Major League Baseball has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 playoff schedule, promising fans a thrilling postseason filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments. The action begins on October 1 with the Wild Card Series, setting the stage for an intense journey to the World Series.
Wild Card Series: The Battle Begins
The Wild Card Series will see eight teams vying for advancement in a best-of-three format. The No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in each league will play host to the No. 6 and No. 5 seeds, respectively. The New York Mets and Atlanta Braves have clinched the final two spots, setting up exciting matchups to kickstart the postseason. The Mets will be traveling to Milwaukee for a showdown with the Brewers, while the Braves head west to face the Padres. Adding more spice to the mix, the Baltimore Orioles will battle the Kansas City Royals, and the Houston Astros will lock horns with the Detroit Tigers.
Game 1 for all Wild Card matchups is scheduled for October 1, with Game 2 immediately following on October 2. If any series extends to a third and decisive game, it will take place on October 3.
League Division Series: Heavyweights Enter the Fray
The League Division Series (LDS) ramps things up starting October 5. Fans can look forward to seeing the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians in action, as these teams have earned byes directly to the LDS. The Guardians and Yankees are slated to begin their LDS Game 1 on October 5, with the Phillies and Dodgers starting on the same day.
Game 2 for the Phillies and Dodgers will be on October 6, while the Guardians and Yankees resume play on October 7. Should any LDS series require a decisive Game 5, it will take place on October 11 for the National League and October 12 for the American League.
League Championship Series: The Quest for Supremacy
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) kicks off on October 13, followed by the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on October 14. Game 2 of the NLCS is set for October 14, and the ALCS will continue the next day on October 15. If any series goes the full seven games, the NLCS will conclude on October 21, and the ALCS on October 22.
The Grand Finale: The World Series
All roads lead to the World Series, tentatively set to start on October 25. However, if both the ALCS and NLCS conclude in five games or fewer, the premiere event 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. Should the series require six or seven games, they will be held on November 1 and November 2, respectively.
The 2024 MLB postseason promises high drama and intense competition as teams battle to be crowned the next World Series champion. Fans are eagerly anticipating epic matchups, potential upsets, and the storylines that will unfold during this pinnacle of baseball excellence. There's no doubt that this year's playoff journey will offer maximum excitement, setting the stage for a captivating conclusion to the baseball season.