MLB Postseason Insights: Splitter Usage and Aggressive Base-Running Trends

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As the dust settles on another wild MLB postseason, the 2025 playoffs gave us a ton to chew on. From shocking upsets to jaw-dropping individual feats, this year’s postseason really delivered.

Let’s dig into what stood out from the 2025 MLB postseason—what shaped the outcomes, and maybe, what it all means for baseball’s future. If you want the full breakdown, check out the article on the lessons learned from the 2025 MLB postseason.

Table of Contents

The Underdog Triumphs: A Season of Surprises

This postseason? Full of surprises. Teams no one expected much from came out swinging and flipped the script.

Wildcard teams, in particular, made some serious noise and rattled the top seeds. That’s just baseball—unpredictable, sometimes maddening, always fun.

Wildcard Wonders

Wildcard teams were everywhere this year. Why did they do so well?

Momentum: Wildcard squads rolled into the playoffs hot, fighting tooth and nail just to get there.
Pitching Depth: Deep rotations and bullpens let them hang with, and sometimes outlast, the favorites.
Clutch Performances: Their big names showed up when the lights were brightest.

Pitching Dominance: The Key to Victory

Pitching ruled the 2025 postseason. Teams with loaded, flexible staffs just shut down even the best offenses.

Honestly, it’s a reminder—if you want to win, you’ve got to invest in arms and build a smart pitching plan.

Ace Performances

Aces put their teams on their backs. They handled pressure like it was nothing.

Complete Games: Some starters went the distance, giving their bullpens a break and keeping things steady.
High Strikeout Rates: Big strikeout numbers helped them keep hitters quiet.
Low ERA: The best arms just didn’t give up runs, period.

Offensive Breakouts: Bats That Made a Difference

Pitching might have stolen the show, but a few hitters made sure we didn’t forget about offense. The right hits at the right time changed everything.

Clutch Hitters

Some players just live for the big moment. They made the most of every chance.

Timely Home Runs: Late-inning bombs swung games in a hurry.
Consistent On-Base Percentage: Guys who kept getting on base kept the pressure on.
Multi-Hit Games: A handful of players just couldn’t stop hitting when it counted.

Defense Wins Championships: Fielding Prowess

Defense mattered—a lot. Teams that flashed the leather found ways to win tight games.

Gold Glove Performances

We saw some unreal defensive plays this postseason.

Spectacular Catches: Outfielders laid out for catches that saved runs.
Infield Mastery: Infielders turned double plays with crazy speed and accuracy.
Defensive Versatility: Some players switched spots and still played lights-out defense.

Managerial Mastery: Strategic Decisions

Managers made their mark, too. The right call at the right time—lineups, pitching moves, defensive tweaks—often swung the game.

Key Managerial Moves

Some decisions really stood out.

Optimal Lineup Construction: Mixing power and contact hitters in just the right way.
Timely Pitching Changes: Pulling a starter before things unraveled, or trusting a reliever in a tight spot.
Defensive Shifts: Putting fielders where hitters least wanted them.

Future Trends

Some trends might pop up soon, and honestly, it’s always hard to predict exactly how things will shake out. But here’s what seems likely:

Increased Focus on Pitching: Teams keep investing in both starting and relief pitching. Depth matters more than ever.
Emphasis on Versatile Players: Managers want guys who can help on offense and defense. Flexibility just gives more options.
Advanced Analytics: Data keeps shaping decisions. Teams lean on analytics to tweak their strategies and maybe get that edge.

The 2025 MLB postseason brought plenty of drama and surprises. The game keeps shifting, doesn’t it?

If you’re curious and want a deeper dive, the full article on the lessons learned from the 2025 MLB postseason is worth a read.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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