Major League Baseball playoffs currently include two wild card teams from each league that earn the right to compete in a sudden death wild card game to determine who advances to the League Division Series. The wild card format was introduced in MLB postseason play in 1995 as a way to add more excitement and expand the number of teams that qualify for the playoffs each year beyond just the division winners.
Prior to 1995, only the two league division champions from the American League East, AL West, National League East, and NL West would qualify for the postseason each year. This meant only 4 out of the 26 MLB teams at the time made the playoffs. Introducing wild card spots created more opportunities for teams to make the playoffs and added drama by giving more borderline clubs something to play for down the stretch.
Initially, there was only one wild card team per league. The wild card clubs would then face off in a single-game playoff with the winner advancing to play one of the league’s division champions in the best-of-five League Division Series round. This wild card format remained in place through 2011. As MLB expanded and more teams were added to each league, the number of wild card spots was increased to address competitive balance concerns.
Beginning in 2012, Major League Baseball added a second wild card club per league, expanding the wild card round to include two single-elimination games – one in each league. The teams with the best records among the non-division winning clubs in each league would host the one game playoffs against the clubs with the second best records. The winners then move on to the LDS, while the losers see their seasons end in a do-or-die winner-take-all contest.
This two wild card format allowed an additional two teams into the MLB postseason each year. It also created new excitement and relevance for more clubs down the stretch as they chased one of the top two wild card spots rather than just the single wild card berth. With more at stake late in the season, fan bases were given new hope and interest was maintained even for teams that fell out of divisional races.
The two wild card game format has remained in place through the 2021 MLB season. It gives a total of 10 teams (3 division winners and 2 wild cards from each league) a shot at winning the World Series in the current playoff setup. Having wild card rounds determined by single-game playoffs rather than series also intensifies the dramatic do-or-die aspect of just getting into the postseason for non-division winning teams.
While some fans and analysts have voiced concerns about the two wild card teams not having to face the one-game challenge in years their league has four strong clubs, most agree the extra spots have been a competitive and financial success for MLB. They have led to increased attendance and television viewership for wild card games. The uncertainty of single-elimination also raises the ante and suspense for both teams and fans compared to having a series cushion to rally in.
The introduction and expansion of wild card spots has without question been viewed as a hugely positive change for Major League Baseball. It has created more meaningful games down the stretch, gave additional franchises playoff chances, and substantially boosted the profile and excitement level of the entire postseason. Going forward, as the league considers future playoff changes or format tweaks, maintaining and potentially expanding wild card opportunities will surely remain a high priority given their resounding acceptance and success since 1995.
