Judging 2025 MLB playoffs: Team to beat, top October ace, more - ESPN

What an incredible first two weeks of the 2025 MLB playoffs we've had. There was the instant classic 15-inning Game 5 of the American League Division Series between the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners, sending Seattle to its first American League Championship Series since 2001. We saw the Philadelphia Phillies be eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers on a bases-loaded error in the 11th inning. We watched the Toronto Blue Jays stomp past the New York Yankees with a barrage of scoring.

Now, we're in the early stages of the league championship series and down to the final four teams: one team that is trying to make history with back-to-back titles, two teams trying to win their first title and one team trying to bring back its glory days of the early 1990s.

The Mariners surprised everyone by going into Toronto and winning the first two games. The Dodgers held on to a slim lead to take Game 1 in Milwaukee. Let's take stock of October so far with an edition of Real or Not, looking at storylines on the teams still alive and those that have been eliminated.

Verdict: Real

Look. They're the defending champs. They have a rotation of All-Stars. They have Shohei Ohtani. They seem to have found a closer in Roki Sasaki. They are the favorite to win it all. Just listen to a few statements Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy made Sunday:

«The Dodgers are a powerhouse, what can you say?»

«I happen to think that Mookie Betts is one of the most underrated stars — I say 'underrated,' that's kind of crazy, right? But I don't think Mookie Betts gets the credit.»

«Freddie Freeman is like my favorite person, player in the game. He's ruined Brewers history many times, but I still love him.»

«My impressions as a pitcher is that [Ohtani is]