The Major League Baseball postseason schedule for 2024 has been unveiled, setting the stage for an exciting October of baseball. The playoffs kick off on October 1 with the Wild Card Series, featuring eight teams competing in a best-of-three format to advance to the League Division Series (LDS).
Wild Card Series Matchups
The No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in each league will serve as hosts for the Wild Card Series, inviting the No. 6 and No. 5 teams to their ballparks, respectively. Among the fiercely competitive matchups, the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves clinched the final two spots to keep their postseason dreams alive. The Mets are set to battle the Milwaukee Brewers in a series that is sure to draw attention, while the Braves face a tough challenge as they head west to compete against the San Diego Padres.
In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals, a clash that promises to be thrilling for fans of both teams. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros are slated to take on the Detroit Tigers in yet another electrifying Wild Card contest. Game 1 of all Wild Card matchups is scheduled for October 1, followed by Game 2 on October 2. If a third and decisive game is necessary, it will take place on October 3.
League Division Series Awaits
Upon the conclusion of the Wild Card Series, attention will swiftly turn to the League Division Series, beginning on October 5. Teams that have secured a bye to this round include the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians—all eagerly awaiting their postseason journey.
The Guardians and Yankees will commence their LDS Game 1 on October 5, marking the start of what could be a pivotal series. That same day, the Phillies and Dodgers will also embark on their playoff battles. Game 2 for these teams is slated for October 6, while the Guardians and Yankees will play their second games on October 7. Should any series extend to a Game 5, those decisive matchups will occur on October 11 and 12 for the National and American League Divisions, respectively.
League Championship Series Highlights
The excitement reaches a crescendo with the League Championship Series (LCS), where the intensity of October baseball is on full display. The National League Championship Series (NLCS) begins on October 13, followed by the American League Championship Series (ALCS) starting on October 14. Fans can look forward to Game 2 of the NLCS on October 14 and the corresponding Game 2 of the ALCS on October 15. If either series requires all seven games, the NLCS will conclude on October 21, and the ALCS will wrap up on October 22.
The Road to the World Series
The crown jewel of the MLB postseason, the World Series, is tentatively scheduled to start on October 25. However, if both the ALCS and NLCS conclude in five games or fewer, the World Series could be moved up to start on October 22. Game 2 is slated for October 26, with subsequent games taking place on October 28 and October 29. Should the series extend to a Game 6, it will be played on November 1, and if a Game 7 is required, fans will witness the thrilling conclusion on November 2.
This year's MLB postseason promises to deliver maximum excitement, offering fans a chance to witness epic matchups and potential upsets. As the race to crown the next World Series victor intensifies, the stage is set for unforgettable moments and baseball history in the making.