MLB Power Rankings Week 25: The Brewers, Phillies & Cubs Clinch — But Who’s Next In This Wild Playoff Race?

Saturday, September 20, 2025  Read time3 min

SAEDNEWS: Three teams have clinched their playoff spots, but with just 11 days left in the 2025 MLB season, the race for the final nine berths has turned into absolute chaos — here’s where every contender stands.

MLB Power Rankings Week 25: The Brewers, Phillies & Cubs Clinch — But Who’s Next In This Wild Playoff Race?

⚾ MLB Power Rankings Week 25: Chaos, Clinchers & Contenders

With only 11 days remaining in Major League Baseball’s regular season, the playoff picture is finally starting to take shape — but the drama is far from over. The Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs have already locked in their postseason berths, yet nine coveted spots remain up for grabs. And if this past week’s action was any indication, we’re in for a nerve-shredding finish.

From the Mariners’ jaw-dropping surge to the Mets’ painful stumble, the 2025 MLB Power Rankings (Week 25) reflect not just who’s hot and who’s not, but which clubs could alter October’s destiny in dramatic fashion.


🔥 Brewers Still on Top — But Can They Stay There?

Brewers

  • Record: 93–59

  • Previous Ranking: 1

The Milwaukee Brewers were the first team to clinch this season, yet their mission is far from complete. With the Phillies breathing down their necks, Milwaukee must fight to hold onto the NL’s top seed — a crucial advantage in any potential NLCS clash. They’re also chasing history, needing just a few more wins to break their franchise record of 96 victories.


🦅 Phillies Are October-Ready

Phillies

  • Record: 91–62

  • Previous Ranking: 2

The Philadelphia Phillies locked down their second consecutive NL East title in dramatic fashion, fueled by Kyle Schwarber’s 53rd home run and Rafael Marchan’s ninth-inning heroics. Their celebrations may have been raucous, but make no mistake — this team looks laser-focused on October glory.


🔵 Blue Jays: The Scariest Team in Baseball?

Blue Jays

  • Record: 89–63

  • Previous Ranking: 5

The Toronto Blue Jays have a 95.6% chance of winning the AL East (FanGraphs), and their rotation depth is enviable. With Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Max Scherzer, and rookie Trey Yesavage ready, Toronto is not just playoff-bound — they’re terrifying. Other teams may have stars, but the Jays have depth that screams championship pedigree.


⚡ Dodgers Facing West Coast Showdown

Dodgers

  • Record: 85–67

  • Previous Ranking: 3

The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite Shohei Ohtani’s continued stardom, are under pressure. The battle for the NL West crown could decide everything — from seeding to home-field advantage. If they slip, they might be forced into a dangerous first-round clash with the surging Cubs at Wrigley Field.


🐻 Cubs: The Wild Card Nobody Wants to Face

Cubs

  • Record: 88–64

  • Previous Ranking: 7

The Chicago Cubs secured their playoff ticket with a win over Pittsburgh, but they’re not done. Sitting in strong position for the top Wild Card, the Cubs’ offense is warming up at just the right moment. If Pete Crow-Armstrong finds his first-half form again, this team could make a deep run.


🚀 Mariners Soar, Mets Crash

  • Seattle Mariners (83–69, ↑ from 12): Cal Raleigh’s 56th home run tied Ken Griffey Jr.’s franchise record, while Dominic Canzone’s 5-for-5, 3-HR night cemented Seattle’s 10-game winning streak. Suddenly, Aaron Judge’s AL record of 62 homers looks reachable for Raleigh. The Mariners are officially the hottest team in baseball.

    Seattle Mariners

  • New York Mets (78–74, ↓ from 11): A brutal losing streak nearly knocked them out of contention. Pete Alonso’s walk-off homer was a lifeline, but the Mets remain on shaky ground. With rookies Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat carrying the rotation, their October dreams rest on inexperienced shoulders.

    New York Mets


🐅 Tigers, Yankees, Red Sox Still in the Mix

  • Detroit Tigers (85–67): Behind Tarik Skubal, the Tigers are playoff-bound, though their rotation depth remains a question mark.

    Detroit Tigers

  • New York Yankees (85–67): Shortstop drama looms, with Anthony Volpe battling for his future as George Lombard rises in the system.

    New York Yankees

  • Boston Red Sox (83–69): Rookie Roman Anthony’s injury has stalled their offense. Without him, Boston is suddenly vulnerable.

    Boston Red Sox


⚔️ Battle for the AL Wild Card

The Astros, Rangers, Guardians, and even the Diamondbacks are fighting for survival. Houston’s injury woes continue, while Cleveland’s quirky run keeps them just alive. Arizona, meanwhile, has climbed back into contention thanks to Geraldo Perdomo’s breakout season.


📉 Teams Slipping Out of Focus

  • San Francisco Giants (76–76): Bryce Eldridge’s debut is a silver lining in an otherwise lost playoff chase.

  • Kansas City Royals (76–76): Salvador Perez hit career milestones, but October baseball isn’t in the cards.

  • Baltimore Orioles (72–80): Officially eliminated, ending a season of dashed expectations.

  • Colorado Rockies (41–111): Their season is defined by fan loyalty — averaging nearly 30,000 per game despite 111 losses.


🏆 What to Watch in the Final 11 Days

  • Top seeds on the line: Brewers vs. Phillies in the NL, Blue Jays vs. Dodgers in their leagues.

  • Wild Card madness: Mariners, Mets, Guardians, and Diamondbacks could all swing the playoff picture.

  • Records within reach: Cal Raleigh chasing Judge’s AL HR record, Brewers chasing 97 wins, Pete Alonso trying to keep the Mets alive.