The Los Angeles Dodgers are always a force to be reckoned with, but their path to the 2025 World Series could be paved with home-field advantage, depending on how the playoffs unfold! Despite dominating the National League West for the fourth straight year (and 12 out of the last 13 seasons!), the Dodgers didn't quite achieve the historic MLB wins record many predicted. They secured the third-best record among NL division winners, which meant they had to start their title defense in the Wild Card Series.
The Dodgers finished with a respectable 93-69 record, the fifth-best in baseball, needing a late-season surge to get there.
Even so, the Dodgers boast the longest active postseason streak in MLB, reaching the playoffs for 13 consecutive years. This impressive run ties them with the New York Yankees (1995-2007) for the second-longest streak of all time. The Atlanta Braves hold the record with 14 straight seasons from 1991-2005.
Given the current playoff picture, several scenarios could see the Dodgers with home-field advantage in both the NL Championship Series and the World Series. Let's break it down:
2025 NLCS Scenarios
- Dodgers vs. Cubs: If the Chicago Cubs pull off a comeback against the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS, the Dodgers would have home-field advantage. The Cubs finished the season with a 92-70 record, just one game behind the Dodgers. Game 1 of the NLCS would be at Dodger Stadium on Monday, October 13th.
- Dodgers vs. Brewers: If the Brewers, who had the best record in baseball at 97-65, eliminate the Cubs, they would have home-field advantage throughout the entire postseason. In this case, the Dodgers would play Game 1 of the NLCS in Milwaukee.
2025 World Series Scenarios
- Dodgers vs. Blue Jays: If the Dodgers reach the World Series for a second straight year and face the Toronto Blue Jays, they would not have home-field advantage. The Blue Jays edged out the Dodgers with a 94-68 record, the fourth-best in baseball.
- Dodgers vs. Mariners: The Seattle Mariners are in the ALCS for the first time since 2001. If the Dodgers face the Mariners in the World Series, they would have home-field advantage. The Dodgers' late-season sweep of the Mariners at T-Mobile Park secured them a better record, giving them home-field advantage in a potential World Series matchup. Game 1 of the World Series would be at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 24th.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Dodgers' ability to secure home-field advantage hinges on several factors, including their performance and the outcomes of other teams' games. And this is the part most people miss... The Dodgers' regular-season performance, especially their late-season winning streak, has put them in a position to potentially host crucial playoff games.
What do you think? Do you believe home-field advantage is a significant factor in the playoffs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
