Entering its fourth year, Major League Baseball‘s new playoff format featuring the best-of-three wild card series has already created some memorable moments and impressive upsets.
Last year’s World Series participants, the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, find themselves in the extra round of games for the first time. The Yankees host the Boston Red Sox in the Bronx, the latest postseason meeting in baseball’s most storied rivalry.
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The Cincinnati Reds visit Dodger Stadium, the Chicago Cubs play the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field and the Detroit Tigers head to Cleveland to face the Guardians. Things get underway with a quadruple-header on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports MLB writers and editors see MLB’s wild card series shaking out:
Mookie Betts and the Dodgers face the Cincinnati Reds in the NL wild card series.
MLB wild card predictionsYankees vs. Red Sox
Bob Nightengale: Yankees in 3
Gabe Lacques: Yankees in 2
Jesse Yomtov: Red Sox in 3
Guardians vs. Tigers
Bob Nightengale: Guardians in 3
Gabe Lacques: Tigers in 2
Jesse Yomtov: Guardians in 2
Dodgers vs. Reds
Bob Nightengale: Dodgers in 2
Gabe Lacques: Dodgers in 2
Jesse Yomtov: Dodgers in 3
Cubs vs. Padres
Bob Nightengale: Cubs in 3
Gabe Lacques: Padres in 2
Jesse Yomtov: Padres in 2
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Andruw Monasterio of the Milwaukee Brewers is dunked with gatorade after a walk-off single in the 10th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field on Sept. 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. The win clinched a 2025 MLB postseason berth for the Brewers.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Andruw Monasterio of the Milwaukee Brewers is dunked with gatorade after a walk-off single in the 10th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at American Family Field on Sept. 13, 2025, in Milwaukee. The win clinched a 2025 MLB postseason berth for the Brewers.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Brandon Marsh and Walker Buehler of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate clinching the NL East division with a win over Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
David Robertson and Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate clinching the NL East division with a win over Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
First baseman Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after clinching the NL East division title at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Sept. 15, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber celebrates clinching the NL East division with a win over Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Harrison Bader after clinching the NL East division title after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-5 at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrates with teammates after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates to secure a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs at PNC Park on Sept. 17, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch celebrates with a victory cigar after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates to secure a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on Sept. 17, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Outfielder Seiya Suzuki and manager Craig Counsell of the Chicago Cubs celebrate the team’s 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates to clinch a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs on Sept. 17, 2025, in Pittsburgh.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Chicago Cubs poses for a photo as he celebrates the team clinching a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs on Sept. 17, 2025, after an 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell celebrates the team clinching a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs on Sept. 17, 2025, after an 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Justin Turner of the Chicago Cubs smokes a cigar to celebrate the team clinching a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs on Sept. 17, 2025, after an 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw waves to fans as he exits the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 19, 2025, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers clinched a postseason berth in the win over the Giants but honored Kershaw instead of celebrating.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates clinching the 2025 NL Central division title with a win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in St. Louis.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Abner Uribe of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates clinching the 2025 NL Central division title with a win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in St. Louis.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Sal Frelick of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates clinching the 2025 NL Central division title with a win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in St. Louis.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
A photo of former broadcaster Bob Uecker is displayed in the Milwaukee Brewers clubhouse after the Brewers clinched the 2025 NL Central division title with a win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in St. Louis.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate clinching a 2025 MLB playoffs berth at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Kevin Gausman and George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrate clinching a 2025 MLB playoffs berth at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Max Scherzer of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with teammates after they clinched a 2025 MLB playoffs berth at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Toronto Blue Jays players celebrate with manager John Schneider in the locker room after clinching a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs with a win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Toronto Blue Jays players celebrate in the locker room after clinching a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs with a win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage and teammates celebrate in the locker room after clinching a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs with a win over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres celebrates after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers to clinch a berth in the 2025 MLB playoffs at Petco Park on Sept. 22, 2025, in San Diego.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres celebrates after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers to clinch a berth in the 2025 MLB playoffs at Petco Park on Sept. 22, 2025, in San Diego.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez and catcher Freddy Fermin celebrate after the Padres clinched a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs by beating the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park in San Diego on Sept. 22, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado and infielder Jose Iglesias celebrate after the Padres clinched a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs by beating the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park in San Diego on Sept. 22, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt celebrates with players after the Padres clinched a spot in the 2025 MLB playoffs by beating the Milwaukee Brewers at Petco Park in San Diego on Sept. 22, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees celebrates in the locker room after clinching a 2025 MLB playoffs spot in a walk-off win against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 23, 2025, in New York.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees celebrates with Jose Caballero in the locker room after clinching a 2025 MLB playoffs spot in a walk-off win against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 23, 2025, in New York.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Jasson DomiÂnguez of the New York Yankees celebrates in the locker room after clinching a 2025 MLB playoffs spot in a walk-off win against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 23, 2025, in New York.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The New York Yankees celebrate in the locker room after clinching a 2025 MLB playoffs spot in a walk-off win against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 23, 2025, in New York.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after beating the Colorado Rockies to clinch a 2025 MLB playoffs berth at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 23, 2025, in Seattle.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Victor Robles of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after beating the Colorado Rockies to clinch a 2025 MLB playoffs berth at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 23, 2025, in Seattle.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson celebrates after defeating the Colorado Rockies to clinch a 2025 MLB playoffs berth at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 23, 2025, in Seattle.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
