In 2022, Major League Baseball revamped its playoff format to include more teams and a beefed-up Wild Card round. This new system aims to make the postseason more accessible and exciting. In this article, we will break down the updated structure, explain how teams qualify, and what fans can expect from the expanded playoffs.
What is the MLB Playoff format?
The MLB Playoff format is a structured series of stages to determine the World Series champion. It starts with the Wild Card round, featuring teams with the best records outside the division winners.
The winning teams from this round move on to the Division Series (ALDS and NLDS), which is a best-of-five contest against division champions.
Winners then advance to the League Championship Series, played in a best-of-seven format.
The league champions face off in the World Series—a final best-of-seven showdown to crown MLB’s ultimate winner.
This format makes each series a thrilling step toward baseball’s highest honor.
How many rounds are in the MLB Playoffs?
The MLB Playoffs consist of four rounds: the best-of-three Wild Card Series, the best-of-five Divisional Series, the best of 7 League Championship Series, and finally, the best-of-seven World Series.
The single-elimination Wild Card game has been replaced with a best-of-three series, where the higher-seeded team hosts all three games consecutively.
How many teams reach the MLB playoffs?
In the revamped playoff format, 12 teams make the MLB playoffs—six from both the American League and the National League. It includes the three division winners from each league, along with three Wild Card teams. The top two seeds in each league receive a bye to the Division Series, while the remaining teams compete in the Wild Card Series to advance.
When do the MLB playoffs start?
The MLB regular season started in late March this year with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the San Diego Padres. Teams play 162 games, competing within their divisions and leagues, to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Come October 1, the postseason kicks off. Twelve teams vie for glory through a series of elimination rounds, culminating in the World Series. If needed, the ultimate Game 7 will take place on November 2.
Now is the best time to bet on team odds to make MLB Playoffs and follow each team’s journey to the top.
