Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially announced the schedule for the 2024 playoffs, providing fans and players with a clear roadmap to the coveted World Series. As always, the postseason promises thrilling matchups and intense competition, with several adjustments to the format designed to enhance the experience.
End of the Regular Season
Mark your calendars, as the regular season will conclude on Sunday, September 29. Moving directly into October, the hunt for the championship begins with the Wild Card Series.
Wild Card Series Evolution
In a notable change from previous years, there will be no one-game playoffs. Instead, the Wild Card Series will feature a three-game face-off, starting on Tuesday, October 1. This update is intended to provide a fairer competition, eliminating the high stakes of a single game deciding a team's fate.
The third division winner and the top Wild Card team in each league will have the home-field advantage for these matchups. The action continues on Wednesday, October 2, with potential Game 3s set for Thursday, October 3. The absence of travel during this series allows for a more streamlined and less taxing schedule for the teams involved.
Division Series Highlights
The Division Series will commence on Saturday, October 5, with the top two division winners in each league enjoying home-field advantage for Games 1 and 2, and if necessary, Game 5. National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, followed by American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 2 on Monday, October 7.
NLDS Game 3 is planned for Tuesday, October 8, with ALDS Games 3 and potential NLDS Game 4s to be played on Wednesday, October 9. ALDS Game 4 will take place on Thursday, October 10. Should the series go the distance, NLDS Game 5 will be held on Friday, October 11, and ALDS Game 5 on Saturday, October 12.
League Championship Series
The National League Championship Series (NLCS) will kick off on Sunday, October 13, with NLCS Game 2 and American League Championship Series (ALCS) Game 1 on Monday, October 14. The ALCS Game 2 is set for Tuesday, October 15, followed by NLCS Game 3 on Wednesday, October 16. On Thursday, October 17, both NLCS Game 4 and ALCS Game 3 will be played, with potential ALCS Game 4 and NLCS Game 5 on Friday, October 18.
If necessary, ALCS Game 5 will take place on Saturday, October 19, followed by potential NLCS Game 6 on Sunday, October 20, and both potential ALCS Game 6 and NLCS Game 7 on Monday, October 21. A potential ALCS Game 7 is slated for Tuesday, October 22, to determine the league champions.
The World Series
The pinnacle of the MLB season, the World Series, will begin on Tuesday, October 22, if the League Championship Series conclude by Saturday, October 19. Should the schedule proceed without delays, the first game will be held on Friday, October 25. Game 2 will follow on Saturday, October 26, after which there will be a travel day before Games 3 and 4, scheduled for Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, respectively.
If the thrilling series goes beyond four games, a potential Game 5 will take place on Wednesday, October 30. Should the series stretch to the full seven games, fans can expect Game 6 on Friday, November 1, and the decisive Game 7 on Saturday, November 2.
In keeping with the tradition, the team boasting the superior regular-season record in each league will host Games 1, 2, and, if required, Games 6 and 7 of the World Series, ensuring an electrifying home-field advantage during the most critical moments.
With these changes and the rigorous schedule set, the 2024 MLB playoffs are shaping up to be a must-watch saga for baseball aficionados around the globe. The blend of seasoned format and fresh adjustments promises an autumn of unforgettable baseball action, as teams vie for the ultimate prize in America’s pastime.