J.P. Crawford of the Seattle Mariners smokes a cigar after beating the Colorado Rockies to clinch a 2025 MLB playoffs berth at T-Mobile Park on Sept. 23, 2025, in Seattle.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Third baseman Eugenio Suarez, manager Dan Wilson and outfielder Julio RodriÂguez of the Seattle Mariners celebrate after winning the AL West division title with a win over the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Sept. 24, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Julio RodriÂguez and Victor Robles of the Seattle Mariners celebrate after winning the AL West division title with a win over the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Sept. 24, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Seattle Mariners celebrate after winning the AL West division title with a win over the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Sept. 24, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena douses catcher Cal Raleigh after winning the AL West division title with a win over the Colorado Rockies at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Sept. 24, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts celebrates with his team after they won the NL West Division crown at Chase Field on Sept. 25, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Shohei Ohtani celebrates with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates after clinching the National League West title against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 25, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their National League West championship after a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 25, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates in the locker room after winning the National League West title after a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 25, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Hyeseong Kim of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate in the locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-0 to clinch the NL West division title at Chase Field on Sept. 25, 2025 in Phoenix.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates in the locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-0 to clinch the NL West division title at Chase Field on Sept. 25, 2025 in Phoenix.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates in the locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-0 to clinch the NL West division title at Chase Field on Sept. 25, 2025 in Phoenix.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Alex Call, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate in the locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-0 to clinch the NL West division title at Chase Field on Sept. 25, 2025 in Phoenix.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Boston Red Sox’s Ceddanne Rafaela celebrates clinching a playoff spot with teammates at Fenway Park on Sept. 26, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Boston Red Sox’s Ceddanne Rafaela celebrates clinching a playoff spot with teammates at Fenway Park on Sept. 26, 2025.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox celebrates in the clubhouse after defeating the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Fenway Park to clinch a spot in the 2025 MLB postseason on Sept. 26, 2025, in Boston.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox celebrates in the clubhouse after defeating the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Fenway Park to clinch a spot in the 2025 MLB postseason on Sept. 26, 2025, in Boston.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers and clinched a playoff berth on Sept. 27 at Progressive Field
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) celebrates after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers and clinched a playoff berth on Sept. 27 at Progressive Field.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, with belt, celebrates with teammates and staff after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers and clinched a playoff berth on Sept. 27 at Progressive Field.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cleveland Guardians players celebrate after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers to secure a playoff berth on Sept. 27 at Progressive Field.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) celebrates after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers to secure a playoff berth on Sept. 27 at Progressive Field.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick celebrates after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers to secure a playoff berth on Sept. 27 at Progressive Field.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Cleveland Guardians pose for a photo after they beat the Texas Rangers to secure a playoff berth on Sept. 27 at Progressive Field.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Detroit Tigers celebrate clinching a playoff berth after defeating the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 27 at Fenway Park.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Tim Remes, Ryan Sink, Chris Chinea and Chris Paddock pose for a photo after the Detroit Tigers defeated the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 27 at Fenway Park.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Detroit Tigers assistant pitching coach Juan Nieves takes a sip of champagne after defeating the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 27 at Fenway Park.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Detroit Tigers celebrate after clinching a playoff berth after defeating the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 27 at Fenway Park.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Detroit Tigers pose for a team photo after clinching a playoff berth by defeating the Boston Red Sox on Sept. 27 at Fenway Park.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
The Cincinnati Reds pose for a team picture after clinching a playoff spot on Sept. 28.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brent Suter (31) shows his dancing skills after the Reds clinched a playoff spot on Sept. 28.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cincinnati Reds players celebrate after clinching a wild card spot on Sept. 28.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) celebrates with teammates after a win over the Tampa Bay Rays clinched first place in the American League East Division on Sept. 28 at Rogers Centre.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Toronto Blue Jays players and staff pose for a team picture after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays and clinching first place in the American League East Division on Sept. 28 at Rogers Centre.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Toronto Blue Jays players celebrate after a win over the Tampa Bay Rays clinched first place in the American League East Division on Sept. 28 at Rogers Centre.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) waves the flag after the Guardians beat the Texas Rangers and won the American League Central Division on Sept. 28 at Progressive Field.
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Must-see photos as MLB teams celebrate postseason berths and division titles
Cleveland Guardians starting pitchers Slade Cecconi and starting pitcher Gavin Williams, middle, celebrate after the Guardians won the American League Central Division on Sept. 28 at Progressive Field.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB playoff predictions and picks for 2025 wild card series bracket