With the calendar turning to October, the anticipation for Major League Baseball's 2024 playoffs is reaching fever pitch. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the official schedule release, and MLB has finally delivered. As teams fight through the final weeks of the regular season, here's a comprehensive look at what the postseason will entail.
End of Regular Season and the Wild Card Showdown
The regular season will conclude on Sunday, Sept. 29, marking the end of a 162-game grind for all teams. Unlike previous years, this postseason will not feature any one-game playoffs. Instead, the new format will begin with the Wild Card Series on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
This initial series has undergone significant changes—now spanning three games with no travel between matchups. The third division winner and the top Wild Card team in each league will host these pivotal games. The series will continue on Wednesday, Oct. 2, with the deciding Game 3, if necessary, on Thursday, Oct. 3.
Division Series Action
Following the excitement of the Wild Card Series, the Division Series swings into action on Saturday, Oct. 5. The format remains traditional, but with an added twist: the top two division winners in each league will host Games 1, 2, and, if necessary, Game 5. This advantage could prove critical as the postseason pressure mounts.
The National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 2 is slated for Sunday, Oct. 6, while the American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 2 will take place on Monday, Oct. 7. The movement continues with NLDS Game 3 on Tuesday, Oct. 8, followed by ALDS Games 3 and potential NLDS Game 4s on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Critical potential Game 4s in the ALDS and NLDS conclude the series on Thursday, Oct. 10.
If necessary, NLDS Game 5 will be held on Friday, Oct. 11, and ALDS Game 5 on Saturday, Oct. 12. These decisive matchups often bring out the best in teams, setting the stage for unforgettable moments that define franchises and careers.
The Chase for the Pennant: League Championship Series
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) takes the spotlight starting Sunday, Oct. 13. Game 2 of the NLCS coincides with Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Monday, Oct. 14. Drama continues to unfold with ALCS Game 2 on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and NLCS Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
As the series progress, pivotal contests—NLCS Game 4 and ALCS Game 3—will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17. Possible Game 4 in the ALCS and crucial Game 5 in the NLCS are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 18. These matchups can often swing the momentum of a series and amplify the intensity.
The potential for decisive Game 5 in the ALCS comes on Saturday, Oct. 19, with potential Game 6 in the NLCS following on Sunday, Oct. 20. Should the series stretch even further, Game 6 of the ALCS and Game 7 of the NLCS are set for Monday, Oct. 21, with the final possible game—Game 7 of the ALCS—on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
The World Series: Battle for Baseball Supremacy
The grandeur of the World Series will cap off the 2024 season. Depending on the duration of the League Championship Series, the Fall Classic could begin as early as Tuesday, Oct. 22. If it starts on its originally scheduled date, Game 1 will be on Friday, Oct. 25.
World Series Game 2 is set for Saturday, Oct. 26, followed by a travel day before pivotal Games 3 and 4 on Monday, Oct. 28, and Tuesday, Oct. 29, respectively. A potential Game 5 will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 30. If the series extends to its full seven games, baseball fans can look forward to a thrilling conclusion with Game 6 on Friday, Nov. 1, and the ultimate Game 7 on Saturday, Nov. 2.
In this ultimate showcase of baseball prowess, the team with the superior regular-season record in each league will enjoy home-field advantage by hosting Games 1, 2, and, if necessary, Games 6 and 7. This format aims to reward regular-season excellence and provide a fitting end to a demanding season.
As the final stretch of the regular season approaches, fans are gearing up for a thrilling postseason filled with high-stakes drama, unforgettable performances, and the quest for baseball's ultimate prize. The 2024 MLB playoffs promise to deliver all the excitement and emotion that have made October one of the most cherished months on the sporting calendar.