National League Playoff Picture: Who’s In, Who’s Out After August Shake-Ups?

By Oliver Wiener August 06, 2025 09:33

As of early August 2025, the National League playoff picture is shaping up into a fiercely competitive race with several teams jockeying for position following recent August shake-ups. Division leaders hold slim margins while several wild-card contenders remain firmly in the hunt, setting the stage for an intense run to the postseason.

The NL East remains tightly contested, with the Philadelphia Phillies perched atop the division with a roughly 64-48 record and just a half-game lead over the New York Mets, who are close behind at about 63-50. Both teams have shown resilience and star power, with Phillies’ offense firing on all cylinders and Mets leveraging a balanced attack. The Miami Marlins, despite sitting at around 55-56, still hold wild-card hopes if they can sustain momentum in the coming weeks .

In the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers lead with a strong 68-44 record, enjoying a comfortable advantage but remaining wary of challenges from the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs hold a tight second spot (approximately 65-47), while the Reds and St. Louis Cardinals linger just a few games back at near 59-54 and 57-57, respectively. The Cardinals, in particular, have been rallying after midseason struggles and are looking to capitalize on key divisional series to claw back into the post-season conversation .

Out West, the Los Angeles Dodgers maintain control of the NL West division with a 65-48 record. Trailing closely behind are the San Diego Padres (around 62-51) and the San Francisco Giants (about 57-57). The Padres have impressed with their ability to win tight games and maintain an aggressive lineup, while the Giants continue to lean on their pitching staff to keep the gap narrow .

Current wild-card slots feature a mix of the Cubs, Mets, and Padres, with the Reds, Cardinals, and Giants lingering just outside the cutline but within striking distance setting up a nail-biting battle over the final stretch. Each game in August thus holds outsized importance for shaping who clinches a postseason berth .

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol recently expressed optimism about his team’s chances, “We know the road ahead is tough, but the fire in our clubhouse hasn’t dimmed. These late-season games at Busch are where legends are made, and our guys are ready to push hard.” Marmol’s confidence echoes the team’s improved form, particularly at home, which remains a critical advantage in their drive to remain playoff viable .

From a statistical angle, the Brewers lead the league in wins with 68 but must maintain focus as other contenders close the gap. Philadelphia and the Dodgers hold division leads but faces pressure from tight chasing packs. The wild-card race features volatile positions with teams separated by slim margins, making consistency and clutch performance paramount .

The takeaway: The National League playoff chase after the recent August shake-ups is wide open, intensifying drama and making every game a must-watch. With divisions tightly packed and wild-card candidates pushing hard, fans can expect electrifying baseball through September, building to a thrilling playoff kickoff. Teams like the Cardinals, Reds, Mets, and Padres embody the unpredictable excitement that defines late-season NL baseball, making the run-in one of the most compelling of the year.

In summary, who’s in and who’s out remains uncertain in the National League, but division leaders Phillies, Brewers, and Dodgers appear strong, while the wild card hunt is fierce among a half-dozen teams poised to battle until the final week of the regular season.

This dynamic playoff picture highlights not only the stakes but the high level of competition, underscoring why baseball enthusiasts should stay tuned closely to the National League’s unfolding drama.