On the eve of October, it could only mean one thing for Major League Baseball fans: the playoffs are here.  After a grueling 162-game regular season, the top twelve teams compete in a high-stakes, multi-round elimination tournament—the Wild Card Series, Division Series, League Championship Series, and finally, the “Fall Classic” aka the World Series. 

In the intensity of the post-season, every pitch, swing, and defensive play is magnified and, for more than a century, has created some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history.

Capturing the anticipation, Pharrell Williams and MLB will launch their new “October Hits Different” postseason campaign. In the spot, the Grammy-award winner conducts a 25-piece orchestra and the Voices of Fire choir on a baseball field, cut with footage of MLB stars' greatest highlights of the regular season. In the visual, the Voices of Fire sing "Are You Ready," an original piece by Pharrell's uncle, Bishop Ezekiel Williams, and director Patrick Riddick from their new album OPHANIM. 

Commencing on Tuesday (September 30), the 2025 MLB playoffs are primed to bring die-hard baseball heads and casuals alike some incredible action and enticing storylines.

To get you ready, here's a breakdown of the 2025 MLB Playoffs Preview

The field is set with 12 teams (six from each league). The Toronto Blue Jays (AL #1), Seattle Mariners (AL #2), Milwaukee Brewers (NL #1), and Philadelphia Phillies (NL #2) all earned first-round byes and advanced directly to the Division Series.

The Wild Card Series Matchups.

In the American League, the (6) Detroit Tigers face the (3) Cleveland Guardians, and the (5) Boston Red Sox take on the  (4) New York Yankees. National League

For the National League, the (6) Cincinnati Reds go up against (3) Los Angeles Dodgers, and the (5) San Diego Padres visit (4) Chicago Cubs.

The winners of the Wild Card, which is a best-of-three series, will move on to the Division Series to face the top seeds.

Top Storylines Of The MLB Playoffs

Yankees vs. Red Sox in the Wild Card

The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox are not only the greatest rivalry in the MLB but one of the most storied in all of sports. This year will mark the sixth time that the legendary franchise has faced each other in the playoffs since 1999. Led by Aaroon Judge, who had another phenomenal year, going up against the Red Sox’s ace Garrett Crochet, this series is poised to be another instant classic.

Is This Finally The Mariner’s Year?

Since their debut season in 1977,  the Seattle Mariners are the only active MLB franchise to have never played in a World Series. This year, they won the AL West title behind the big bat Cal Raleigh, who hit 60 home runs, breaking Ken Griffey Jr’s team record and setting a new record for a catcher. Along with Julio Rodríguez, the Mariners are in pole position to win their first pennant in team history.

Shohei Ohtani To Pitch In His First Playoffs

Los Angeles Dodgers phenom Shohei Ohtani is already being called the best baseball player the sport has ever seen. This year, he’ll get to prove it as he will pitch in his first playoffs. Last postseason, when the Dodgers won the championship, Ohtani recovered from injury. He’ll test his duality of being a 50 home run hitter and an overpowering pitcher for the first time. Against the upstart Cincinnati Reds.

Tigers vs Guardians Open the Playoffs

The first game of the day features the Cleveland Guardians taking on the Detroit Tigers. The Guardians won the AL Central title and home-field advantage with a historic comeback, coming from a 15.5-game deficit from early July. They also won the season series 8-5.  The Tigers are seeking to cool down the scorching-hot Guardians, who are firing on all cylinders.