The anticipation for Major League Baseball’s 2024 postseason has just been amplified with the release of the official playoff schedule. The rollercoaster ride of October baseball will commence on October 1, when the Wild Card Series kicks off, promising intense matchups right out of the gate.
Wild Card Series Kicks Off October 1
The Wild Card Series will host eight teams in a gripping best-of-three format, setting the stage for high-stakes baseball. This round features the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in each league playing host to the No. 6 and No. 5 teams, respectively. Fans can brace themselves for nail-biting action as teams battle for their spots in the League Division Series (LDS).
Among the notable Wild Card matchups, the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves clinched the final two spots in the postseason, igniting excitement among their passionate fanbases. The Mets will pack their bags for Milwaukee, where they will face the Brewers. Meanwhile, the Braves will travel west to challenge the Padres, a series that promises to be a thrilling contest between two powerhouse teams.
In the American League, the Baltimore Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals, offering a showdown between two franchises with storied histories. Another fierce battle will take place as the Houston Astros take on the Detroit Tigers, a matchup with significant postseason implications.
Game 1 for all Wild Card matchups is scheduled for October 1, followed by Game 2 on October 2. Should any series require a decisive third game, it will take place on October 3, ensuring that the drama will be at an all-time high right from the start.
League Division Series Commences October 5
The winners of the Wild Card Series will advance to the League Division Series, which begins on October 5. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians have already secured their spots in this round, enjoying byes that give them a few extra days of preparation.
The Guardians and Yankees will kick off their LDS journeys with Game 1 on October 5. On the same day, the Phillies and Dodgers will also start their quests for postseason glory. Game 2 for the Phillies and Dodgers is slated for October 6, while the Guardians and Yankees will play their second games on October 7. Should any series require all five games, those decisive matchups will take place on October 11 and 12 for the National and American League Divisions, respectively.
Championship Series Set to Begin Mid-October
The excitement continues to build as the League Championship Series (LCS) gets underway. The National League Championship Series (NLCS) will begin on October 13, with Game 2 following closely on October 14. The American League Championship Series (ALCS) starts on October 14, with its second game the next day. If either series extends to a full seven games, the NLCS will wrap up on October 21, and the ALCS will conclude on October 22.
World Series to Crown a Champion
All roads lead to the ultimate prize in baseball—the World Series. Tentatively set to start on October 25, the championship rounds will feature the best of the American and National Leagues battling for the coveted trophy. If both the ALCS and NLCS conclude in five games or fewer, the World Series' start could be moved up to October 22, adding another layer of unpredictability and excitement.
Game 2 of the World Series is scheduled for October 26, with subsequent games planned for October 28 and 29. Should the series extend to the sixth and seventh games, they will be played on November 1 and 2, respectively.
The 2024 MLB postseason is poised to deliver maximum excitement, with fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating epic matchups, potential upsets, and the crowning of the next World Series champion. As October inches closer, baseball enthusiasts around the world are ready to witness history in the making.