The 2025 MLB regular season is entering its most critical stretch. With fewer than 80 games remaining, the playoff race is beginning to solidify—but plenty can still change. 

Several teams have separated themselves, not only through wins, but through strong run differentials, dependable pitching, and momentum at the right time. From dominant leaders to surging challengers, these seven clubs are shaping the MLB playoff picture.

1. Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers are having a breakout season and sit atop the standings at 58–34. Their +110 run differential is the second-highest in the league and underscores just how balanced this team is. At home, they’ve been nearly untouchable with a 31–14 record, and their pitching staff continues to exceed expectations by limiting opponents to 351 runs across 92 games. 

A five-game win streak and 8–2 stretch over their last 10 games suggest this isn’t a fluke—they’re in it for the long haul. For a franchise that hasn’t sniffed serious October contention in nearly a decade, this surge feels like a reset.

The Tigers have quietly assembled a roster capable of handling adversity, with timely hitting and a reliable bullpen. If their rotation holds steady, Detroit could secure a top seed in the American League and even challenge for the league’s best overall record by season’s end.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

At 56–36, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain a dominant force in the National League. No team has scored more runs than L.A.’s 501, and their +69 differential reflects a lineup that punishes mistakes. They’re an imposing 33–17 at home, but a four-game losing streak has temporarily cooled their momentum. Still, their depth—especially offensively—keeps them well-positioned for a playoff run.

What sets this Dodgers team apart isn’t just talent, but postseason experience. Many of their core players have been through deep October runs, and that matters when games tighten. 

It’s no surprise that fans and analysts alike are closely watching this team. For those following futures markets or betting on the baseball playoff odds, the Dodgers remain a popular pick. If the pitching staff stabilizes, Los Angeles could quickly reassert itself as the NL's top threat.

3. Houston Astros

The Houston Astros have the fewest runs allowed among top contenders, giving up just 332. With a 55–36 record and a +69 run differential, they continue to thrive by controlling the pace of games. Their home record (32–15) shows how hard it is to win at Minute Maid Park, while a 7–3 stretch in their last 10 games highlights their consistency.

Houston’s postseason experience and organizational stability are major assets. They've mastered the art of peaking late, and their pitching staff has been quietly excellent. If they can stay healthy and avoid a second-half drop-off, the Astros are fully capable of reaching another ALCS—or further.

4. Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs own the best run differential in Major League Baseball at +126 and are 54–36 overall. Their success is built on balance—strong run prevention, reliable power hitting, and the ability to win at home (30–16) or on the road. Seven wins in their last 10 outings reflect a club firing on all cylinders.

This version of the Cubs looks far more complete than recent iterations. The rotation is holding up, and the bullpen has limited blow-ups. They’re still within reach of the league’s top overall seed and have quietly positioned themselves as a serious threat in the NL. The MLB playoff picture won’t be complete without them.

5. Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are heating up fast. At 53–38, they’ve won nine of their last ten and have a firm grip on a playoff spot. While their +16 run differential isn’t eye-popping, their ability to win tight games and post a 32–16 home record makes them highly competitive. They’ve allowed just 404 runs—a sign that their pitching is doing enough to keep them in every contest.

Their recent surge hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Phillies have become a recurring topic in MLB news as one of the league’s most quietly dangerous contenders. Momentum may be their biggest weapon right now. If the offense catches up to their pitching over the next few weeks, Philadelphia could emerge not just as a Wild Card lock but a serious NL title threat.

6. Toronto Blue Jays

With a 53–38 record and riding a 9–1 surge, the Toronto Blue Jays are one of the hottest teams in baseball. Their +16 run differential may not jump off the page, but their execution in high-leverage moments has carried them. A 32–16 home record shows they protect their turf well, and their overall trajectory is upward.

This team feels dangerous because of its timing. They’ve found rhythm in July and are capitalizing on weak opponents while staying competitive against stronger teams. If they keep climbing, Toronto could make a late push for the AL East crown or a home Wild Card series, which could be a major factor given their record at Rogers Centre.

7. New York Mets

The New York Mets enter the playoff conversation with a 52–39 record. However, their 5–5 stretch over the past 10 contests shows some recent hiccups. The pitching rotation has remained steady, and clutch hitting in high-leverage situations has often tipped the scales in their favor.

What makes the Mets compelling is their potential for a second-half leap. Their core veteran presence—combined with emerging talent—can deliver impact performances down the stretch. If they can find balance between offense and pitching and tighten up their bullpen, New York has the pieces to swing decisively.

Next Steps in the MLB Playoff Journey

The tightest playoff races lie within the American League wild card field, where Detroit, Houston, Toronto, New York, Tampa Bay, Seattle, and Boston are all within striking range. In the National League, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia have separated themselves, though the chase for seeding remains fierce.

Look for late-season pitching depth, trade deadline moves, and individual player surges to shift standings. Expect drama, momentum swings, and maybe one or two surprise squads crashing October’s party. The 2025 MLB playoff picture is evolving and there’s plenty of excitement ahead.

*Content reflects information available as of 08/07/2025; subject to change.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we maintain and update our existing Top 50 lists annually.  As such, we are delighted to present our post-2024 revision of our top 50 Cincinnati Bengals.

As for all of our top 50 players in football, we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Bengals were led by an explosive offense featuring Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, but the defense let them down, and Cincinnati was unable to make the playoffs, finishing with a 9-8 record.  There was one new entrant, and multiple elevations based on last year’s season.

As always, we present our top five, which remains unchanged in that ranking.

1. Anthony Munoz
2. Ken Anderson
3. Geno Atkins
4. Ken Riley
5. Boomer Esiason 

You can find the entire list here. 

Superstar Quarterback Joe Burrow rocketed from #36 to #19.  Burrow was fourth in MVP voting in 2024.

Burrow’s prime weapon, Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, also has a substantial increase by going from #49 to #25.  Chase earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl last year.

Defensive star Trey Henrickson jumped to #26 from #50.  He was last year’s Defensive Player of the Year’s runner-up.

The lone new entry is Wide Receiver Tee Higgins.  He comes in at #45.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

This is interesting.

Carol Kaye, who was selected by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 Class

In a now-deleted Facebook post, the 90-year-old Kaye said the following:

“People have been asking: NO I won’t be there.  I am declining the RRHOF awards show (and denny tedesco process…turning it down because it wasn’t something that reflects the work that Studio Musicians do and did in the golden era of the 1960s Recording Hits…you are always part of a TEAM, not a solo artist at all…there were always 350-400 Studio Musicians (AFM Local 47 Hollywood) working in the busy 1960s and called that ONLY…since 1930s, I was never a “wrecker” at all…that’s a terrible insulting name.”

Kaye is referring to the famed “Wrecking Crew”, a slew of session musicians who were used on countless hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

This does not mean that Kaye will not be inducted; she will likely be inducted regardless of whether she shows up or not.  Recently, Dolly Parton declined the Hall of Fame election, feeling that she did not meet the criteria, but she was quickly convinced to reconsider.  Decades ago, the Sex Pistols also refused their induction, though they were enshrined anyway.

As always, the Rock Hall will always provide drama!

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