Major League Baseball has unveiled its 2024 playoff schedule, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating month of high-stakes baseball. The postseason action begins on October 1 with the Wild Card Series, featuring eight teams vying for a spot in the League Division Series (LDS) through a best-of-three format.
The competitive dynamics bring the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in each league hosting the No. 6 and No. 5 teams, respectively. Notably, the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves will make their postseason appearances by claiming the final two slots. The Mets are set to journey to Milwaukee to face the Brewers, while the Braves will travel west to square off against the San Diego Padres.
Wild Card Showdowns
Among other compelling matchups, the Baltimore Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals, and the Houston Astros will confront the Detroit Tigers. Game 1 for all Wild Card encounters is scheduled for October 1, followed by Game 2 on October 2. Should any series extend to a crucial third game, it will be played on October 3.
Following the Wild Card Series, the League Division Series commences on October 5. Teams that excel in this initial round will find stiff competition waiting, as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians have earned their byes and will directly enter the LDS. Game 1 for these teams will unfold on October 5, marking the beginning of another pivotal chapter in their postseason journeys.
Path to the League Division Series
The Phillies and Dodgers will play their second games on October 6, while the Guardians and Yankees are slated for Game 2 on October 7. If any of these matchups necessitate a decisive fifth game, they will take place on October 11 for the National League and October 12 for the American League. The intensity of these series will, no doubt, set the tone for the subsequent League Championship Series (LCS).
The Mid-October Drama
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) will begin on October 13. Game 2 is scheduled for the following day, October 14, which also marks the start of the American League Championship Series (ALCS). Game 2 of the ALCS will take place on October 15. Should either series reach the full seven-game length, the NLCS will conclude on October 21, and the ALCS will wrap up on October 22.
The World Series Timeline
The climax of the MLB postseason, the World Series, is provisionally set to start on October 25. However, if both the ALCS and NLCS finish in five games or fewer, this iconic series could be moved up to October 22. Game 2 is on the books for October 26, with subsequent games planned for October 28 and October 29. If necessary, Game 6 will take place on November 1, and the ultimate Game 7 will be played on November 2.
This year's MLB postseason is poised to deliver a maximum level of excitement. Fans are gearing up to witness intense matchups, potential upsets, and ultimately, the crowning of the next World Series champion. With the schedule set and teams ready for battle, October's baseball spectacle is one that enthusiasts won’t want to miss.