Major League Baseball enthusiasts, brace yourselves. The eagerly anticipated 2024 playoff schedule has been unveiled, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling postseason.
The excitement kicks off on October 1 with the start of the Wild Card Series. In this critical round, eight teams will battle in a high-stakes best-of-three format, vying for a coveted spot in the League Division Series (LDS). The No. 3 and No. 4 seeds from each league will have the home-field advantage, hosting the No. 6 and No. 5 teams, respectively.
Wild Card Matchups
The New York Mets, who clinched one of the final two spots in the postseason, are set to head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers in what is expected to be a riveting contest. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves will journey west to take on the Padres in another much-anticipated matchup.
Over in Baltimore, the Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals, promising an exciting clash for fans. Additionally, the Houston Astros are poised to battle the Detroit Tigers in the final Wild Card set of games.
Game 1 for all Wild Card matchups will commence on October 1, followed by Game 2 on October 2. Should any series be tied, a decisive Game 3 will be played on October 3.
League Division Series Action
The League Division Series kicks off soon after, beginning on October 5. Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians have earned byes, allowing them direct entry into the LDS.
October 5 marks the starting line for the Guardians and Yankees as they face off in their first game of the LDS. That same day, the Phillies and Dodgers will also embark on their ambitious postseason journeys.
Following a day of rest, the Phillies and Dodgers will engage in their second games on October 6. On October 7, the Guardians and Yankees will take the field for their second game. If any series extend to a full five games, we can expect to see these decisive matches on October 11 and 12 for the National and American League Divisions, respectively.
The Path to the Championship
The stakes rise higher as the calendar flips to October 13, marking the beginning of the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The following day, on October 14, the American League Championship Series (ALCS) will commence. For the NLCS, Game 2 is scheduled for October 14, while Game 2 of the ALCS will take place on October 15.
If either series stretches to the full seven games, October 21 will be the concluding date for the NLCS, and October 22 for the ALCS.
The World Series Showdown
Circling back to the pinnacle of baseball, the World Series is tentatively set to start on October 25. However, an early conclusion to both the ALCS and NLCS — if wrapped up in five games or fewer — could shift the start date ahead to October 22.
Game 2 of the World Series is presently slated for October 26. Fans can look forward to subsequent games on October 28 and October 29, with potential showdowns extending to Game 6 and Game 7 on November 1 and November 2, respectively.
The intensity and passion of MLB postseason baseball are unmatched. This year's schedule sets up a narrative rife with potential upsets, unforgettable moments, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
As the teams prepare, and fans eagerly anticipate, the spectacle that is Major League Baseball’s postseason promises to deliver unparalleled excitement and dramatic turns, culminating in the crowning of the next World Series champion. Buckle up for an unforgettable ride.