MLB in September
Major League Baseball’s National League is in full swing — fraught with tight races, surprising triumphs, and heartbreaking collapses. If you thought the regular season was predictable, buckle up. The 2025 NL chase is delivering drama, and for many fanbases, it’s one of those seasons you’ll talk about for years. Below, I’m going to break down what’s going right, what’s gone horribly wrong, and where things might head in the final stretch.
What’s Going Right: Success Stories
1. The Brewers’ Resurgence
Despite losing some big pieces in the offseason — managerial changes, the loss of Corbin Burnes, injuries to key pitchers like Brandon Woodruff — the Milwaukee Brewers have quietly built a strong case for being among the NL’s best. SB Nation Their depth has been impressive: strong defense, smart baserunning, and contributions up and down the roster have powered a run where they’ve flipped a rough start into serious contender status. SB Nation
2. Phillies Locking in the NL East
At least as of mid-September, the Philadelphia Phillies are positioning themselves well for the postseason. A solid stretch of wins, strong pitching outings, and healthier roster dynamics have pushed them closer to clinching. Reuters+2MLB.com+2
3. Giants & Reds Heating Up
The San Francisco Giants and Cincinnati Reds have both made noise recently. The Giants have crept within striking distance in the Wild Card picture, while the Reds have shown flashes of “still alive” baseball — timely hitting, quality starts, and simple fundamentals. Y
The Collapses & Meltdowns
1. Mets’ Freefall
New York entered with high expectations — at times, the best record in baseball. But they’ve hit a rough patch. Multiple losing streaks, bullpen inconsistency, and trouble scoring with runners in scoring position have all contributed. It’s exposed fragility. Their Wild Card grip is tenuous. M
2. Dodgers’ Weekend Woes
Los Angeles has had one of those weekends that makes fans sweat. They lost a series, blew leads, saw potential no-hitters slip away. Even with star power, the margin for error is shrinking in September, and the Dodgers are feeling it.
3. Reds’ Missed Opportunities
Cincinnati has had its moments, but their inability to capitalize — especially with runners in scoring position — has cost them dearly. Losses to non-contenders and wasted innings are starting to add up.
The Wild Card Picture & Division Races: Who’s Teetering, Who’s in Firm Control
- The NL East seems to be tilting toward the Phillies, although the Mets are still technically in the hunt. The margin is closing.
- In the NL Central, the Brewers appear to be in the driver’s seat, especially after their surge.
- The NL West remains volatile; the Dodgers’ weak stretches are giving teams breathing room to challenge, but consistency is still king.
- Wild Card spots are becoming clearer — Giants and Reds are knocking, Mets are slipping, and every game matters. Yahoo Sports+2Reuters+2
What to Watch in the Final Stretch
- Bullpens — Teams with shaky relief arms are going to be exposed as the pressure mounts.
- Injury reports — Key players going down now could drastically change matchups.
- Head-to-head series — When contenders face each other, those games will likely decide who gets in and who watches.
- Momentum — Confidence matters. Teams like the Brewers, riding a wave, versus teams like the Mets, sliding, show how psychological factors matter almost as much as talent.
Conclusion
The 2025 NL race is giving us a lot to chew on — and for fans, it’s why September (and October) is so addictive. Success stories like the Brewers and Phillies are shining, while collapses from the Mets and Dodgers remind us of how thin the margin is between glory and heartbreak in baseball. As things wind down, every pitch, every swing, every managerial decision could tip the balance.
If you’re a fan of a team still in it: stay hopeful, stay loud. If you’re on the edge: savor the moments. This is what baseball’s best drama is made of.