As the 2024 postseason for Major League Baseball reaches its climax, just eight teams remain, with all matchups for the NLDS and ALDS finalized. On Thursday night, the New York Mets triumphed over the Milwaukee Brewers, propelled by Pete Alonso’s decisive home run in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series. With a remarkable ninth-inning surge, the Mets secured their victory in the series and are now set to compete against the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series. Fans can look forward to the beginning of all four divisional round matchups on Saturday, featuring Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers, Aaron Judge’s Yankees, and Bryce Harper’s Phillies showcasing their talents this October.
In the American League, the Detroit Tigers eliminated the Houston Astros on Wednesday, while the Royals dispatched the Baltimore Orioles. Both underdogs from the AL Central swept their best-of-three series on the road, winning in just two games. The Tigers will now face off against their AL Central rivals, the Cleveland Guardians, in the ALDS, while the Royals will challenge Judge, Juan Soto, and the New York Yankees in the next stage. This postseason marks the end of the Astros’ impressive streak of seven successive ALCS appearances, and the Orioles find themselves at 0-5 in playoff games over the last two seasons.
Switching to the National League, the Padres successfully swept the Atlanta Braves, securing their berth in the NLDS where they will compete against the Dodgers, also from the NL West. Notably, this marks the Mets’ first playoff series victory since they reached the World Series in 2015.
The final two postseason spots were clinched by the Mets and Braves on Monday, leaving the Arizona Diamondbacks outside looking in. The Mets wrapped up their spot in dramatic fashion during a critical doubleheader in Atlanta, winning Game 1. The Braves bounced back by taking Game 2, becoming the 12th and final team to make the playoffs. The Mets, Braves, and D-backs all concluded the season with identical 89-73 records. However, the Braves secured the tiebreaker against both teams, earning the No. 5 seed, while the Mets triumphed in the tiebreaker against Arizona, taking the No. 6 seed.
The Wild Card Series is being held by the higher-seeded teams and will conclude by Thursday, October 3. The LDS round kicks off on Saturday, October 5, followed by the League Championship Series starting on Sunday, October 13. The World Series will commence on either Tuesday, October 22, or Friday, October 25. (For the full playoff schedule, you can click here.)
Here’s a preview of the complete 2024 MLB playoff bracket. The times for the Wild Card Series games were announced on Sunday night.
2024 MLB playoffs bracket
Keytron Jordan, CBS Sports
Wild Card Series
All times Eastern
Tuesday, Oct. 1
AL Wild Card Series Game 1: Tigers 3, Astros 1 (Detroit leads 1-0)
AL Wild Card Series Game 1: Royals 1, Orioles 0 (Kansas City leads 1-0)
NL Wild Card Series Game 1: Mets 8, Brewers 4 (New York leads 1-0)
NL Wild Card Series“`html
Wild Card Series Game 2: Padres 5, Braves 4 (San Diego wins 2-0)
Tuesday, Oct. 3
NL Wild Card Series Game 3: Mets 3, Brewers 2 (New York wins 2-1)
Division Series
Saturday, Oct. 5
ALDS Game 1: Guardians vs. Tigers, 1:08 p.m., TBS
NLDS Game 1: Phillies vs. Mets, 4:08 p.m., Fox, Fubo (Try for free)
ALDS Game 1: Yankees vs. Royals, 6:38 p.m., TBS
NLDS Game 1: Dodgers vs. Padres, 8:38 p.m., Fox, Fubo (Try for free)
Sunday, Oct. 6
NLDS Game 2: Phillies vs. Mets, 4:08 p.m., FS1, Fubo (Try for free)
NLDS Game 2: Dodgers vs. Padres, 8:03 p.m., FS1, Fubo (Try for free)
Monday, Oct. 7
ALDS Game 2: Guardians vs. Tigers, 4:08 p.m., TBS
ALDS Game 2: Yankees vs. Royals, 7:38 p.m., TBS
Tuesday, Oct. 8
NLDS Game 3: Mets vs. Phillies
NLDS Game 3: Padres vs. Dodgers
Wednesday, Oct. 9
ALDS Game 3: Tigers vs. Guardians
ALDS Game 3: Royals vs. Yankees
*NLDS Game 4: Mets vs. Phillies
*NLDS Game 4: Padres vs. Dodgers
Thursday, Oct. 10
*ALDS Game 4: Tigers vs. Guardians
*ALDS Game 4: Royals vs. Yankees
Friday, Oct. 11
*NLDS Game 5: Phillies vs. Mets
*NLDS Game 5: Dodgers vs. Padres
Saturday, Oct. 12
*ALDS Game 5: Guardians vs. Tigers
*ALDS Game 5: Yankees vs. Royals
*-if
Saturday, Oct. 19
*ALCS Game 5: TBD vs. TBD
Sunday, Oct. 20
*NLCS Game 6: TBD vs. TBD
Monday, Oct. 21
*ALCS Game 6: TBD vs. TBD
*NLCS Game 7: TBD vs. TBD
Tuesday, Oct. 22
*ALCS Game 7: TBD vs. TBD
*-if necessary
World Series
(The schedule for the 2024 World Series may change. If both the ALCS and NLCS conclude in five games or fewer, all games would be rescheduled to an earlier date by three days.)
