The Final Stretch: Who Will Rule September?

With less than a month remaining in the 2025 MLB regular season, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape, but there’s still plenty of drama left to unfold. From division battles to wild-card races, September promises to be a thrilling month for baseball fans. Here’s what our panel of ESPN experts predicts for the final stretch.

Who Will Finish with the Best Record?

The Milwaukee Brewers are the clear favorites, holding MLB’s best record as they enter September. With a $115 million roster built for success, the Brewers have shown no signs of slowing down. Their balanced production across all positions and a favorable remaining schedule make them the team to beat. As Bradford Doolittle notes, “They’re on track to win about 100 games, and their run differential supports that pace.”

Playoff Projections: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Of the 12 teams currently projected for the playoffs, 15 out of 16 experts believe all 12 will make it. However, David Schoenfield predicts the Kansas City Royals could sneak in, potentially ousting the Seattle Mariners. The Royals’ strong performance in July and August, combined with a manageable schedule, could give them the edge. A critical three-game series against the Mariners in mid-September could decide their fate.

AL No. 1 Seed: Tigers or Blue Jays?

The Detroit Tigers are the overwhelming choice to secure the top seed in the American League. Their easier schedule compared to the Toronto Blue Jays gives them a slight advantage. However, Eric Karabell believes the Blue Jays’ late-season surge and strong rotation could propel them past the Tigers. “The Blue Jays are peaking at the right time,” he says.

NL Second Bye: Dodgers, Phillies, or Padres?

In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers are favored to secure the second first-round bye, despite injuries and slumps plaguing their star players. Alden Gonzalez explains, “The Dodgers believe their best baseball is still ahead of them.” Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are flying under the radar but remain a strong contender, thanks to their deep roster and recent acquisitions.

NL West Showdown: Dodgers vs. Padres

The Dodgers are heavily favored to win the NL West, but Buster Olney believes the San Diego Padres could pull off an upset. “The Padres are all-in, playing every game like it’s Game 7,” he says. With a bolstered bullpen and a sense of urgency, San Diego could challenge Los Angeles for the division title.

AL West Battle: Astros vs. Mariners

The Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners are neck-and-neck in the AL West. While the Astros have the pedigree and a healthier roster, the Mariners’ elite starting rotation could give them the edge. A late-September series between the two teams could decide the division.

Rockies’ Struggles Continue

The Colorado Rockies are on pace for a historically bad season, with experts predicting they could lose up to 118 games. Their struggles against playoff-bound teams and reliance on younger players make September a daunting month for the franchise.

Bold Predictions for September

• Tim Kurkjian: Seattle’s Cal Raleigh will hit 60 home runs.
• Eric Karabell: Phillies’ prospect Andrew Painter will dominate in September.
• Jesse Rogers: The Astros will win the AL West.
• Buster Olney: The Padres will overtake the Dodgers in the NL West.

As the season winds down, every game matters. Whether it’s a race for the playoffs or a battle for seeding, September is set to deliver unforgettable moments in the 2025 MLB season.