As October approaches, baseball fans all over the world get ready for the MLB playoffs, one of the most exciting times of the year. This year’s MLB playoff schedule looks like it will be full of intense games, surprising results, and exciting moments as teams compete for the 2024 World Series title.
There are only three days left in the MLB regular season, so it still needs to be clear who will make the playoffs. Several teams are almost certain to make it to the playoffs, while others have already locked up their spots. As these last games are played, baseball fans can’t wait to see who can win in October. For 2024, here is the MLB playoff schedule. It shows which teams are still in the running and what fans can expect during the most anticipated time of the baseball season.
A Look at the MLB Playoff Schedule
The playoff bracket is starting to take shape, but it could still change depending on how the last few games of the season turn out. The Minnesota Twins, the Seattle Mariners, and the Atlanta Braves are outside the playoff picture, but they still want to make a last-ditch effort to get in. They will face tough opponents in the first round, even if they get a wild card spot. In the American League, they could play the Houston Astros; in the National League, they could play the Milwaukee Brewers.
Here are the latest playoff standings and how the teams are matched up:
American League Wild Card:
- No. 6 Kansas City Royals vs. No. 3 Houston Astros
- No. 5 Detroit Tigers vs. No. 4 Baltimore Orioles
American League Byes:
- No. 1 New York Yankees
- No. 2 Cleveland Guardians
National League Wild Card:
- No. 6 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers
- No. 5 New York Mets vs. No. 4 San Diego Padres
National League Byes:
- No. 1 Los Angeles Dodgers
- No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies
These matchups are almost set in stone, but the next few games will decide whether teams like the Braves or Mariners can sneak into the playoffs or not.
2024 MLB Postseason Schedule Key Dates and Structure
The MLB playoffs 2024 will stay the same, with the Wild Card round coming first and the World Series coming last. Here is a list of the important dates and games to look forward to:
Wild Card Series (Best-of-3):
- October 1: ALWC A & B Game 1, NLWC A & B Game 1
- October 2: ALWC A & B Game 2, NLWC A & B Game 2
- October 3: ALWC A & B Game 3 (if necessary), NLWC A & B Game 3 (if necessary)
In the Wild Card round, teams play a high-stakes, best-of-three game to advance to the Division game. As teams with lower seeds try to surprise teams with higher seeds, this round of the playoffs often has some of the most exciting moments.
Division Series (Best-of-5):
- October 5: ALDS A & B Game 1, NLDS A & B Game 1
- October 6: NLDS A & B Game 2
- October 7: ALDS A & B Game 2
- October 8: NLDS A & B Game 3
- October 9: ALDS A & B Game 3, NLDS A & B Game 4 (if necessary)
- October 10: ALDS A & B Game 4 (if necessary)
- October 11: NLDS A & B Game 5 (if necessary)
- October 12: ALDS A & B Game 5 (if necessary)
After the Wild Card round, the Division game will begin. This best-of-five game will test how deep and tough the remaining teams are. Teams like the Yankees and Dodgers will be well-rested because they got to go to this stage first, while wild-card winners must keep up their enthusiasm to keep going in the playoffs.
League Championship Series (Best-of-7):
- October 13: NLCS Game 1
- October 14: ALCS Game 1, NLCS Game 2
- October 15: ALCS Game 2
- October 16: NLCS Game 3
- October 17: ALCS Game 3, NLCS Game 4
- October 18: ALCS Game 4, NLCS Game 5 (if necessary)
- October 19: ALCS Game 5 (if necessary)
- October 20: NLCS Game 6 (if necessary)
- October 21: ALCS Game 6 (if necessary), NLCS Game 7 (if necessary)
- October 22: ALCS Game 7 (if necessary)
Teams in the League Championship Series (LCS) try to make it to the World Series. This is where things get really dangerous. The ALCS and NLCS are both best-of-seven games, letting each team show off their skills and strategies. The LCS games are spread out over several days, which makes it clear how important it is for teams to have a lot of different pitchers and know how to handle their bullpens.
World Series (Best-of-7):
- October 25: World Series Game 1
- October 26: World Series Game 2
- October 28: World Series Game 3
- October 29: World Series Game 4
- October 30: World Series Game 5 (if necessary)
- November 1: World Series Game 6 (if necessary)
- November 2: World Series Game 7 (if necessary)
The 2024 World Series will start on October 25; it could go into November if needed. Game 7 is possible and is set for November 2. Based on these seven games, one team will be crowned Major League Baseball winner for the 2024 season.
The Power Rankings Tracking Teams’ Momentum
The progress of each team is a key factor keeping fans and experts on edge as the MLB playoff schedule plays out. This is why The Power Scores, a reliable source for fair, data-driven scores, is so important for seeing how teams are doing as the playoffs get closer.
Each week, the Power Rankings examine performance, illness, and other factors that affect a team’s playoff chances. Because of their great regular seasons and well-rounded teams, the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, who have already won their byes, stay at the top of The Power Rankings. The Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals are underdogs in their wild-card games, but The Power Rankings is highlighting their late-season runs and strong wild-card hopes.
Storylines to Watch in the 2024 MLB Postseason
Since the MLB playoff schedule is set and the games are almost certain to happen, several interesting stories have come to light:
Can the Yankees Break Their World Series Drought?
Now that Aaron Judge is in the running for MVP, the New York Yankees have once again clinched the top spot in the American League. The Yankees are the best team in baseball during the regular season, but they haven’t won the World Series since 2009. This year, they want to end that streak and make it official that they are baseball’s best team.
Are the Dodgers Ready to Overcome Their Playoff Woes?
The Los Angeles Dodgers have always been a strong team, but they have yet to be able to make it to the playoffs very often. The Dodgers are ready to make another long run because they have a well-balanced team and a great regular-season record. Will they finally get the prized World Series trophy?
Dark Horses in the Wild Card Race:
Some teams, like the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks, might not be the favorites, but they could surprise everyone in the Wild Card round. These “dark horses” have the potential to go on runs in the playoffs that no one saw coming. This could change the MLB playoff schedule and the outcome of the title.
The Power of Pitching Depth:
As always, pitching will be very important for making the playoffs. In October baseball, teams like the Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers, which have good rotations and reliable bullpens, are much better.
Conclusion
The MLB playoffs 2024 will likely be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Fans are in for a treat because the MLB playoff schedule is full of games fans can’t miss, as well as Cinderella stories. As teams play for the World Series title, October baseball will be most intense.
Check The Power Rankings weekly for new information and expert opinions as the MLB playoffs go on. It doesn’t matter if you’re pulling for the top seed or the underdog; this playoffs will have all the drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments that make October baseball so special.