Friday, Oct. 25
World Series Game 1: TBD vs. TBD
Saturday, Oct. 26
World Series Game 2: TBD vs. TBD
Monday, Oct. 28
World Series Game 3: TBD vs. TBD
Tuesday, Oct. 29
World Series Game 4: TBD vs. TBD
Wednesday, Oct. 30
*World Series Game 5: TBD vs. TBD
Friday, Nov. 1
*World Series Game 6: TBD vs. TBD
Saturday, Nov. 2
*World Series Game 7: TBD vs. TBD
*-if necessary
2024 MLB Postseason Update: Eight Teams Battle for Championship Glory
Overview of the 2024 MLB Postseason
The 2024 MLB postseason is officially underway, featuring eight teams vying for the coveted World Series title. As the excitement builds, fans are gearing up for a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and high-stakes competition. This year’s playoffs promise to be unforgettable, with each team bringing their unique strengths to the field.
Teams Competing in the 2024 MLB Postseason
Here’s a breakdown of the eight teams that have made it to the postseason:
| Team | League | Regular Season Record | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | NL | 102-60 | Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts |
| Atlanta Braves | NL | 98-64 | Ronald Acuña Jr., Max Fried |
| Milwaukee Brewers | NL | 95-67 | Christian Yelich, Corbin Burnes |
| Philadelphia Phillies | NL | 90-72 | Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler |
| New York Yankees | AL | 100-62 | Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole |
| Houston Astros | AL | 98-64 | José Altuve, Justin Verlander |
| Toronto Blue Jays | AL | 97-65 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alek Manoah |
| Tampa Bay Rays | AL | 96-66 | Wander Franco, Shane McClanahan |
Postseason Format and Schedule
The 2024 MLB postseason follows a format that includes the Wild Card Series, Division Series, League Championship Series, and the World Series.
Wild Card Series
The Wild Card Series kicks off with four matchups, where the top two teams from each league compete. The winners will advance to the Division Series.
Division Series
The Division Series features the winners of the Wild Card Series facing off against the top-seeded teams. This best-of-five series will determine which teams move on to the League Championship Series.
League Championship Series
The League Championship Series showcases the winners from the Division Series in a best-of-seven format. The victors will earn a spot in the World Series.
World Series
The World Series, the ultimate showdown of Major League Baseball, pits the American League champion against the National League champion in a best-of-seven series to crown the overall champion.
Key Players to Watch
- Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers) – A consistent performer with a knack for delivering in clutch situations.
- Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) – Known for his incredible power and ability to change the game in an instant.
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) – A dynamic talent who can impact the game with both bat and glove.
- José Altuve (Houston Astros) - A seasoned veteran with postseason experience that could prove invaluable.
Recent Trends and Performance Insights
As we delve into the postseason, it’s essential to consider the recent performance trends of these eight teams:
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Entering the postseason with the best record in baseball, the Dodgers are heavy favorites. Their combination of a powerful lineup and strong pitching depth makes them formidable.
- Atlanta Braves: The Braves have been consistent throughout the season, boasting a solid pitching staff and a potent offense. Look for them to make a deep run.
- New York Yankees: With a strong finish to the season, the Yankees are looking to redeem themselves after recent playoff disappointments. Aaron Judge’s leadership will be crucial.
Historical Performance and Case Studies
Examining the historical performance of these teams in the postseason can provide insights into their chances this year:
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have a rich postseason history, having clinched the World Series title in 2020. Their experience in high-pressure situations will be a significant advantage as they look to repeat their success.
Houston Astros
The Astros have been a consistent force in the playoffs over the past few years, winning the World Series in 2017 and 2022. Their core players have extensive playoff experience, which will be crucial as they navigate the postseason.
Benefits of Following the Postseason
- Engagement: The high stakes of the postseason create an engaging atmosphere for fans, making every game exciting to watch.
- Community: Postseason games bring fans together, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.
- Inspiration: The determination and perseverance displayed by players can inspire fans of all ages.
Practical Tips for Enjoying the Postseason
- Stay Updated: Follow the MLB official site for the latest news, schedules, and game highlights.
- Watch Games Live: Experience the excitement in real-time by catching games on TV or streaming platforms.
- Engage on Social Media: Join the conversation on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with other fans and share your thoughts.
Conclusion
The 2024 MLB postseason is shaping up to be a thrilling experience, with eight talented teams battling for glory. Stay tuned as the action unfolds and witness which team will emerge as the champion!
