Every MLB postseason, there is always a home run, hit, or play that becomes unforgettable. Many of them are etched in fans’ memories as something they will never forget. Some are remembered as the most clutch or dramatic, showing how the MLB playoffs consistently create timeless moments.
In 2025, it has been no different. Most will agree that the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays matchup in the American League Championship Series was the most exciting of the postseason so far. It went the full seven-game distance, filled with incredible home runs and game-changing moments.
The Mariners won the first two games on the road before the Blue Jays tied it back up in Seattle thanks to their revived offense. Seattle then sent the series back to Toronto with a 3-2 series lead courtesy of Eugenio Suárez’s grand slam in game 5. This was the closest the Mariners ever got to a World Series appearance. The Blue Jays dominated Game 6, forcing a decisive Game 7.
The Special Moment
Known as the best words in sports, this Game 7 was one of the most iconic in recent baseball history. After the score was level at one early, Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh went deep as the Mariners took a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh. An Addison Barger walk and a single by Isiah Kiner-Falefa then set the stage for George Springer.
GEORGE SPRINGER
THREE-RUN SHOT
BLUE JAYS LEADpic.twitter.com/Qh7qwqYpRx
— MLB (@MLB) October 21, 2025
With two on and one out, Springer blasted a 1-0 sinker 381 feet into the stands for a three-run homer, arguably the greatest moment in modern Blue Jays history as they took the 4-3 lead. Toronto held on and advanced to its first World Series since 1993 thanks to the legendary postseason performer. The 2017 World Series MVP now has 23 career postseason homers, which is third all-time. He is one of the greatest playoff performers of this generation, going back to his time with the Houston Astros.
The Most Valuable Playoff Hit Since 2000
With Springer’s signature Blue Jays moment racking up millions of views as the most clutch moment of the 2025 postseason, you would think it ranks as one of the most valuable playoff hits, especially since it came in a Game 7.
Shockingly, it doesn’t even make the cut into the top 20, let alone the top five, based on winning percentage added.
The most valuable postseason hit since 2000 belongs to Yordan Alvarez in Game 1 of the 2022 ALDS. All the moments in the top five are walk-offs. Alvarez’s three-run laser beam 438 feet into the second deck of Minute Maid Park with the Astros down to their last out rightfully takes its place at the top of this list.
Remember that one time Yordan Alvarez walked it off against the Mariners in the ALDS! pic.twitter.com/0UFdbUJrDA
— The Texas Baseball Report (@TxBaseballRpt) December 30, 2022
Houston was down 7-5 to Seattle in the ninth with all hope seemingly gone, but Alvarez’s crushing swing made Houston go into absolute pandemonium and rip the Mariners’ hearts out. The winning percentage added is at .91%, the highest in the 21st century. The Mariners brought out lefty starter Robbie Ray just for Alvarez, and the second pitch he threw was absolutely smoked.
Why George Springer’s Homer Isn’t Listed
The likely reason for Springer’s homer not being up there is simply that it was not a walk-off, and his home run occurred in the seventh inning. The Blue Jays only took a one-run lead with the Mariners getting two cracks at scoring another run, as well as the heart of their lineup coming up.
Even if it is not rated as high statistically, the meaning of that home run is unmatched in recent history. It gave the Blue Jays their first American League pennant after 31 years and was arguably their most iconic postseason moment since 1993. It also prevented the Mariners from reaching their first-ever World Series. The Game 7 stage only made it more special.
Other top-five moments include Freddie Freeman’s 2024 World Series grand slam and Brett Phillips’ 2020 World Series walk-off hit. Jimmy Rollins’ walk-off hit in Game Four of the 2009 NLCS is in the second spot with a WPA of .83%.
Where George Springer’s Dinger Ranks in ALCS History
Springer cemented his place when you look at just ALCS history. His three-run homer in Game 7 has the highest championship win probability added of any play in ALCS history. Springer has his name at the top of the most game-changing ALCS play.
Astros fans might be wondering why Jose Altuve’s walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 2019 ALCS to send the Astros to the World Series was not at the top of this list.
There are a couple of reasons why. Firstly, Springer’s was in a Game 7. Altuve’s wasn’t in a win-or-go-home situation for Houston. Secondly, the Blue Jays were losing 3-1, while the Astros and Yankees were tied 4-4. Houston’s probability of winning the pennant was much higher right before his home run compared to Springer’s.
Former and current Astros have clearly made their historic mark on the postseason in the last decade.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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