The Power Surge of 2025
If 1998 was the summer of the home run, then 2025 felt like its spiritual successor. While not the single most prolific power season ever, it was undeniably one of the most impressive since the steroid boom of the early 2000s.
Cal Raleigh, the Mariners’ switch-hitting catcher, made history with 60 home runs, the first catcher ever to reach that milestone. Kyle Schwarber (56), Shohei Ohtani (55), and Aaron Judge (53) weren’t far behind, forming a fearsome quartet of sluggers that electrified the season. Across the league, home run totals soared, giving fans nightly fireworks and a reminder of how thrilling pure power baseball can be.
Juan Soto’s Contract & The Mets’ Collapse
Off the field, the biggest headline was Juan Soto’s record $700 million contract with the New York Mets. By midsummer, the investment seemed to be paying off—the Mets not only held a Wild Card spot, they were leading the division at one point.
But September was cruel. The team slumped collectively at the plate, the bullpen faltered, and the once-promising season slipped away. The collapse was sealed in stunning fashion on the final day, when the Mets were shut out 4–0 by the Miami Marlins, a loss that officially knocked them out of the Wild Card race.
Clayton Kershaw’s Final Ride
The 2025 season also marked the end of an era. In late September, Clayton Kershaw announced this would be his final year in the majors.
For nearly two decades, Kershaw defined pitching excellence. With three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, a World Series ring, and more than 220 career wins, he will go down as one of the
greatest pitchers of all time. His dominance during the 2010s set the standard for an entire generation, and his consistency kept the Dodgers among baseball’s elite year after year.
The Brewers’ Dream Season
The Milwaukee Brewers weren’t just good in 2025—they were elite. From wire to wire, they played like the best team in baseball, winning the league’s top record with a balance of dominant pitching, timely hitting, and airtight defense.
Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta headlined one of MLB’s best rotations, while players Christian Yelich and 2nd year rising Jackson Chourio made the Brewers’ hitting lineup imposing to a lot of teams. The Brewers didn’t rely on luck or streaks—this was consistent excellence, the kind of season that makes a team feel destined.
Now comes the challenge: turning regular-season dominance into postseason glory. Milwaukee has never won a World Series. This October might be their best chance yet.
Central Chaos: Cleveland’s Rise, Detroit’s Fall
The AL Central was one of baseball’s most dramatic races. All summer long, the Detroit Tigers looked like division favorites, but in September their bats went cold and momentum faded.
At the same time, the Cleveland Guardians caught fire. A late-season surge vaulted them past Detroit to steal the division crown. Fueled by a young core and one of baseball’s deepest pitching staffs, Cleveland enters October as one of the hottest teams in baseball.
Detroit still held on to a Wild Card berth, setting up a postseason showdown between the two rivals. The Guardians and Tigers will now face off in the AL Wild Card round, a fitting stage for a rivalry that flipped dramatically in the season’s final weeks.
The Cubs Return
For the first time since 2020, the Chicago Cubs are back in the postseason. Wrigley Field will host October baseball again, a testament to years of rebuilding paying off. A mix of young stars and experienced veterans pushed Chicago through a tight NL race, giving the Cubs a chance to write a new chapter in their storied history.
Wild Card Preview: Storylines & X-Factors
• Red Sox vs. Yankees – Wild Card Rivalry
Baseball’s greatest rivalry gets another October chapter. The Yankees’ power bats meet Boston’s fearless young rotation.
• X-Factor: Aaron Judge. If he can finally overcome his October struggles, the Yankees’ lineup becomes lethal.
• Tigers vs. Guardians – AL Central Showdown
Cleveland surged, Detroit stumbled, and now they collide in the Wild Card. Cleveland’s momentum makes them dangerous, but Detroit’s lineup can’t be counted out.
• X-Factor: Cleveland’s rotation and late-inning bullpen vs. Can Detroit finally find a way to score with runners on base?
• Reds vs. Dodgers – Defending Champs vs. Hungry Underdogs
The Dodgers fought through a tough NL West race to repeat as division winners. The Reds slipped into the final Wild Card with something to prove. On paper, this looks lopsided, but October has a way of surprising.
• X-Factor: The Dodgers’ hitting. If the lineup gets rolling, Los Angeles could overwhelm Cincinnati quickly.
• Padres vs. Cubs – Wrigley’s Return to October
The Cubs bring power and youthful energy with Michael Busch, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and others, but the Padres counter with a deep roster built for October.
• X-Factor: The Cubs’ young hitters vs. the Padres’ pitching depth. Whichever side holds up could swing the series.
Closing Thoughts
The 2025 regular season gave us everything: jaw-dropping home runs, record contracts, stunning collapses, and a legend’s farewell. Now, October arrives with storylines overflowing.
Can the Brewers finally win a World Series? Will the Dodgers’ offense power them to another deep run? Will Cleveland’s late-season surge carry them past Detroit? And will the Yankees & Red Sox deliver yet another iconic October clash? Will the Chicago Cubs make it back to the World Series for the first time in 9 years?
The answers are waiting. The MLB Postseason is here!