Major League Baseball fans, mark your calendars: The 2024 playoff schedule has officially been announced, promising an electrifying October and potentially extending into early November. The postseason action is set to begin on October 1 with the Wild Card Series, where eight teams will compete in a best-of-three format, aiming to secure their positions in the League Division Series (LDS).
The Wild Card Round
This year’s Wild Card round features high-stakes matchups. In the National League, the New York Mets, who clinched one of the final two postseason spots, will travel to Milwaukee to face the Brewers. The Atlanta Braves, who secured the other final spot, head west to meet the San Diego Padres in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Over in the American League, the Baltimore Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals, and the Houston Astros will battle the Detroit Tigers. All Wild Card Series games will kick off on October 1 with Game 1, followed by Game 2 on October 2. If necessary, a decisive Game 3 will be held on October 3.
League Division Series
The excitement doesn't stop there. As the Wild Card teams vie for advancement, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians have already secured their spots in the League Division Series, courtesy of their top-seed finishes that earned them byes through the initial round.
On October 5, the Guardians and Yankees will commence their LDS campaigns, seeking to leverage their home-field advantage. The Phillies and Dodgers will similarly begin their postseason endeavors on the same day. The action continues with Game 2 for the Phillies and Dodgers on October 6, while the Guardians and Yankees face off again on October 7.
Should any LDS series extend to the maximum length, fans can anticipate decisive Game 5s on October 11 for the National League and October 12 for the American League.
League Championship Series
For the teams that emerge victorious from the LDS, the journey continues with the League Championship Series (LCS). The National League Championship Series (NLCS) is slated to begin on October 13, followed by the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on October 14. Both series will feature Game 2 the day after their respective openers, with the NLCS on October 14 and the ALCS on October 15.
If the series extend to their full seven-game potential, the NLCS will conclude on October 21, and the ALCS will finish on October 22. These matchups are poised to be the defining moments of the season, as teams battle for the coveted pennant and a berth in the World Series.
The World Series
The pinnacle of the MLB postseason, the World Series, is tentatively scheduled to start on October 25. However, there is potential for this date to be moved up to October 22 if both the ALCS and NLCS wrap up in five games or fewer. Regardless, Game 2 is planned for October 26, with subsequent games on October 28 and 29. Critical Game 6, if necessary, will take place on November 1, followed by a potential winner-takes-all Game 7 on November 2.
Anticipation and Excitement
The MLB postseason is renowned for delivering unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, and virtuosic performances. Fans across the nation are eagerly awaiting the matchups, ready to cheer for their teams in what promises to be an exhilarating chase for the World Series title. Whether it's a high-drama pitching duel or a clutch home run under the playoff lights, the 2024 postseason is set to provide a thrilling spectacle of baseball at its finest.