The much-awaited Major League Baseball 2024 playoff schedule has been revealed, promising a thrilling postseason packed with intense matchups and memorable moments for fans. It all begins on October 1 with the Wild Card Series, featuring eight teams in a best-of-three format, setting the stage for an electrifying race to the League Division Series (LDS).
Wild Card Showdowns
The No. 3 and No. 4 seeds will play host to the No. 6 and No. 5 teams respectively in each league, turning up the intensity right from the first pitch. The New York Mets have earned a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2016, and they'll head to Milwaukee to face the Brewers. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves, another late entrant to the playoffs, will journey west to take on the San Diego Padres.
The American League will see high drama as well, with the Baltimore Orioles hosting the Kansas City Royals in what promises to be a gripping Wild Card encounter. Additionally, the Houston Astros will clash with the Detroit Tigers, adding another layer of excitement for baseball enthusiasts.
Game 1 of all Wild Card matchups is set for October 1, immediately followed by Game 2 on October 2. If any series requires a decisive Game 3 to determine the victor, it will be held on October 3.
League Division Series Awaits
As the dust settles from the Wild Card battles, the League Division Series (LDS) will kick off on October 5. Teams earning byes directly to the LDS include the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians, owing to their stellar regular-season performances.
The LDS action starts with the Guardians and Yankees, who will begin their series on October 5. The Dodgers and Phillies will also launch their postseason campaigns on the same day, setting the stage for a feverish race towards the Championship Series. Game 2 for the Phillies and Dodgers takes place on October 6, while the Guardians and Yankees resume play on October 7. Potentially decisive Game 5s, if required, are scheduled for October 11 and 12 for the National and American League Divisions.
League Championship Series and Beyond
The journey to the World Series intensifies with the League Championship Series (LCS), commencing on October 13 for the National League and October 14 for the American League. Should the series extend to the full seven games, expect an edge-of-your-seat experience as the NLCS concludes on October 21 and the ALCS on October 22.
Game 2 of the NLCS follows on October 14, while ALCS fans can look forward to Game 2 on October 15. This month's intense schedule promises high stakes and heart-stopping moments as teams battle for the ultimate prize—a World Series berth.
The Quest for the World Series
The grand finale of the MLB postseason, the World Series, is tentatively scheduled to start on October 25. However, there is a possibility that the action could begin as early as October 22 if both the ALCS and NLCS wrap up in five games or fewer. Subsequent games are planned for October 26, October 28, and October 29. If the series goes the distance, fans will be treated to the final battles on November 1 and, if necessary, Game 7 on November 2.
With much anticipation and stakes higher than ever, this year's MLB postseason promises to deliver maximum excitement. Fans around the world are ready to witness epic matchups, potential upsets, and ultimately, the crowning of the next World Series victor. The stage is set for another chapter of baseball history, filled with heroic feats and championship dreams.