2025 MLB Standings and Playoff Predictions From A Total Casual Baseball Fan

As a casual baseball fan looking to follow the sport more, I've decided to make some predictions for the forthcoming MLB season. These predictions aren’t based on fancy stats or insider scoops, just my gut feelings from following the game, and reading a few articles. Let's see how I do!

AL East:

1. Boston Red Sox

2. Baltimore Orioles

3. Tampa Bay Rays

4. Toronto Blue Jays

5. New York Yankees

The Red Sox haven't made the postseason since 2021; I think they will be aggressive and make moves during the year to win the AL East. The O’s are always solid and should get back in the postseason. Tampa will fall just short of a Wildcard berth. The Jays could be the most unpredictable team in the show this season. They have the talent to make the postseason, but they also can't risk losing Vlad and Bo Bichette for nothing. I think if they are on the bubble, they trade both in July. Probably bold, but I am pushing the panic button in New York. Gerrit Cole is done for the year, Giancarlo Stanton could join him on the sideline, and they lost Juan Soto. The Yankees finish last in the division.

AL Central:

1. Minnesota Twins

2. Detroit Tigers

3. Cleveland Guardians

4. Kansas City Royals

5. Chicago White Sox

I'm going with the Minnesota Twins to win the Central after an off year in 2024. Meanwhile, I've got the three teams in this division who made the postseason last in the Royals, Guardians, and Tigers all missing out in 2025. Then we have the White Sox, who are... Well... still the White Sox. 

AL West:

1. Texas Rangers

2. Houston Astros

3. Seattle Mariners

4. The Athletics

5. Los Angeles Angeles

The Texas Rangers reclaim the crown after failing to defend their title in 2024. In the meantime, the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners secure wild cards. The Athletics and Los Angeles Angels are still just levels behind the top three in this division.

AL Playoff Seeding:

1. Boston Red Sox

2. Minnesota Twins

3. Texas Rangers

4. Baltimore Orioles

5. Houston Astros

6. Seattle Mariners

NL East:

1. New York Mets

2. Atlanta Braves

3. Philadelphia Phillies

4. Washington Nationals

5. Miami Marlins

The New York Mets have gone all-in after acquiring Juan Soto from their cross-town rivals, Yankees. With Soto in the fold, and Pete Alonso coming back, I predict they will win this highly competitive division, with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies also making the playoffs. The Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins are not yet close to those top three teams.

NL Central:

1. Chicago Cubs

2. Milwaukee Brewers

3. Cincinnati Reds

4. St. Louis Cardinals

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

After acquiring Kyle Tucker, I’m handing the Chicago Cubs the Central. The Milwaukee Brewers will be on their heels but narrowly miss the playoffs, while the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates need more time to develop.

NL West:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

2. San Diego Padres

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

4. San Francisco Giants

5. Colorado Rockies

The Los Angeles Dodgers have such a strong team that they should dominate the West again, while the San Diego Padres should secure a wild card spot. While the Arizona Diamondbacks might manage to reach the postseason, I believe the NL is simply too competitive. In the meantime, the San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies find themselves at the back.

NL Playoff Seeding:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

2. New York Mets

3. Chicago Cubs

4. Atlanta Braves

5. Philadelphia Phillies

6. San Diego Padres

Wildcard Round:

AL:

(3) Rangers vs. (6) Mariners- Mariners Win

(4) Orioles vs. (5) Astros- Orioles Win

NL:

(3) Cubs vs. (6) Padres- Padres Win

(4) Braves vs. (5) Phillies- Braves Win

Divisional Series:

AL:

(1) Red Sox vs. (6) Mariners- Red Sox Win

(2) Twins vs (4) Orioles- Orioles Win

NL:

(1) Dodgers vs. (6) Padres- Dodgers Win

(2) Mets vs. (4) Braves- Mets Win

Championship Series:

AL:

(1) Red Sox vs. (4) Orioles- Red Sox Win

NL:

(1) Dodgers vs. (2) Mets- Mets Win

2025 World Series: Boston Red Sox Beat New York Mets

I’m calling it: the Boston Red Sox will come out swinging this year, management will be super aggressive, making some big moves, and they will take down the New York Mets in the fall classic this October. The Red Sox will be your World Series Champions in 2025!