The Wild Card is the postseason ticket for the best teams that didn’t win their division. It’s the second door into the playoffs: it rewards good teams that finished behind their division leader.
How it works today
Since 2022, each league sends six teams to the postseason: the three division champions plus three wild cards. Those wild cards open with the Wild Card Series, a best-of-three, to advance to the next round.
Why it matters
The Wild Card keeps more teams alive until the end: even if you don’t win your division, you can sneak in and even reach the World Series. It’s happened several times that a wild card ends up champion, proving that getting in this way is no small prize.
FAQ
How many wild cards per league?
Three per league, six total, since the 2022 playoff expansion.
Can a wild card win the World Series?
Yes, it’s happened: entering via the Wild Card doesn’t stop a team from going all the way.
