2023 MLB playoff format explained: how many teams, wild cards, games...
The 2023 MLB playoffs kick off this week with four Wild Card ties, as eight teams battle it out to make it through the postseason’s initial stage. From there, MLB’s title contenders must negotiate two more playoff rounds if they’re to reach North American baseball’s championship decider - the World Series - in late October. At that point, the two franchises still standing in the postseason will go head to head to lift the Commissioner’s Trophy as 2023 champions. Who won the World Series last year? The Houston Astros are the reigning kings of MLB , having beaten the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series a year ago and secure the second title in their history. The Astros are back in the postseason in 2023 - and will bid to become the first team to retain the MLB championship since the New York Yankees’ ‘three-peat’ between 1998 and 2000. Full screen The Houston Astros are defending their MLB title in this year's playoffs. CHRIS CODUTO AFP How many teams are in the 2023 MLB p...