Even a division title may not guarantee a smooth ride through the opening playoff round, as the postseason format currently grants byes to the two top seeds. The Brewers appear well positioned to claim one of those byes, with the NL Central club in strong shape to secure a spot. The winner of the NL West could just as easily grab the other bye, creating a two-by-two battle for advance.
Brandon Nimmo is among those who don’t view the bye as a significant edge, suggesting that rest and preparation don’t automatically translate into postseason success. Still, the Mets aren’t standing pat, as they remain focused on earning one of the byes and improving their postseason footing.
The dynamic adds extra intrigue to the late-season stretch, with teams like Milwaukee and the NL West contenders balancing the pursuit of the best seed against the practical realities of a long playoff grind. Fans should watch not only win totals but how teams manage momentum and rest as October approaches.
Summary: The two-byes setup keeps the race tight, with the Brewers and the NL West winner jockeying for the top seeds, while Nimmo and the Mets underscore that a bye is desirable but not a guaranteed advantage.
Additional note: This setup emphasizes the importance of finishing strong down the stretch and maintaining peak performance as teams prepare for a potentially extended playoff run.