The stage is set for an exhilarating postseason as Major League Baseball announces its 2024 playoff schedule. The journey to the World Series begins on October 1 with the opening of the Wild Card Series.
Eight teams will commence their battle on the diamond in a best-of-three format, vying for a spot in the League Division Series (LDS). As the tension mounts, the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in each league will play host to the No. 6 and No. 5 seeds, respectively.
Wild Card Showdowns
The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves have secured the final two postseason berths, setting the stage for compelling matchups. The Mets head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers in what promises to be an intense clash. On the other hand, the Braves will travel west to meet the San Diego Padres, adding a cross-country dimension to the playoff drama.
In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles are poised to host the Kansas City Royals, while the Houston Astros will take on the Detroit Tigers. Fans can mark their calendars for Game 1 on October 1, followed closely by Game 2 on October 2. Should any series require it, a decisive Game 3 will be played on October 3.
League Division Series
Advancing from the Wild Card Series, teams will embark on the League Division Series beginning on October 5. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians have earned byes, securing their spots directly into this round.
The Guardians and Yankees will kick off their LDS Game 1 on October 5. The Phillies and Dodgers, also embarking on their postseason journeys, will follow suit. For these teams, Game 2 will unfold on October 6 and 7, respectively. Should the series extend to the full five games, the National League Division Series decisive Game 5 will be on October 11, with the American League Division Series culminating on October 12.
League Championship Series
October 13 marks the commencement of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), with the American League following on October 14. The second games for these series are set for October 14 and 15, respectively. If the drama extends to the full seven games, expect the NLCS to conclude on October 21 and the ALCS on October 22.
The Road to the World Series
The anticipation builds to a fever pitch as the World Series is tentatively slated to begin on October 25. However, if both the ALCS and NLCS conclude in five games or fewer, the grand finale of the baseball season could be moved up to October 22. Game 2 of the World Series is scheduled for October 26, with subsequent games planned for October 28 and October 29. If the series extends, Game 6 and Game 7 will take place on November 1 and November 2, respectively.
As the postseason unfolds, baseball fans across the nation will be glued to their screens, eager to witness every dramatic pitch and critical play. The 2024 MLB postseason promises a thrilling ride, filled with epic matchups and the potential for unforgettable upsets. This is the time of year when legends are made, and the hunt for the next World Series champion is on.