MLB Division Series remains strong for Dodgers, less so elsewhere

The Los Angeles Dodgers are delivering some of the strongest postseason audiences in recent years, but the broader MLB playoff viewership is lagging. The Division Series averaged 3.27 million viewers through Monday, a 3% decline from the same point last year. Game 1 of the Dodgers-Atlanta Braves series on Fox attracted 5.37 million viewers, the highest Division Series Game 1 since the Yankees-Red Sox matchup in 2018.

Despite this, overall MLB viewership remains weak outside of the Dodgers. Game 1 of the Yankees-Tampa Bay Rays series, the second-most-watched postseason game of the weekend, averaged 3.51 million viewers, down 25% from last year's Dodgers-Phillies game. Even the Dodgers saw a drop in Game 2 against the Braves, with 3.33 million viewers, a 6% decline from last year's Tigers-Mariners game and 38% less than last year's Dodgers-Phillies Game 2.

The San Diego Padres-Milwaukee Brewers series also had a mixed performance, with Game 1 averaging 2.5 million viewers, down 18% from last year's Tigers-Mariners game, but up 14% from last year's Brewers-Cubs opener. Game 2 of the series was essentially flat with last year's Yankees-Blue Jays game. Championship games for the Chicago White Sox-Cleveland Guardians and Tigers-Mariners averaged 2.1 million and 3.05 million viewers respectively, both flat or slightly down from last year's numbers.

As competition from college football and the NFL eases, the upcoming MLB playoff games on Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to see improved ratings.