Every October, baseball takes center stage in America. For casual fans, it can feel like the regular season’s 162 games are just the warm-up for the real show: the MLB Playoffs. But if you’ve ever wondered how do baseball playoffs actually work? — you’re not alone. The format has changed over the years, and keeping track of Wild Card games, Division Series matchups, and League Championships can be confusing. Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy postseason baseball like a pro.
The Basics of the MLB Playoffs
Regular Season Leads to Postseason
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162 Games: Every MLB team plays a long regular season, competing for wins within their division.
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30 Teams: Split into two leagues — the American League (AL) and the National League (NL).
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Top Teams Advance: At the end of the season, the best teams qualify for the playoffs.
Expanded Playoff Format
In 2022, MLB expanded its postseason, giving fans even more October action:
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12 Teams Total: Six from the AL and six from the NL.
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Division Winners & Wild Cards: Three division winners and three Wild Card teams per league.
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Byes for the Top Two: The best two division winners in each league skip the Wild Card Round.
Breaking Down the Rounds
1. Wild Card Series (Best of 3)
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Teams ranked No. 3 vs. No. 6 and No. 4 vs. No. 5 in each league.
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All games are played at the higher seed’s ballpark.
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First to win two games advances.
2. Division Series (Best of 5)
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The No. 1 seed faces the winner of the No. 4 vs. No. 5 Wild Card Series.
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The No. 2 seed faces the winner of the No. 3 vs. No. 6 Wild Card Series.
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First to win three games moves on.
3. League Championship Series (Best of 7)
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AL and NL champions are decided here.
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Matchups follow a 2-3-2 home-field format (first two games at the higher seed’s stadium, next three at the other, final two back at the higher seed).
4. The World Series (Best of 7)
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The American League Champion faces the National League Champion.
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Same 2-3-2 format.
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Winner is crowned World Series Champion — the ultimate prize in baseball.
Why the MLB Playoffs Are So Special
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High Stakes: After a 162-game grind, every pitch counts.
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October Drama: Legendary walk-offs, clutch home runs, and unexpected underdogs make postseason baseball unforgettable.
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Recent Example: The 2023 Texas Rangers’ magical run showed how even Wild Card teams can fight their way to a championship.
FAQs About MLB Playoffs
Q: How many games do you need to win the World Series?
A: Four wins in the best-of-seven series.
Q: Do all division winners get home-field advantage?
A: No — it depends on overall records within the league.
Q: How long do the playoffs last?
A: Usually from late September to early November, about a month of nonstop baseball.
Conclusion
Now that you know how the baseball playoffs work, you’re ready to follow every inning with confidence. Whether your team is a powerhouse or a Wild Card underdog, October baseball is about passion, drama, and history in the making. So grab your cap, your glove, and settle in for the most exciting month on the MLB calendar.