How do the MLB playoffs work?

The Major League Baseball playoffs have evolved over the past 50 years. Until 1969, neither the National League nor American League had a playoff system. Instead, the first-place team in each league met in the World Series. (Prior to 1969, if teams finished tied as league champion, they met in a tie-breaker game or best-of-three games series.)

In 1969, each league broke up into two divisions: East and West. The winner of each league division met in a best-of-five games league championship series, with the winner advancing to the World Series. The best-of-five games format for the league championship series lasted from 1969-84. In 1985, each league went to a best-of-seven games format.

When did MLB add a wild-card playoff team?

Beginning in 1995, the AL and NL each expanded to three divisions apiece — East, West and Central — instead of two divisions. The playoffs consisted of the division winners plus a “wild-card” spot — the team with the next-best record in the league after the division champs. Teams played in a best-of-five division series in each league, with the winners advancing to the championship series. This system lasted from 1995-2011. (The change would have begun in 1994, but because of a players' strike, the season ended Aug. 11, 1994. The playoffs and World Series were not held that season.)

What is the 'wild-card showdown'?

Before the 2012 season, the league added an additional wild-card spot for each league — a one-game “wild-card showdown.” The wild-card team with the best record plays host to another wild card. The winner advances to play in the best-of-five games division series.