How Many Teams Make the MLB Playoffs? A Complete Guide
Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of America’s most cherished sports, and its postseason—known as the MLB playoffs—brings thrilling moments every October. A common question among fans, especially those new to the sport, is, “How many teams make the MLB playoffs?” In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the number of teams that qualify, explain the playoff structure, and provide insights into how the system has evolved. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this article has everything you need to understand the MLB postseason.
How Many Teams Qualify for the MLB Playoffs?
As of the 2025 season, 12 teams make the MLB playoffs each year. This format was introduced in 2022, expanding the postseason field from the previous 10-team structure. Here’s the breakdown:
- Six teams from each league: The MLB consists of two leagues—the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). Each league sends six teams to the playoffs.
- Division Winners: Each league has three divisions (East, Central, and West), and the winner of each division automatically qualifies, making up three of the six spots per league.
- Wild Card Teams: The remaining three spots in each league are filled by Wild Card teams—the three teams with the best records among non-division winners.
This 12-team format ensures a mix of division champions and strong wildcard contenders, creating a more competitive and exciting postseason.
What Is the Structure of the MLB Playoffs?
The MLB playoffs are structured in multiple rounds, with the 12 qualifying teams competing for the World Series title. Here’s how the postseason unfolds:
- Wild Card Series: The three Wild Card teams in each league, along with the lowest-seeded division winner (the No. 3 seed), face off in a best-of-three series. The matchups are:
- No. 3 seed (lowest division winner) vs. No. 6 seed (lowest Wild Card).
- No. 4 seed (top Wild Card) vs. No. 5 seed (second Wild Card). The top two division winners (No. 1 and No. 2 seeds) receive a bye and advance directly to the next round.
- Division Series (ALDS/NLDS): The winners of the Wild Card Series join the top two seeds in a best-of-five series.
- Championship Series (ALCS/NLCS): The winners of the Division Series compete in a best-of-seven series to determine the AL and NL champions.
- World Series: The AL champion faces the NL champion in a best-of-seven series to crown the MLB champion.
This structure means that 12 teams start the postseason, but only one emerges as the World Series winner.
How Has the MLB Playoff Format Evolved Over Time?
The number of teams in the MLB playoffs has changed significantly over the years:
- Pre-1969: Only two teams qualified—the champions of the AL and NL—who went straight to the World Series.
- 1969–1993: Four teams made the playoffs, with the AL and NL each split into two divisions (East and West). Division winners advanced to the League Championship Series (LCS).
- 1994–2011: The introduction of the Wild Card brought the total to eight teams (four per league), with one Wild Card team per league joining the three division winners.
- 2012–2021: The playoff field expanded to 10 teams, with two Wild Card teams per league competing in a single-game Wild Card playoff.
- 2022–Present: The current 12-team format was introduced, adding a third Wild Card spot per league and creating the Wild Card Series.
The expansion to 12 teams has made the postseason more inclusive, giving more franchises a shot at glory. Want to know which teams have dominated the playoffs? Check out these iconic Team Names that have left their mark on MLB history.
Why Was the MLB Playoff Field Expanded to 12 Teams?
The decision to expand the MLB playoffs to 12 teams in 2022 was driven by several factors:
- Increased Competition: More teams in the playoffs keep the regular season competitive, as more franchises remain in contention late in the year.
- Fan Engagement: A larger postseason field creates more opportunities for dramatic moments, boosting fan interest and viewership.
- Revenue Growth: Additional playoff games mean more ticket sales, TV deals, and merchandise revenue for MLB and its teams.
While some traditionalists argue that a larger playoff field dilutes the importance of the regular season, the expanded format has generally been well-received for its excitement and inclusivity.
How Many Teams Are in the MLB Total?
To put the playoff numbers in context, the MLB consists of 30 teams—15 in the American League and 15 in the National League. With 12 teams making the playoffs, that means 40% of MLB teams qualify for the postseason each year. This percentage is higher than in some other major sports, like the NFL (14 out of 32 teams, or 43.75%), but lower than the NBA (20 out of 30 teams, or 66.67%).
Conclusion: The MLB Playoffs in a Nutshell
So, how many teams make the MLB playoffs? The answer is 12—six from the American League and six from the National League, including division winners and Wild Card teams. This format, introduced in 2022, has brought more excitement and opportunity to the MLB postseason, culminating in the iconic World Series. Whether you’re rooting for a division champion or a scrappy Wild Card team, the MLB playoffs offer something for every baseball fan.
Have more questions about the MLB playoffs or team histories? Drop a comment below, and explore our other guides for more insights into America’s pastime!