The National League Division Series (NLDS) in Major League Baseball is a pivotal moment in the postseason, determining which two teams advance to the National League Championship Series.
Since its inception, the NLDS has evolved, especially with the introduction of the wild card system in 1994 and the addition of a second wild card team in 2012. These changes have made the playoff race more intense and unpredictable.
In the 2020 season, the format saw a temporary expansion due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with eight teams from the National League qualifying for a best-of-three series.
This adjustment highlighted the league’s adaptability and the excitement that multiple playoff formats can bring.