MiLB Triple-A’s Road to Vegas: The 2025 Playoff Picture

As the Minor League season winds down, the fight to represent the International League (IL) and Pacific Coast League (PCL) in the National Championship Game at Las Vegas Ballpark is reaching a fever pitch. Here’s a look at the format, the frontrunners, and the storylines driving September drama.

How the Playoffs Work

Each league (IL & PCL) crowns two half-season champions (first and second half).
The winners meet in a best-of-three League Championship Series (LCS), starting September 23.
The LCS winners square off in a single-game National Championship on September 27 in Las Vegas.
Since 2006, PCL clubs have won 10 of 17 national titles.

International League Contenders

East Division:

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders — 77-52 (.597)
Lehigh Valley IronPigs — 77-53 (.592)
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp — 77-54 (.588)
Durham Bulls — 73-56 (.566)

West Division:

Indianapolis Indians — 75-56 (.573)
Toledo Mud Hens — 74-58 (.561)
Nashville Sounds — 72-58 (.554)

Note: The IL East is a dogfight, with the RailRiders, IronPigs, and Jumbo Shrimp all chasing Vegas glory. These clubs are playoff regulars with proven track records.

Pacific Coast League Contenders

Oklahoma City Dodgers — 75-55 (.577)
Tacoma Rainiers — 75-55 (.577)
El Paso Chihuahuas — 70-59 (.543)
Round Rock Express — 64-64 (.500)

Note: OKC and Tacoma are neck-and-neck, setting up a possible tiebreaker. El Paso’s August surge means they could play spoiler if the leaders slip.

Storylines & X-Factors

Prospects & vets collide: Many contenders feature future MLB stars alongside experienced Triple-A leaders.
Winner-take-all finale: The Las Vegas championship game often produces heroes in one night.
Fan experience: Las Vegas Ballpark provides a major-league atmosphere, packed with scouts and energized fans.

Final Word: With the split-season format, every matchup matters down the stretch. Expect late twists, nail-biting finishes, and a high-stakes one-game showdown in Vegas that crowns the Triple-A champion.