As the calendar flips to August, the playoff race is no longer a distant thought; it’s here. The Trade Deadline has passed, and the contenders are revealing themselves.
While some clubs are tightening their grip on division leads, others are pushing from the middle of the pack, looking for a late-season surge. From dominant rotations to scorching offensive runs, several teams have built serious momentum.
These squads aren’t just winning games; they’re making statements —perfect moments to explore the best baseball betting online.
Brewers Take Over the Top Spot
The Milwaukee Brewers have soared from sixth to first in the latest rankings, proving they can weather adversity. Losing Jackson Chourio to a hamstring injury could have stalled their run. Instead, the Brewers didn’t miss a beat.
That same night, every starter in the lineup recorded a hit, the eighth time they’ve done it this season, more than any team in baseball. Their balanced attack, combined with a deep bench, has made them the hottest club in the league.
With that surge, the MLB playoff odds are increasingly tilting in their favor. If their rotation continues to hold up, Milwaukee may enter October as the National League’s team to beat.
Cubs Stay Strong During Emotional Week
The Chicago Cubs slipped from first to second, but the week was about more than baseball. The passing of Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg brought an outpouring of emotion, and the Cubs honored him by wearing No. 23 uniforms.
On the field, they’ve remained competitive in the NL Central race. Depth and leadership have been key, but to retake the top spot, Chicago will need its rotation to stay sharp against division rivals, especially with the growing interest in live baseball betting online.
Blue Jays’ Rotation Gets a Boost
Toronto has held steady in third, and their late-season outlook may have just improved dramatically. The acquisition of Shane Bieber, a Cy Young winner returning from Tommy John surgery, adds a potentially elite arm to a staff already capable of dominating.
If Bieber is close to his peak form, the Blue Jays’ rotation could be the best among playoff-bound teams. Updates and insights on FanDuel suggest this is a dangerous prospect for any opponent to contemplate in a short series.
Tigers Set the AL Pace
Detroit’s grip on the AL Central remains firm. After stumbling after the All-Star break, they’ve regained control, now sitting eight games ahead in the division.
The Tigers also own the best record in the American League. Their rotation depth should help them manage August’s grind, and their ability to win both low-scoring battles and slugfests keeps them unpredictable. This balance has them looking like legitimate AL pennant contenders.
Dodgers’ Rotation Depth Returns
For most of 2025, the Dodgers’ pitching situation raised eyebrows. Now, it’s a strength again. With Blake Snell returning and Roki Sasaki still working back, Los Angeles can run out a six-man rotation that includes Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Clayton Kershaw.
This depth allows them to manage workloads while maintaining elite performance. The Dodgers’ ceiling is as high as any team’s heading into October.
Phillies’ New Closer Makes Immediate Impact
Philadelphia’s bullpen got a serious upgrade with Jhoan Duran, who earned a save in his first outing with the team. Locked up through 2028, he offers stability in the ninth inning.
The Phillies’ lineup remains dangerous, but a reliable closer could be the missing piece in tight playoff games.
Mets and Astros Eye Late Pushes
The Mets have seen Ryan Helsley find form at the right time, allowing just one earned run since mid-June.
Meanwhile, the Astros welcomed back Carlos Correa, adding postseason experience and clutch potential to their infield. Both teams have the pieces to get hot and climb in the standings.
Marlins Mirror Last Year’s Tigers
Few expected the Miami Marlins to be in the playoff picture, but they’ve stormed back to .500 with one of the league’s best records since mid-June.
Their young rotation, led by a resurgent Eury Pérez, has been the backbone of their run. With a roster full of players under 31, Miami is building energy and belief with every series win, much like the rising excitement seen in online sports betting Singapore.
Rays, Guardians, and Cardinals Keep Hopes Alive
The Tampa Bay Rays have struggled offensively since late June, but the return of key pieces to the roster keeps them in the Wild Card hunt.
The Cleveland Guardians, despite trading Shane Bieber and Paul Sewald, remain just a few games out, thanks to matchups against weaker division opponents ahead.
The St. Louis Cardinals, even after a rough July, have a young lineup capable of catching fire. All three clubs need hot streaks soon if they want to close the gap.
Royals and Reds on the Edge
Kansas City’s decision to buy at the Deadline is paying off with a winning record since July began. They’ll face plenty of AL Central opponents in the coming weeks, offering a chance to climb further.
In the NL, the Cincinnati Reds remain the most realistic challenger for the final Wild Card spot. Their mix of speed and power makes them a team that can frustrate higher-seeded opponents.
Pirates and A’s Play Spoiler
The Pittsburgh Pirates have quietly put together a strong stretch, winning eight of nine before a recent loss.
The Oakland A’s, energized by a young roster and the addition of top prospect Leo De Vries, have also been on a roll. While neither is a true contender this year, both could influence the playoff race by taking series from teams in must-win situations.
What to Watch in the Stretch Run
Momentum in August often carries into September. Teams like the Brewers, Tigers, and Blue Jays appear built for sustained success, while others, the Marlins, Royals, and Guardians, are banking on late-season surges. Depth, pitching health, and timely hitting will decide which of these hot teams can maintain their push.
The playoff picture is shifting quickly, and a few unexpected clubs are threatening to change the postseason map entirely. This year’s stretch run could deliver another underdog story, much like the Tigers’ surprise surge in 2024. All that’s left is for one of these squads to turn momentum into a ticket to October glory—just like how fans look for top sports betting sites Singapore to back their favorite dark horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Milwaukee Brewers considered the hottest team heading into the 2025 playoffs?
The Brewers have jumped from sixth to first in the latest team rankings. Their offense has stayed strong even after losing Jackson Chourio to an injury. Every starter got a hit in the same game for the eighth time this season, which is more than any other team has done. With a mix of good hitting, a deep group of players, and a strong set of pitchers, Milwaukee is now seen as the top team in the National League. This makes them a real threat heading into October.
How do the Blue Jays’ playoff chances improve with Shane Bieber’s return?
Adding Shane Bieber to their team could make Toronto’s pitching staff the best in the playoffs. Before this trade, their pitchers were already good. But Bieber, who won a top award before his arm surgery, could make them great. Even if he is not quite at his best, the Blue Jays would have enough pitchers to stop the best teams from scoring. After they got him, FanDuel’s betting odds for the team got better, which shows how one great pitcher can change things in a short playoff series.
Which underdog team could surprise fans in the 2025 MLB playoffs?
The Miami Marlins have made a big comeback and now have a winning record. They have played some of the best baseball since the middle of June. Their young pitchers, led by Eury Pérez, have been great. Pérez, for example, has had an ERA below 3.00 in his last 10 starts. Almost all the players on the team are under 31 years old, so Miami has a lot of energy. Like the Tigers did in 2024, the Marlins could surprise everyone. They have a real chance to turn their recent success into a long run in October.
