The countdown to the 2024 MLB playoffs has begun, and excitement is in the air. Leading the charge into October are the Los Angeles Dodgers, boasting a league-best 98 wins. Interestingly, this total marks the lowest for a league leader since the Angels did it in 2014. Despite the relatively modest win tally, the Dodgers remain a formidable opponent.
“Here it comes: the best month of the year. I’m ecstatic for the 2024 MLB playoffs,” said one enthusiastic fan, capturing the general sentiment shared by many.
The Teams to Watch
The Dodgers have fortified their rotation by adding Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and with Walker Buehler showing consistency in his recent outings, their pitching staff looks strong. Meanwhile, their offense, featuring MVP candidates Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, alongside Freddie Freeman, ensures they can compete with anyone.
“A week ago I would've had the Dodgers lower,” admits the analyst. “I'm not near as worried about the pitching as I was a few weeks ago. The Dodgers can bang with anyone offensively.”
However, the road to postseason glory won’t be easy. The San Diego Padres, for instance, possess a potent lineup with Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. leading the charge. Their rotation, featuring Dylan Cease, Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, and Michael King, makes them a well-rounded and dangerous team.
“It wouldn't be shocking to see the Padres bow out early, but they are a decent pick to win it all,” the analyst offers.
The Philadelphia Phillies, despite a 10-11 run since September 6, have repeatedly demonstrated their postseason prowess. “The past two postseasons, the Phillies showed they were better built for the sprint of the playoffs than the marathon of the regular season,” notes the analyst. This knack for postseason performance could once again propel them deep into October.
Underdogs and Game Changers
The Houston Astros have turned their season around remarkably, holding an MLB-best 76-49 record since starting 12-24. This momentum shift highlights their potential as a dangerous playoff contender.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians, with stars like José Ramírez and Josh Naylor, deceptively fly under the radar. They also boast the season's best bullpen. “Anyone who doesn’t take the Guardians seriously as a World Series championship threat is ignorant to how good a team this is,” warns one analyst.
The Milwaukee Brewers, with an excellent bullpen and significant base-stealing prowess, add another layer of intrigue to the playoff picture. Their skill set could be vital in tight postseason games.
The Yankees’ Star-Studded Lineup
In the American League, the New York Yankees have reloaded with sluggers Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. Their rotation, featuring Gerrit Cole—who has rediscovered his dominant form—alongside Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt, positions them as a serious threat.
“Knowing all of this, it should go without saying that every single team here is a threat to win it all,” the analyst reflects. “On the positive side -- I mean, I did put them No. 1 -- the Yankees have Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. Do I actually think the Yankees are going to win the World Series? No. Not really.”
Emerging Talents and Surprise Packages
Amidst these established powerhouses stand teams like the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers. Kansas City's rotation features a blend of experience and youthful promise, while Bobby Witt Jr. emerges as a standout talent. Similarly, the Tigers, surging late in the season, boast the AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal.
As the tension builds, every team entering the playoffs carries its own mix of strengths and vulnerabilities. “It could go either way!” the analyst exclaims.
This year’s postseason recalls the era of dominant champions from less than a decade ago. “Remember the run less than a decade ago of dominant champions (2016 Cubs, 2017 Astros and Dodgers, 2018 Red Sox)?” reminisces the analyst. Yet, in this unpredictable and thrilling sport, the only certainty is the excitement that October brings.