The 2024 MLB postseason is officially underway, igniting excitement across the league as teams vie for the championship. The spotlight is currently on the Wild Card Series showdown between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. A best-of-three series, the first game is set to commence at Camden Yards, with first pitch scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET.
Orioles Secure Home Soil Advantage
The Baltimore Orioles enter the postseason as the No. 4 seed, a position they've secured following a robust regular season performance that saw them finish second to the Yankees in the AL East with a 91-71 record. This marks their second consecutive postseason berth, a testament to the team's growing consistency and competitiveness under pressure.
Baltimore's Ace Set to Start
Baltimore's hopes will be pinned on their ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, who boasts an impressive 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA. Burnes has been a pillar of strength for the Orioles' pitching staff, and his start in Game 1 is a positive sign for the team’s prospects in this crucial series. The Orioles will be keen to erase the memories of last year's sweep in the ALDS by the Texas Rangers and advance further this postseason.
Kansas City's Remarkable Turnaround
On the other side, the Kansas City Royals have had a rollercoaster journey to the playoffs. Following a dismal season with 106 losses, the Royals have flipped the script spectacularly, becoming the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason a year after a 100-loss season. They join the ranks of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins who achieved similar feats.
Kansas City is experiencing the thrill of postseason baseball for the first time since their World Series win in 2015, an achievement that has injected a fresh sense of optimism into the franchise. The Royals secured the No. 5 seed, riding on the strong performances of key players like Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo.
Pitching Duel on the Horizon
Game 1 will feature an intriguing pitching duel, with Kansas City’s left-hander Cole Ragans, who posted an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA, slated to take the mound opposite Burnes. Ragans' consistent form and potential top-five finish in this year’s Cy Young voting underscore the challenge he presents to Baltimore's hitters.
Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
Baltimore’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season. Their offensive prowess could prove decisive in this tightly contested series. However, they will have to be wary of Kansas City's base-stealing threat. The Royals swiped the third most bases among postseason teams, which could exploit Baltimore’s 20% caught stealing rate.
Injuries and Their Impact
Kansas City's Vinnie Pasquantino has not played since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb but has been working out and hitting, which could potentially make him a wildcard should he be fit to return during the series. On Baltimore’s side, no significant injuries have been reported, allowing them to field a full-strength team in this high-stakes encounter.
Series Outlook
The odds favor the Orioles slightly, with bookmakers setting the line at BAL -155 and KC +130. The over/under is pegged at 7.0 runs, reflecting the anticipation of a competitive series with both teams equipped to score but also boasting strong pitching options.
If the series extends to a decisive Game 3, Michael Wacha is expected to take the mound for Kansas City, which adds another layer of strategic maneuvering for the Royals. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Corbin Burnes as he leads Baltimore's charge in Game 1, hoping to set a positive tone for the series.
The winner of this Wild Card Series will earn the opportunity to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS, a prospect that adds an extra layer of excitement and incentive for both teams. As the postseason drama unfolds, fans can expect a gripping contest of skill, strategy, and determination between the Orioles and the Royals.