	October 7–10, 2025	Higher seed's home stadium
Division Series (ALDS/NLDS)	October 11–18, 2025	Team-specific venues
League Championship Series	October 19–27, 2025	Neutral or team-hosted sites
World Series	October 28 – November 5, 2025	Rotating host cities

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates the projected timeline for the 2025 MLB postseason. Data shows the Wild Card round starting shortly after the regular season ends, allowing minimal downtime for fans. The expanded playoff format introduced in recent years has increased the number of participating teams to 12 (6 per league), extending the postseason duration slightly compared to previous formats.

How Teams Qualify for the Postseason

Qualification is based on regular-season performance. Each league includes six teams: three division winners and three wild card teams with the best records.

Postseason Eligibility Criteria

Top three division winners automatically qualify
Next three highest win totals earn wild card spots
Tiebreaker rules apply if teams finish with identical records
Home-field advantage determined by regular-season record

Historical Trends in Postseason Timing

Over the past decade, the MLB postseason has consistently begun in early October. Since the adoption of the current 12-team playoff format in 2022, the Wild Card round has pushed deeper into October, increasing overall playoff visibility and revenue.

Before the expansion, the postseason usually started the first weekend of October. Now, with more games and rounds, the World Series often extends into early November, especially if it goes to a Game 7.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MLB Postseason

When does the 2025 MLB postseason start?

The 2025 MLB postseason is expected to begin on October 7, 2025, with the Wild Card Series immediately following the end of the regular season.

How many teams make the MLB playoffs?

Twelve teams qualify for the MLB postseason—six from the American League and six from the National League—based on division wins and best records.

What is the MLB Wild Card round?

The Wild Card round is a best-of-three series hosted by the higher-seeded teams, featuring the three non-division winners with the best records in each league.