Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2024 postseason schedule has been officially unveiled, marking an exciting progression in the sport's annual climax. As the anticipation builds, fans and teams alike are preparing for what promises to be a riveting series of matchups culminating in the World Series.
End of Regular Season
The 2024 regular season's final games are set for Sunday, September 29. As the dust settles from the regular season's conclusion, teams will quickly pivot their focus to playoff action with the elimination of the one-game playoffs, introducing a new format that promises to deliver more extended high-stakes baseball.
Inauguration of the Wild Card Series
The Wild Card Series kicks off on Tuesday, October 1, altering the dynamics of the early postseason. This series will be a three-game showdown, with all games hosted by the higher-seeded team, thus eliminating any grueling travel during the series. The third division winner and the top Wild Card team in each league will enjoy this crucial home-field advantage.
Games for the Wild Card Series continue on Wednesday, October 2, with any necessary Game 3s scheduled for Thursday, October 3. This tight schedule promises an intense start to the playoffs as teams scramble to advance to the next round.
Division Series Matchups
The Division Series begins on Saturday, October 5. The top two division winners in each league will host Games 1, 2, and, if necessary, Game 5 on their turf, offering a strategic advantage to those who performed best during the regular season.
Following the schedule, NLDS Game 2 is set for Sunday, October 6, while ALDS Game 2 will take place on Monday, October 7. As the competition heats up, both leagues will see their teams battle in Game 3 on October 8 and October 9, respectively. Potential Game 4s and 5s will occur from October 9 through October 12, depending on the outcomes of the initial matchups.
Championship Series Intensity
The NLCS begins on Sunday, October 13, followed closely by NLCS Game 2 and ALCS Game 1 on Monday, October 14. The fierce competition continues with ALCS Game 2 on October 15 and NLCS Game 3 on October 16. Both leagues will see potential Game 4s, 5s, 6s, and 7s over the subsequent days, making for nearly two weeks of high-stakes baseball that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Any NLCS Game 6 will unfold on Sunday, October 20, while both NLCS Game 7 and potential ALCS Game 6 are slated for Monday, October 21. If necessary, ALCS Game 7 will conclude the series on Tuesday, October 22.
Climaxing with the World Series
Depending on the resolution of the League Championship Series, the World Series will start either on Tuesday, October 22, or, if on the scheduled date, on Friday, October 25. This marquee event opens its highly anticipated first game on Friday, October 25, followed by Game 2 on Saturday, October 26.
After a travel day, the series resumes with Games 3 and 4 on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29. If the series extends, Game 5 is planned for Wednesday, October 30, pushing to potential Games 6 and 7 on Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2, respectively. In a fitting end, the team with the superior regular-season record will host Games 1, 2, and, if necessary, Games 6 and 7, potentially providing a home-field edge in the quest for the championship.
As MLB gears up for this new postseason format, fans can expect a thrilling and action-packed October. With clear schedules and strategic home-field advantages at play, the 2024 playoffs will undoubtedly offer memories and moments that will be cherished for years to come.