Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

MLB Wild-Card Expansion: 12 Teams, New Playoff Format

9/25/2025

50 11

Summary

Story summary

Since 2022, MLB awards three wild-card spots per league, for 12 playoff teams, in a best-of-three series.
The wild-card began in 1995, evolving from one to two teams per league.
In 2020, the postseason expanded to 16 teams, debuting the best-of-three wild-card series.
Wild-card teams include the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds; eight wild-card clubs have won the World Series.

1 of 1

Story summary

Since 2022, MLB awards three wild-card spots per league, for 12 playoff teams, in a best-of-three series.
The wild-card began in 1995, evolving from one to two teams per league.
In 2020, the postseason expanded to 16 teams, debuting the best-of-three wild-card series.
Wild-card teams include the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds; eight wild-card clubs have won the World Series.