ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 5: Jose Altuve #27 of the Houston Astros runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Globe Life Field on September 5, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. Altuve hit a home run in each of his first three at bats. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
If the MLB playoffs began today, this is how they would look:
American League 1: Detroit Tigers
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 21, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Brandon Vallance/Getty Images)
American League 2: Houston Astros
May 23, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Jose Altuve (27) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
American League 3: Toronto Blue Jays
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 3: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after hitting an RBI double during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on June 3, 2023 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
National League 1: Los Angeles Dodgers
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – MARCH 20: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a single in the 3rd inning during the 2024 Seoul Series game between Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres at Gocheok Sky Dome on March 20, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
National League 2: Chicago Cubs
Mar 29, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker (30) hits a two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
National League 3: Philadelphia Phillies
Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
AL Wild Card 1: New York Yankees
Mar 27, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) follows through on an RBI double against the Milwaukee Brewers during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
AL Wild Card 2: Tampa Bay Rays
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 26: Junior Caminero #1 of the Tampa Bay Rays at bat during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on September 26, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Rutherford/Getty Images)
AL Wild Card 3: Seattle Mariners
Apr 19, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) hits a double against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
NL Wild Card 1: New York Mets
Apr 2, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a three-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the eighth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
NL Wild Card 2: Milwaukee Brewers
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MAY 11: Freddy Peralta #51 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch during the fifth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field on May 11, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
NL Wild Card 3: San Diego Padres
Jun 9, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) hits a rbi double during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
