Tank's 2025 ALCS and NLCS Preview

American League Championship Series

• 1. Toronto Blue Jays vs. 2. Seattle Mariners
• Blue Jays in 6

In the history of Major League Baseball, 29 of 30 franchises have played in at least one World Series. The lone exception is the Seattle Mariners. This will be the Mariners' fourth appearance in the ALCS, and their first since 2001. In their nearly 50-year history, the Mariners have sailed through turbulent waters, as they did not post a winning record in their first 14 seasons. Their first playoff appearance in 1995 saved baseball in Seattle, but they have struggled to get over the hump. This includes 2001, when they won 114 games in the regular season, tying an MLB record.

The Toronto Blue Jays entered the American League at the same time as the Mariners. After struggling for their first five years, the Blue Jays became contenders, winning three division titles between 1985 and 1991. Finally, in 1992, they went to their first World Series, becoming the first Canadian team to win baseball's World Championship. Toronto repeated in 1993 but has not returned to the Fall Classic since, losing back-to-back ALCS appearances in 2015 and 2016. 

Neither team made the playoffs in 2024, but finished as the top two teams in the American League. The Mariners expended a lot of energy beating the Tigers in the ALDS as Game 5 went 15 innings, while the Blue Jays dominated the Yankees, winning in four games. The Blue Jays are clicking, as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a monster series against the Yankees, going 9-for-17 with three home runs and nine RBI.  With the Mariners' pitching spent in the Division Series, Toronto has a significant advantage. Seattle could get a boost late in the series if Bryan Woo can go, but they will have to survive the first two games in Toronto. The Jays' edge appears to be too much to overcome as they reach the World Series in six games, extending Seattle's drought to 50 years.  

Mark Blinch. Getty Images.

• ALCS MVP:
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays

National League Championship Series 

• 1. Milwaukee Brewers vs. 3. Los Angeles Dodgers
• Dodgers in 5

After winning the World Series with a dominant October, the Los Angeles Dodgers seemed to improve by adding Blake Snell and strengthening their bullpen. The season was not easy for the team in blue, as they experienced their ups and downs, especially in the bullpen, where they struggled to hold leads in the final two months of the season. Injuries also ravaged their starting staff. Despite the struggles, the Dodgers' lineup was again their strength as Shohei Ohtani had another MVP season and even became one of the best starting pitchers in September. After a quick sweep of the Reds in the Wild Card, the Dodgers took out the Phillies in four games, as their bullpen pitched well in the Division Series, with starters taking over out of the pen, giving the Dodgers an air of invincibility. 

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The Brewers were the top team in MLB in 2025, winning a franchise record 97 games. The Brewers were not expected as they struggled over much of the first two months, following a heartbreaking loss to the Mets in the Wild Card in 2024. The Brewers also lost several key players, including closer Devin Williams, and star slugger Willy Adames. However, calling themselves the Average Joes, the Brewers played inspired baseball, won the Central Division, and held the home-field edge throughout the playoffs. The Brewers got to the NLCS by beating the arch-rival Cubs in five games. However, if they are to reach the World Series for the first time since 1982, they will have to step up their game. 

The Dodgers have the championship pedigree and experience. While they seemed to be in cruise control for most of the 162-game season, the Dodgers have been built for October. For the first time this season, the Dodgers are firing on all cylinders, getting strong starting pitching and timely hitting, and the bullpen that faltered now appears to be hitting its stride. They were the favorites when the season began, and that never changed despite their ups and downs. Expect this series to be over quickly, as the Dodgers are on the verge of becoming a dynasty. 

MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images. Getty Images.

• NLCS MVP:
• Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers