Major League Baseball has unveiled its 2024 playoff schedule, and fans are eagerly anticipating the October matchups. With the Wild Card Series set to commence on October 1, the postseason promises to be a thrilling ride from start to finish.
The opening salvo of the playoffs will feature eight teams clashing in a best-of-three format. The stakes could not be higher, as these games will determine who advances to the League Division Series (LDS). Under the playoff structure, the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in each league will host the No. 6 and No. 5 teams, respectively.
Key Wild Card Matchups
The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves clinched the final two postseason spots and will embark on their respective journeys on the road. The Mets are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers, while the Braves will travel west to square off against the San Diego Padres. Each matchup promises intense competition as these teams vie for their shot at the LDS.
In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals, and the Houston Astros will compete against the Detroit Tigers. These matchups, much like their National League counterparts, are boiling with potential drama and thrilling baseball.
Game 1 for all of these Wild Card showdowns will take place on October 1, followed by Game 2 on October 2. If necessary, a decisive Game 3 will be played on October 3.
League Division Series and Top Seeds
The League Division Series will begin on October 5, featuring teams that have earned byes directly into this round. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians secured their spots by virtue of their regular season success. These teams now await their challengers from the Wild Card round.
The Guardians and Yankees are set to start their LDS battles on October 5, with the Phillies and Dodgers following suit on the same day. Game 2 for the Phillies and Dodgers is slated for October 6, while the Guardians and Yankees will have their second games on October 7. If necessary, the series could stretch to deciding Game 5s on October 11 for the National League and October 12 for the American League.
Championship Series and World Series Dates
The excitement will only escalate as the League Championship Series approaches. The National League Championship Series (NLCS) will kick off on October 13, followed by the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on October 14. Game 2 of the NLCS is on October 14, with the ALCS following a day later on October 15. Should either series go to a full seven games, fans can expect the NLCS to conclude by October 21 and the ALCS by October 22.
All eyes will then turn to the Fall Classic – the World Series, tentatively set to start on October 25. However, should both the NLCS and ALCS wrap up in five games or fewer, the World Series could be moved up, starting as early as October 22. Game 2 is scheduled for October 26, with subsequent games on October 28 and October 29. If the series extends all the way to seven games, November 1 and November 2 are the reserved dates for Games 6 and 7, respectively.
A Postseason Packed with Potential
The anticipation is palpable as fans get ready for what promises to be an unforgettable MLB postseason. With a lineup of epic matchups and potential upsets, teams will battle fiercely to be crowned the next World Series victor. All paths are set, and the journey to ultimate glory in baseball begins on October 1.