The 2022 MLB playoffs are here, with a new format that’s … actually good! That’s right, Major League Baseball did something really smart and it’s going to result in a thrilling postseason.
A whopping twelve teams reached the postseason with a chance to win a World Series title, and the whole thing is set up with a bracket that we’ll get into below.
You might be wondering about the Wild Card format — remember those one-gamers that we all were lukewarm about? That’s changed! — and who gets byes and all of that. We’ll answer it all with a guide to the new-look MLB playoffs.
Here's the format with the differenes
It’s gone from 10 teams to 12.
That’s three division winners and three Wild Cards in the American League and National League, and the format is bracket style.
What does the bracket look like?
Here you go:
Think you can fill out a perfect #postseason bracket?
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(MLB x @FTX_Official) pic.twitter.com/XC4bPzIkvt
— MLB (@MLB) October 6, 2022
The No. 1 seeds are, of course, the best records in each respective league. The 2s and 3s are the next best records as division winners. Seeds 4 through 6 are the best records of Wild Card teams.
The No 1s and 2s get byes, like in the NFL. And the middle Wild Card teams face off, while the No. 3 seed faces the worst Wild Card team by record.
Wait, what happened to one-game Wild Card playoff contests?
Gone! The higher seed will host the lower seed in a best-of-three series that will send the winner to the next round.
Is there reseeding?
Nope! The bracket rules all! Some people aren’t happy about it.
The #2 seed has a huge advantage this year. The MLB needs to introduce playoff reseeding next season. pic.twitter.com/WU4o0Kk8Xn
— Yankees Daily (@YankeesDaily_) September 14, 2022
The 111-win Dodgers will face either a 101-win team or an 89 win team.
The 101-win Braves will face either a 93-win team or an 87-win team.
MLB really needs to either reseed or recognize a wild-card team could be better than a division winner.— Jack Baer (@JFordBaer) October 6, 2022
How long are Division Series matchups?
It’s a best-of-five, with the top seed hosting a Game 5 if necessary.
Are the LCSes and World Series any shorter?
Nope! Best-of-seven as usual!
