MLB Playoffs 2023 format, key dates, predictions and more

The 2023 MLB Playoffs may be several months, but don’t think for one second that every major leaguer isn’t thinking about the postseason already.

The only people on the planet who obsess over the MLB Playoffs more than the fans are the players. While the cliché of taking it “one game at a time” sounds nice, fans know that every single player who sets foot on a major league field this season is thinking about one thing – the postseason.

So, while it’s not even Opening Day yet, there were some alterations to the playoff format last season that some fans might have missed. As a refresher, let’s look at the 2023 MLB Playoff format, check out some key dates, and have some fun with a few predictions.

MLB Playoffs 2023 key dates

First things first, the Major League Baseball season officially begins on Thursday, March 30, 2023. The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals start the season at 1:05 PM ET, as do the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. By the end of the night, weather permitting, all 30 teams will have begun their pursuit of the Commissioner’s Trophy.

After a grueling 162-game schedule, the regular season comes to an end on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Then it’s time to buckle up for a full month of postseason action as the MLB Playoffs begin on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 with a potential Game 7 of the World Series on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

MLB Playoffs 2023 format

So, how is the MLB Playoff format different than in years past? Well, if you were paying attention last season, you would have noticed that Major League Baseball increased the number of Wild Card teams from two to three, thus creating six playoff spots in each league.

Gone is one-and-done Wild Card Game and in its place is the Wild Card Round. The two teams from each league who have the best record and won their division will be given a bye, meaning that one division winner will draw the short straw and have to compete in the Wild Card Round.

The remaining division winner (No. 3 seed) who did not receiving a bye will play the lowest-seeded Wild Card team (No. 6 seed) and will host all three games. The Wild Card team with the best record (No. 4 seed) will host the Wild Card team with the second-best record (No. 5 seed). These series are the best-of-three.

After that, comes the League Division Series. The No. 1 seed from each league will play the winner of the matchup between the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds while the No. 2 from each league will player the winner of the No. 3 and No. 6 seeds. These series will be best-of-five in a 2-2-1 format.

After that, we’re back to the usual best-of-seven League Championship Series and, of course, the best-of-seven World Series in a 2-3-2 format where the team with the best record will have home field advantage.

MLB Playoffs 2023 format

Okay, we now know when the MLB Playoffs begin and how the tournament is formatted. So, without further ado, let’s get into some predictions, shall we?

National League

First-round byes: Atlanta Braves (1), Los Angels Dodgers (2)

Wild Card Round: Milwaukee Brewers (3) vs. San Diego Padres (6)

Wild Card Round: New York Mets (4) vs. Chicago Cubs (5)

American League

First-round byes: Toronto Blue Jays (1), Houston Astros (2)

Wild Card Round: Minnesota Twins (3) vs. Los Angeles Angels (6)

Wild Card Round: New York Yankees (4) vs. Cleveland Guardians (5)