Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 2:16 am GMT
The anticipation for the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) playoffs is building as teams enter the final weeks of the regular season. With only a few games left, several playoff spots remain undecided, creating an exciting atmosphere for fans and players alike. The regular season concludes on September 29, setting the stage for the postseason, which is set to begin on October 1 and run through November 2, 2024.
MLB Playoff Structure
The 2024 postseason will once again showcase 12 teams vying for the championship. This format includes six teams from both the American League and the National League, a configuration designed to enhance competition while rewarding regular-season performance.
Seeding and Wild Card Rounds
Seeding for the playoffs is determined by each team’s regular-season record along with the division winners. The top three slots in each league are filled by division leaders, while the No. 4 to No. 6 spots are reserved for wild card teams. The team with the best record among the wild card contenders earns the No. 4 seed, while the last wild card entry receives the No. 6 seed.
Importantly, if two teams finish the season with identical records, there will not be a tiebreaker game to resolve this. Instead, the team with the better head-to-head record will take precedence. If records are still tied, the focus will shift to interdivision and intradivision records to break the tie.
Playoff Rounds Explained
The first round for wild card teams will feature the No. 3 seed against the No. 6 seed and the No. 4 seed facing off against the No. 5 seed. These matchups are structured as best-of-three series, with home field advantage granted to the higher-seeded team.
Winners from these initial matchups will advance to the divisional round, which is held as a best-of-five series. In the league championships (ALCS/NLCS), teams will play a best-of-seven series. The champions of each league will then meet in the World Series, where the home field advantage is determined by the teams’ regular-season performance, regardless of their postseason seeding.
Current Playoff Contenders
As the final stretch of the regular season unfolds, several key races are capturing attention. The American League East is particularly competitive, with the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees both vying for first place. Meanwhile, the National League wild-card race is heating up, featuring four teams fighting for three available playoff spots.
American League Playoff Race
- Baltimore Orioles: Currently leading with an 83-64 record, they hold a 4.5-game lead in their division.
- New York Yankees: Following closely behind at 85-62, the Yankees are engaged in a tense battle with the Orioles.
- Cleveland Guardians: The Guardians boast an 84-63 record but are competing for the wild card.
National League Playoff Picture
- Atlanta Braves: With a strong 79-67 record, the Braves are aiming for a wild card spot.
- Arizona Diamondbacks: They have a solid 82-64 record, positioning themselves well for postseason contention.
- San Diego Padres: Currently at 82-65, the Padres are also in the mix for a wild card.
Upcoming Playoff Schedule
The postseason is slated to kick off on October 1, 2024, with early playoff matchups scheduled to capture the interest of baseball fans nationwide. The World Series is tentative, with Game 1 scheduled for October 25, but it may begin earlier if league championships conclude in fewer than seven games. If necessary, Game 7 of the World Series would be held on November 2, ensuring that the 2024 postseason provides an exciting conclusion to the MLB season.
Key Dates to Remember
- Regular Season End: September 29, 2024
- Postseason Begins: October 1, 2024
- World Series Game 1: October 25, 2024 (tentative)
- World Series Game 7: November 2, 2024 (if necessary)
As the season heats up, fans and analysts are evaluating which teams have the potential to dominate in the playoffs. Experts are weighing in on the frontrunners and potential dark horses likely to make an impact in the postseason. With strategic matchups and competitive matchups on the horizon, the MLB playoffs promise to deliver thrilling baseball for avid fans.
Fans should keep an eye on the MLB playoff standings to see which team is the one to beat as we get closer to the exciting postseason in October.
