MLB Playoffs Achieve Best Ratings Since 2017 Ahead of Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series
The 2025 MLB playoffs have brought the drama, excitement, and adrenaline that fans crave, and the ratings are reflecting the intensity on the field. With the Los Angeles Dodgers set to face off against the Toronto Blue Jays in what promises to be a thrilling World Series, the postseason has already seen a significant surge in viewership, marking the highest ratings since 2017.
Major League Baseball has announced that across 40 postseason games, the average viewership has reached an impressive 4.48 million viewers per game. This represents a 13% increase from the previous year’s playoff numbers, and it stands as the most-watched MLB postseason since 2017. This surge comes as the league continues to refine its approach to broadcasting, streaming, and international engagement, showcasing the growing global appeal of baseball.
While the ratings have been strong across the board, the increase in viewership can largely be attributed to the heightened drama in both the American League and National League Championship Series, as well as the international stars participating in the postseason. The 2025 MLB playoffs have brought in record numbers from fans in Canada, Japan, and the United States, making the spectacle feel truly global.
Record-Breaking Numbers for the Toronto Blue Jays
Perhaps no team has benefitted more from the uptick in viewership than the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays’ run to their first World Series appearance since 1993 has drawn enormous interest, particularly from their home country of Canada. The Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), where the Blue Jays eliminated the Seattle Mariners to punch their ticket to the Fall Classic, set a new record for the most-watched Blue Jays game ever on Sportsnet.
An astounding six million viewers tuned in across Canada for this historic matchup, driving the game’s total viewership to 15.03 million when combined with audiences on the Fox family of networks and streaming platforms. This made it the most-watched ALCS game since 2017, reflecting not just the Blue Jays’ return to the World Series but also the growing importance of Canada’s national pastime in the broader baseball landscape.
The ALCS series itself saw significant spikes in viewership, especially in Canada, where the combined average viewership was 9.39 million. This marked a 60% increase compared to last year’s ALCS, which featured the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Guardians. A longer series like the ALCS typically garners better ratings, and this year’s contest was no exception. The Blue Jays’ strong performance, coupled with the anticipation of their return to the World Series after 32 years, turned the ALCS into an unmissable event for baseball fans.
Japan and the Dodgers: The Ohtani Factor
On the other side of the globe, the National League Championship Series (NLCS) also benefitted from increased viewership, thanks to the international appeal of Shohei Ohtani, who has captivated fans worldwide. Ohtani’s dominant performance in the NLCS has played a key role in boosting MLB ratings, especially in Japan, where his every move on the field is followed by millions.
The Dodgers’ sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS didn’t just make waves in the U.S.; it was a huge draw for Japanese fans, who watched Ohtani’s performances closely. In fact, 7.34 million viewers in Japan tuned in to watch the series, marking a 26% increase from the previous year’s NLCS. For MLB, these international ratings are crucial as they demonstrate the growing global interest in baseball, especially as Ohtani’s star continues to shine brighter than ever.
Ohtani’s unforgettable Game 4 performance, where he hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters, reached an astounding peak of 10.26 million viewers in Japan alone. The sheer excitement of watching one of baseball’s brightest stars deliver such a memorable performance had fans on the edge of their seats, not just in Japan but across the globe. His ability to dominate both on the mound and at the plate makes every at-bat and every pitch an event, further driving global attention to the Los Angeles Dodgers as they make their way to the 2025 World Series.
Impact of Global Stars and International Markets
The 2025 postseason has been a reminder of how important international stars like Shohei Ohtani and the Toronto Blue Jays are to the global growth of the game. MLB has been making significant strides in its efforts to expand its reach to international markets, and the current playoff ratings reflect those efforts paying off. With Ohtani and the Blue Jays playing key roles in the postseason, MLB’s global footprint has never been more visible.
Canada has long been a loyal baseball market, but the performance of the Blue Jays in recent seasons has reinvigorated the fanbase, which has always been among the most passionate in the league. The team’s first World Series appearance in over three decades has sparked a renewed excitement for the sport, and the ratings are proving it. With baseball’s growth in Asia, particularly in Japan, where Ohtani’s stardom is unparalleled, the 2025 postseason has demonstrated just how much MLB’s reach has expanded beyond North America.
The Road to the World Series: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays
As the 2025 World Series approaches, all eyes will be on the matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. Both teams boast high-powered offenses, standout pitching staffs, and a host of international talent, including Ohtani’s two-way brilliance for the Dodgers and the star power of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette for the Blue Jays. This promises to be a World Series that draws even more eyeballs both in North America and internationally.
The Dodgers, who have been a perennial powerhouse in the National League, will be looking to add to their already impressive legacy, while the Blue Jays will be aiming to bring the title back to Canada for the first time since 1993. With stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Ohtani for the Dodgers, and the aforementioned Guerrero and Bichette leading the charge for the Blue Jays, the series promises to be a showcase of baseball’s best talent.
The Future of MLB Playoff Viewership
The strong ratings for the 2025 MLB playoffs are a sign of the league’s increasing popularity, particularly with international fans. The performances of players like Ohtani and the deep run of the Toronto Blue Jays have brought attention to the sport in ways that haven’t been seen in recent years. For MLB, this is an encouraging trend that could lead to even higher ratings in future postseasons, particularly as the league continues to push for a global audience.
As the 2025 World Series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers draws closer, fans are eager to see how this historic matchup unfolds. With the spotlight now shining on these two teams, the world will be watching, and the ratings will likely continue to soar as the sport of baseball continues to evolve into a truly global game.