The 2024 MLB postseason has officially kicked off, bringing with it a wealth of storylines that will captivate fans across the nation. In the Wild Card Series, all eyes are on the battle between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. This best-of-three series promises to deliver high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees.
Baltimore in the Spotlight
For the Baltimore Orioles, this matchup represents a significant step forward. Securing the No. 4 seed, the Orioles have demonstrated their resilience and determination. Their season was highlighted by a strong 91-71 record, which saw them finish second to the Yankees in the ultra-competitive AL East. While last year’s postseason bid ended in disappointment with a sweep by the Texas Rangers in the ALDS, this year’s team seems poised for a deeper run.
Corbin Burnes, Baltimore’s ace, will take the mound for Game 1, held at Camden Yards. Burnes has been a stalwart for the Orioles, boasting an impressive 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA. His playoff experience and consistency could provide the solid foundation Baltimore needs to take control early in the series. Additionally, the Orioles' offense has been clicking at the right time, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season.
Kansas City's Resurgence
The Kansas City Royals have their own inspiring narrative. After enduring a 106-loss season last year, the Royals have made an incredible turnaround, becoming only the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason following a 100-loss season. Their last taste of October success was in 2015 when they won the World Series. The Royals head into this series with the No. 5 seed, bringing a fresh wave of excitement to their fanbase.
Leading the charge for Kansas City is left-hander Cole Ragans, who has posted commendable numbers this season with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA. Complementing Ragans on the mound will be Seth Lugo, who, like Ragans, is anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting. The duo’s performance will be crucial as the Royals look to shut down Baltimore’s potent offense.
The Royals are also counting on solid contributions from Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, both of whom have been instrumental in the team’s resurgence. Despite the absence of Vinnie Pasquantino, who has not played since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb, Kansas City remains optimistic. Pasquantino has been working out and hitting, and his return could provide a further boost if the series extends beyond two games. Another critical asset has been Kansas City's aggressive base running, swiping the third most bases among postseason teams, which could exploit Baltimore’s 20% caught stealing rate.
The X-Factors
Looking deeper into the metrics, the odds slightly favor the Orioles (BAL -155 | KC +130), with an over/under set at 7.0 runs. These numbers reflect Baltimore's slightly better overall season performance and home-field advantage. However, postseason baseball is famously unpredictable, with every aspect—from starting pitching to bullpen management and timely hitting—capable of swinging momentum in an instant.
Should the series require a decisive third game, Baltimore's likely choice to start would be Michael Wacha, a seasoned pitcher who could be counted on in a do-or-die scenario. The winner of this series will advance to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS, adding an extra layer of incentive for both teams.
The first pitch of this much-anticipated series is set for Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET. Both teams will be looking to set the tone early, understanding that in a best-of-three format, every game is monumental. For Baltimore, it's an opportunity to build on last year’s postseason experience and demonstrate their growth as contenders. For Kansas City, it's about continuing a remarkable turnaround and recapturing the magic of their 2015 championship run.
The 2024 MLB Wild Card Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals is poised to be a captivating clash, replete with compelling narratives, strategic battlelines, and the exhilarating unpredictability that only October baseball can provide. Fans should brace for a thrilling ride as these two teams set out to make their mark on this year’s postseason.