As summer nears its end, MLB fans are trying to focus on the picture that could be Autumn ball. With so many scores and stories to follow, this NL-focused article is centered around teams truly in playoff contention. Stats and rankings are provided by MLB. The scores and storylines are from the August 9, 2025, slate of games.
The Brewers continue their reign over MLB. They have the most wins in the league, and a five-game cushion atop the NL Central. The Mets, on the other hand, continue their slide, as their OPS drops to 28th in MLB over the last thirty days. They aren’t doing any favors for their respectable pitching staff. New York shortstop Francisco Lindor is part of the offensive and defensive problems. Hitting for just a .176 AVG since the All-Star Break, he also coughed up a crucial error in this game.
This loss doesn’t fare well for the Giants’ slim chance at making the MLB postseason. They are four games back of the final Wild Card spot, with the Cincinnati Reds and Mets to climb over. Recent pickup DH Rafael Devers tried to carry the team, but there’s only so much he can do with the bases empty. His line included two hits, two walks, and a homer. San Francisco’s bats have been an issue all year, currently with a .690 OPS, good for 24th. Once top-ten in team ERA, they have they have dropped to 27th over the last 30 days.
The Reds are a constant tease to their fans. They remain the immediate team outside of the NL bubble, but can’t pass the Mets for that spot, even with New York on a six-game losing streak. They played their way into buyer status at the deadline, even if they didn’t drop the largest bomb.
This game is a perfect example of both teams’ seasons. The Rangers have the best ERA on the season, but the team’s 24th-place OPS keeps them off many bet slips. The Phillies’ staff is top-five in OPS and pitcher strikeouts, talented enough to win in numerous ways. Two elite pitching staffs resulted in a low-scoring game, but the edge on offense gave Philadelphia the victory.
The Padres are four games away from losing their Wild Card spot, and 7-3 in their last ten. They are heating up at the right time, but it’s still unlikely they will catch the Dodgers atop the NL West. They are top-five in ERA, but their lackluster offense puts a lot of pressure on them.
The Dodgers continue to show the vast difference in high-end talent when comparing the AL and NL. They are outscoring the Blue Jays 14-2 in the two games so far. It may be unfair to compare teams to a unit that includes the best player of all time and the highest team payroll in MLB. Life’s not fair sometimes, just like baseball. Los Angeles continues to outpace the Padres, currently three games up in the NL West.
Cubs’ first baseman Michael Busch led the way with a three-run homer in a blowout over the Cardinals. Chicago seems destined for the top NL Wild Card spot, currently five games back for the division, but a 4.5 game cushion in the more difficult path to the World Series. With a below-average OPS and 20th-ranked ERA, it’s a miracle they are .500.
The NL division winners are almost set in stone, or at least the cement is nearly dry. The Wild Card race remains the most interesting. Chicago is all but locked into it, while five other teams within 6.5 games of each other battle it out for the final two spots.
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