The Athletic's MLB staff takes a swing at predicting which teams will meet in the World Series ... and which one will come home a champion.

The Detroit Tigers collapsed down the stretch, losing the AL Central division crown to the Cleveland Guardians. They avenged themselves Thursday with a 6-3 win, beating up on their division foes' pitching and earning a trip to Seattle and the AL Divisional Series against the Mariners.

This October, some contenders that haven't won it all in decades -- or ever -- have reason to believe this is finally their year.

For the second year in a row, the Detroit Tigers are moving on to the ALDS, in their 18th MLB playoff appearance in 125 seasons.

MLB The Show 2025 simulated the playoffs, and the Phillies won the World Series in five games over the Boston Red Sox.

The Mariners are the statistical favorites to win it all, but fans face steep resale costs for playoff seats at T-Mobile Park.

Mariners fans have a limited time to register for a chance to win ALCS and World Series ticket presale access.

The MLB playoffs continued today as three teams staved off elimination while the Dodgers beat the Reds to advance to the Division Series. The Guardians beat the Tigers, the Padres beat the Cubs, and the Yankees beat the Red Sox today to force Game 3s tomorrow in those series.