Major League Baseball has officially revealed the schedule for the highly anticipated 2024 playoffs, bringing a fresh flair with significant changes to the postseason format. The regular season is set to conclude on Sunday, September 29, with the playoff excitement kicking off just two days later.
New Postseason Format without One-Game Playoffs
One of the headline changes for the 2024 playoffs is the elimination of the one-game playoffs that have historically been a part of the postseason drama. Instead, MLB has opted for a more structured and prolonged Wild Card Series, which now consists of a three-game face-off. Importantly, these series will involve no travel, as the third division winner and the top Wild Card team in each league will host the entire series.
Wild Card Series and Division Series
The Wild Card Series is set to begin on Tuesday, October 1, with subsequent games on Wednesday, October 2. If a Game 3 is necessary, it will take place on Thursday, October 3. Following that, the Division Series will commence on Saturday, October 5.
In this round, the top two division winners in each league have a significant advantage, as they will host Games 1, 2, and potentially Game 5. The schedule for the Division Series is meticulously planned, with NLDS Game 2 scheduled for Sunday, October 6, and ALDS Game 2 set for Monday, October 7. The action continues with NLDS Game 3 on Tuesday, October 8, while ALDS Games 3 and, potentially, NLDS Game 4s will take place on Wednesday, October 9. ALDS Game 4 is lined up for Thursday, October 10, and if needed, NLDS Game 5 will occur on Friday, October 11, followed by ALDS Game 5 on Saturday, October 12.
League Championship Series
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) will begin on Sunday, October 13, with NLCS Game 2 and the American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 1 both scheduled for Monday, October 14. Tuesday, October 15, will see ALCS Game 2, followed by NLCS Game 3 on Wednesday, October 16. The next day, Thursday, October 17, will feature NLCS Game 4 and ALCS Game 3, with potential ALCS Game 4 and NLCS Game 5 slated for Friday, October 18. The schedule continues methodically, potentially including ALCS Game 5 on Saturday, October 19, NLCS Game 6 on Sunday, October 20, and both ALCS Game 6 and NLCS Game 7 on Monday, October 21. If necessary, ALCS Game 7 will take place on Tuesday, October 22.
The World Series
If both the National and American League Championship Series conclude by Saturday, October 19, the World Series is set to begin on Tuesday, October 22. If the matchups extend, the first game of the World Series will be played on Friday, October 25. Fans can look forward to Game 2 on Saturday, October 26, followed by a travel day before Games 3 and 4 on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, respectively. Should the World Series go beyond five games, Game 5 will be on Wednesday, October 30, and if needed, Game 6 will be held on Friday, November 1, with the dramatic finale, Game 7, scheduled for Saturday, November 2.
Hosting Rights
The hosting rights for the World Series will be determined by the superior regular-season record. The team boasting the better record in each league will have the home-field advantage for Games 1, 2, and potentially Games 6 and 7, providing an extra incentive for teams to push hard in the regular season.
With this new structure, Major League Baseball aims to foster a more exciting and extended postseason experience, ensuring that fans are treated to the highest level of competitive baseball. Mark your calendars, as the 2024 playoffs promise to deliver thrilling matchups and memorable moments from the outset to the final pitch.