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Excitement rises for 7 playoff moments in 2025 as October baseball explodes back into view. These picks matter now because every Game 1 sets momentum and postseason margins are razor thin. One surprise: a two-way start could reshape how teams deploy stars in October. If you loved last year’s chaos, which of these moments will you bet your bracket on?
Why these 7 playoff moments will shape October 2025 for fans
- Shohei Ohtani starts Game 1 and leads off for the Dodgers on Oct 4, 2025; impact: historical two-way debut.
- Cal Raleigh chases 60 HRs at home; impact: Seattle’s first home playoff victory chase.
- Dodgers rotation vs. Phillies lineup on short rest; impact: how long starters must carry innings.
- Yankees-Blue Jays Game 1 (Gil vs. Gausman) could swing an ALDS on day one.
The 7 picks that redefine postseason narratives this October 2025
1 – Shohei Ohtani’s two-way Game 1: can one man tilt a series?
Ohtani will both start and hit leadoff in NLDS Game 1, a first in modern postseason history. That combination forces Philly to plan for him as a starter and an everyday bat. Watch pitch count and lineup usage closely. This is must-see baseball. If he’s sharp, the Dodgers get a massive psychological edge.
2 – Will Cristopher Sánchez crack Ohtani’s code at Citizens Bank Park?
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Sánchez has to face an opponent he scouted from both dugouts. The Phillies’ game plan will test how quickly they can adjust to a two-way opponent. Expect aggressive catcher calls and early bullpen contingency plans. How Philly handles the first two innings will show their October composure.
3 – Phillies crowd, home energy and the home-park multiplier (watch the atmosphere)
Philadelphia’s postseason crowd can turn late innings into a sixth player; that matters against high-leverage relievers. Home advantage may force extra pitching moves and create chaotic late-game win probability swings. Fans – bring earplugs and snacks.
4 – Yankees vs Blue Jays Game 1: a matchup that could decide an ALDS
Luis Gil’s command questions versus Kevin Gausman’s steadiness make this Game 1 a chess match. Judge’s recent heater (.419/.576/.730 vs. Toronto) adds urgency for the Blue Jays to find answers. One win here tilts the series; one bad bullpen day ends it. Which bench moves will you notice first?
5 – Tigers’ Skubal strategy: can Detroit steal a pivotal non-Skubal game?
Detroit’s path hinges on Tarik Skubal starting Game 2 and possibly Game 5 on full rest; Game 1 is the toss-up. The Tigers must sneak a win on the road to flip odds. If they steal one early, underdog narratives explode. Small ball and bullpen matchups matter here.
6 – Cal Raleigh’s 60-HR chase and Seattle’s home-victory drought
Cal Raleigh enters October with 60 HRs, and Seattle seeks its first home playoff win since 2001. That combination makes every Mariners at-bat feel like a swing at history. Expect intentional walks, shifted defenses, and highlight-chasing swings late. Will Safeco/ T-Mobile Field finally host a playoff party?
7 – Rotation depth vs bullpen fatigue: which teams survive October innings?
Dodgers lean on starters (Ohtani, Snell, Yamamoto) while other teams hope bullpens hold up. ESPN noted the defending champs labored with injuries and roster fatigue all season. The team with the longest, most reliable starter outings gains matchup leverage. Who has the depth to avoid a bullpen cliff?
The key figures behind these playoff surprises in 2025
| KPI / Metric | Value + Unit | Change/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ohtani homers | 55 HR | Heavy lineup power entering October |
| Cal Raleigh season | 60 HR | Forces opponent pitching adjustments |
| Dodgers regular wins | 93 W | Lower than 2024, still top contender |
The picks that make this postseason feel like the start of something bigger
Each pick above creates a narrative thread that can break a series in a single game: a two-way start, a 60-HR chase, a Game 1 upset. If you value pitching depth, focus on starters’ projected innings. If you crave drama, watch for late-innings crowd influence and bullpen usage. Which of these seven moments will you be texting about tomorrow morning?
Sources
- https://www.mlb.com/news/game-1-storylines-for-2025-division-series
- https://www.mlb.com/news/power-rankings-entering-2025-postseason
- https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46466643/mlb-2025-playoffs-los-angeles-dodgers-repeat-champions-world-series-challenges
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Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.