The October stage is set, and with it comes fresh debate over MLB’s controversial playoff rule that often punishes the top seed instead of rewarding them. Under the current format, the No. 1 seed must face the winner of the 4 vs. 5 Wild Card matchup, while the No. 2 seed gets the winner of the 3 vs. 6 series. That setup has created an awkward imbalance in this year’s American League Division Series.

The Seattle Mariners, the AL’s No. 2 seed, will host the Detroit Tigers. The M’s earned a bye after winning 90 games and the AL West division title, and their opponent, the Tigers, won 87 games and upset the Cleveland Guardians to advance.

On the other side, the Toronto Blue Jays, who claimed the No. 1 seed with 94 wins and a first-round bye, must face the New York Yankees, who also won 94 ga

See Full Page