The anticipation for the 2024 Major League Baseball playoffs has officially begun, as the league has released the schedule for next year's postseason. Fans and teams alike can now circle significant dates on their calendars, knowing that the regular season will wrap up on Sunday, September 29.
In a notable change from previous years, the one-game Wild Card playoffs have been removed from the format. Instead, the Wild Card Series will start on Tuesday, October 1, featuring a three-game series with no travel. This format ensures all games will be hosted at the home of the third division winner and the top Wild Card team in each league. Games continue on Wednesday, October 2, with any needed Game 3s set for Thursday, October 3.
Division Series Breakdown
The intensity ramps up with the Division Series kicking off on Saturday, October 5. The top two division winners in each league hold a significant advantage, hosting Games 1, 2, and, if required, Game 5. Crucial matchups in the National League Division Series (NLDS) will see Game 2 on Sunday, October 6, and Game 3 on Tuesday, October 8. Across the American League, Division Series (ALDS) Game 2 is marked for Monday, October 7, with Game 3 the following day on Wednesday, October 9. Should they be necessary, ALDS Game 4 will be played on Thursday, October 10, and NLDS Game 5 on Friday, October 11. The ALDS rounds off with a potential Game 5 on Saturday, October 12.
League Championship Series Loom
As fall deepens, the League Championship Series (LCS) beckon. The National League Championship Series (NLCS) will commence on Sunday, October 13, followed by Game 2 and the opening game of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Monday, October 14. ALCS Game 2 is planned for Tuesday, October 15, and Game 3 for both leagues falls on the same day, Wednesday, October 16. The action continues with NLCS Game 4 and ALCS Game 3 on Thursday, October 17. If the series extend, potential ALCS Game 4 and NLCS Game 5 are set for Friday, October 18, and a potential ALCS Game 5 finds its place on Saturday, October 19. If the NLCS proceeds to Game 6, it will happen on Sunday, October 20, with any required ALCS Game 6 and NLCS Game 7 taking place on Monday, October 21. Finally, a potential ALCS Game 7 is earmarked for Tuesday, October 22.
Path to the World Series
The crescendo of the MLB season peaks with the World Series. If the LCS concludes by Saturday, October 19, the World Series will commence on Tuesday, October 22. On the designated start date, the first game is scheduled for Friday, October 25. Fans can expect World Series Game 2 on Saturday, October 26, followed by a travel day before Games 3 and 4 on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, respectively. Depending on the progression, a potential Game 5 could be on Wednesday, October 30. Extending to a full seven games would see Game 6 on Friday, November 1, and the decisive Game 7 on Saturday, November 2. The team with the superior regular-season record in each league secures the advantage by hosting Games 1, 2, and, if necessary, Games 6 and 7.
With this structure, the 2024 MLB playoffs promise to be a series of high-stakes, thrilling encounters that will culminate in crowning next year’s champion. Baseball fans should gear up for an October (and potentially November) to remember, with every game offering potential headline-making moments.