The MLB playoffs are a postseason tournament that annually determines the league champion. Established in 1969 with the advent of the League Championship Series (LCS), the playoff structure grew to include a Division Series (LDS) in 1995 after the introduction of a Wild Card team. As of 2024, the format accommodates 12 teams, six representing the American League (AL) and six from the National League (NL).
This lineup features three division winners and three Wild Card teams from each league. The competition begins with the Wild Card Series, progresses to the Division Series, continues through the League Championship Series, and ultimately culminates in the World Series. Dating back to 1903, the World Series is MLB’s premier championship event that matches up champions from both leagues in a best-of-seven series. The New York Yankees boast an unparalleled record of 27 World Series titles, followed by the St. Louis Cardinals with 11 championships and then by the Los Angeles Dodgers with seven titles.
MLB Playoffs games
The total number of games in the MLB playoffs can vary based on each series, with a minimum of 27 games and a maximum of 53 if all series reach their full length. The postseason kicks off with the Wild Card Series, formatted as a best-of-three, allowing up to three games in each matchup. Next is the Division Series (LDS), where teams face off in a best-of-five format, which could result in five games per set. Following that are both the League Championship Series (LCS) and World Series, structured as best-of-seven formats that could extend to seven games.
With 12 teams participating in these playoffs, there are four Wild Card Series (which may involve up to 12 games), four Division Series (allowing for as many as 20 possible games), two League Championship Series (up to 14 potential matches), and one World Series (with the possibility of seven more).
MLB World Series games
The MLB World Series is a best-of-seven competition held each year between the champions of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). This structure allows for a minimum of four games and a maximum of seven to determine the victor. The first team that secures four wins in the series earns the title of World Series champion. If one team manages to win all their games, the series ends in just four matches; however, it can stretch to seven if both teams are closely matched, with each securing three victories.
Traditionally, the format for the World Series has been organized as 2-3-2. In this setup, the team with home-field advantage plays host for the initial two games and any potential final two games, while their rivals host games three through five if necessary. Home-field advantage is awarded to whichever team boasts a superior regular-season record, a policy introduced in 2017. Before this change, from 2003 until 2016, home-field advantage was determined by which league triumphed in the MLB All-Star Game.
FAQs on MLB playoffs
A. A total of 12 teams participate in the MLB playoffs, six from the American League (AL) and six from the National League (NL).
A. The playoff format was expanded to include 12 teams starting in the 2022 season.
A. Home-field advantage in the World Series is awarded to the team with the better regular-season record.
A. A team needs to win four games in the best-of-seven series to win the World Series.
A. The minimum number of games is 27 if every series ends as quickly as possible.
