Curtis Granderson is no stranger to October baseball. The three-time All-Star and postseason veteran isn’t shy about sharing his opinions, and this year he’s put his thoughts in ink–well, on Instagram. In his 2025 postseason bracket, Granderson mapped out who he sees advancing through the Wild Card, Division Series, and beyond. His predictions mix safe bets with bold swings.
It’s always fascinating to see how former players view the playoff picture. They tend to prioritize clubhouse intangibles and bullpen depth over regular-season dominance, and Granderson’s bracket reflects that.
And if some fans wonder whether there’s a hint of bias sprinkled in, that’s fair too–after all, Granderson suited up for the Tigers, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, Brewers, and Cubs, meaning he has ties to a good portion of this year’s postseason field. His path has twists, upsets, and a final showdown that few fans outside Wisconsin might have forecast.
Wild Card Round
In the American League Wild Card, Granderson sees the Astros facing the Tigers and the Blue Jays taking on the Red Sox. He expects the Tigers to overcome Houston’s playoff experience, leaning on their balanced attack and opportunistic bullpen. In the other matchup, he’s picking the Red Sox to hold off Toronto, setting the stage for a classic AL East battle later in the bracket.
Over in the National League, Granderson predicts a pair of heavyweight contests. He has the Cubs meeting the Padres and the Dodgers lining up against the Mets. The Mets’ top-end pitching intrigues him enough to see them advancing, while he expects the Cubs to grind past San Diego with a mix of timely hitting and steady relief. By the end of the round, his postseason landscape already favors a few surprises.
Division Series Drama
The Division Series often separates hot streaks from true contenders, and Granderson’s bracket reflects that. In the ALDS, he projects the Tigers to face the Mariners and the Red Sox to battle the Yankees. In his view, Detroit has enough grit to outlast Seattle in a tightly contested series, while the Yankees’ power will eventually overwhelm Boston in an AL East showdown. That sets up a Tigers–Yankees ALCS matchup loaded with storylines.
In the NLDS, Granderson expects the Phillies to meet the Mets and the Brewers to take on the Cubs. His bracket tips toward Philadelphia in the first matchup, giving credit to their postseason pedigree and relentless lineup. But it’s Milwaukee that truly captures his imagination. He believes the Brewers’ rotation and bullpen will neutralize the Cubs and set them up for a deep run.
Championship Series
Granderson’s ALCS pits the Tigers against the Yankees, two franchises with rich October histories. He gives Detroit the edge here, pointing to their ability to manufacture runs and play cleaner baseball when the pressure mounts. His pick may surprise those who view the Yankees as perennial favorites, but Granderson clearly believes in Detroit’s makeup.
On the National League side, he has the Phillies against the Brewers. While Philadelphia boasts plenty of playoff experience, he sides with Milwaukee, arguing that pitching wins in October and the Brewers have the arms to carry them.
World Series: Brewers on Top
In Granderson’s bracket, the 2025 World Series comes down to the Tigers and Brewers. It’s a Midwestern showdown that might not have been the most obvious pick when the season began, but Granderson sees it as the logical endpoint of his predictions. He gives the Brewers the crown, forecasting that their pitching depth and ability to control games on the mound will outweigh Detroit’s scrappy approach.
Picking Milwaukee to win it all is a statement–one that emphasizes the value of balance, depth, and execution over flash and payroll. With the best record in baseball, the Brewers have a strong chance at getting its first World Series Championship win.
Former Tiger Curtis Granderson Reveals How He Sees the 2025 Playoffs Unfolding