One lesson each MLB postseason team learned in 2025

Fourteen teams entered the 2025 MLB postseason with the hopes of winning the World Series. Now only two are left as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays prepare for Game 1 of the Fall Classic on Friday night.

While 12 teams fell short of reaching the World Series, there were still lessons learned this postseason that could benefit them in 2026. Here are the harsh truths each club realized, with teams listed in alphabetical order.

Boston Red Sox: Stability after chaos can yield results

After the shocking decision in mid-June to trade DH/3B Rafael Devers, the Red Sox's ability to find enough stability to make the playoffs shows organizational resilience. However, another big bat in the wild-card round might have made a significant difference.

Chicago Cubs: Making the playoffs is step one; being competitive is step two

The Cubs' first postseason appearance since 2020 and first in a full season since 2018 shows progress, but getting knocked out in the NLDS suggests there is much more work to do to find success deep into October.

Cincinnati Reds: Getting to the playoffs is great, but you must be ready to compete

Under manager Terry Francona's leadership, the Reds showed promise, but getting swept by the Dodgers showed they weren't quite postseason-ready. For a franchise that hasn't won a playoff series since 1995 — the longest active drought in MLB — ending that kind of skid requires more than just making it; you also have to perform.

Cleveland Guardians: Homegrown development can carry you far, but it's not everything

With 17 homegrown players (the most of any playoff team), Cleveland proved their farm system works. That said, the Guardians' wild-card round exit shows they must supplement with strategic acquisitions to compete for championships.

Detroit Tigers: Don't blow leads late in the season

The Tigers' stunning late-season collapse that nearly cost them a playoff spot is a cautionary tale. Even with Tarik Skubal looking like the best pitcher in the American League, you can't coast into the postseason in August or September.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Financial advantages plus star power can dominate

Making their 13th consecutive postseason appearance, the Dodgers showed their deferred-money strategy and massive payroll can work. Shohei Ohtani's three-homer performance in Game 4 of the NLCS exemplifies how elite talent can make an impact in October.

Milwaukee Brewers: Regular-season dominance means nothing if you can't perform in October

Earning the NL's top seed and home-field advantage throughout the postseason only to get swept by the Dodgers in the NLCS is devastating. The Brewers' 1-3 franchise record in championship series appearances shows they haven't yet figured out how to win when the stakes are highest.

New York Yankees: Star power alone doesn't guarantee October success

Despite Aaron Judge's MVP-caliber season and strong postseason production, the Yankees' early exit shows that balanced roster construction and timely hitting matter more than individual brilliance in the postseason.

Philadelphia Phillies: Four straight postseason appearances don't guarantee a pennant

Despite being built heavily through free agency and trades, the Phillies couldn't get past the Dodgers in the NLDS, the latest in a string of postseason disappointments. Playoff experience is valuable, but you need to capitalize on your window while it's open.

San Diego Padres: Lack of power can be fatal in October

Ranking 28th in MLB with just 152 regular-season homers and a .390 slugging percentage (lowest among NL playoff teams) proved problematic. Even with stars like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., you need consistent offensive production to win in the postseason.

Seattle Mariners: Protect home-field advantage when it matters most

Despite starting the ALCS with wins at Rogers Centre and taking a 2-0 series lead, Seattle couldn't close out the series in the Pacific Northwest. The painful lesson? Early leads mean nothing if you can't finish, especially when your pitching-centric identity requires shutdown performances in elimination games.

Toronto Blue Jays: Trust your core and finish strong

After winning the division on the final day of the regular season, the Blue Jays showed that clutch performance matters. Overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Seattle to win the ALCS in seven games proves that resilience and belief can overcome early adversity.