Back in March, before a new baseball season bloomed, we ran our preseason MLB Power Rankings. The Los Angeles Dodgers were second, behind the then-healthy Atlanta Braves, but you had to scroll a while to find the three other teams still alive in MLB’s playoffs: the New York Yankees (10th), New York Mets (17th) and Cleveland Guardians (tied for 20th).
There’s a lot we didn’t know six months ago, like the extent of Gerrit Cole’s elbow issue, the injuries awaiting the Dodgers, and the legend of Grimace.
Now, as the Yankees, Guardians, Dodgers and Mets square off in the ALCS and NLCS, let’s take a look at a lesson we can learn from how each team reached baseball’s final four in 2024.
Cleveland Guardians
The lesson: Maybe an elite bullpen is enough
By the stretch run, it wasn’t hard to sell the idea the Guardians had the best bullpen in baseball. This season, they led all MLB bullpens in ERA (2.57), WHIP (1.05), holds (122) and opponent batting average (.203), all by a margin wide enough to drive a bullpen cart through it. Closer Emmanuel Clase built a Cy Young Award case around a 0.61 ERA, and his set-up guys — Hunter Gaddis, Cade Smith and Tim Herrin — all had sub-2.00 ERAs.
6 MLB pitchers pitched in at least 74 games during the regular season and had an ERA under 2.00. That’s very good.
4 of them were Cleveland Guardians. That’s ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/UKvP68yoA4
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) October 14, 2024
Could one super-strength really paper over the Guardians’ rotation concerns?
The answer is, more often than not, yes. Guardians relievers have thrown 63.4 percent of the team’s innings pitched this postseason, most among all teams that reached the Division Series. As the Tigers learned in Game 5 of the ALDS — when the Guardians used eight pitchers and one mighty swing from Lane Thomas to take the series from Tarik Skubal — sometimes you commit pitching chaos, and other times you get pitching chaos’d.
To say the Guardians relievers are doing the heavy lifting is an understatement. They are doing almost all the lifting. Alex Cobb recorded only eight outs in Game 1 of the ALCS, and Tanner Bibee was yanked after four outs in Game 2. Building an elite bullpen will not prevent catastrophe if a starting pitcher melts down early. But it’s clutch in October to have a bullpen capable of locking down leads and, when trailing early, keep the score close enough for a comeback.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The lesson: When you have a glaring need, address it emphatically
Still experiencing heartburn from the Dodgers’ bullpen game in Game 2 of the NLCS? Just imagine how you’d feel without Jack Flaherty in the fold!
There’s a world in which the Tigers held on to Flaherty at the trade deadline, or flipped him to the Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers or (gasp) Guardians. But Andrew Friedman correctly assessed that the rotation was the Dodgers’ limiting factor, so he got a deal done (at a good price) for Flaherty.
Acquiring Flaherty looks even smarter now than it did at the end of July. Flaherty has a 3.46 ERA in 12 starts since the trade, and the Dodgers are 8-4 in those games. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto returning to full health, Walker Buehler struggling, Landon Knack getting hit around Monday and seven other starters sitting on the injured list, Flaherty taking the ball every fifth day is a massive relief for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
So, if you’ve got a need in July (and everybody knows it), skip the half-measures and address it aggressively. The same is true, by the way, of the Guardians getting Lane Thomas and the Yankees trading for Jazz Chisholm Jr. Take a big swing. You’ll be glad you did in October.
New York Mets
The lesson: In the playoffs, recency is more predictive than reputation
I was dead wrong about the Mets pitching staff. When Chad Jennings and I ranked each team’s postseason pitching core, we had the Yankees sixth, the Dodgers seventh, the Guardians eighth and the Mets … 13th. We felt that despite its run of success this staff would falter once the postseason began and every matchup was best on best. It seemed Kodai Senga might not pitch in the playoffs, and beyond Senga and Edwin Díaz the Mets staff was a group of pitchers the baseball world had given up on as impact players.
Reputation said Sean Manaea and Jose Quintana are good, but not great, lefties. Reputation said Luis Severino has not been both healthy and effective since 2018. Reputation said Phil Maton, Reed Garrett and Ryne Stanek are useful relievers if you need someone to cover the sixth inning.
But ranking on reputation over results — which said the Mets had one of the best pitching staffs in the sport since June — leaves you looking foolish when your bottom two teams, the Mets and Tigers, last as long or longer into October than your top two teams, the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres. Sure, the postseason is best-on-best. October brings a different atmosphere. But it’s not a different game. The Mets didn’t get by with smoke and mirrors this season. It wasn’t a trick that would stop working when September ended.
New York Yankees
The lesson: Juan Soto is worth the price of acquisition
That’s the first lesson, anyway. After a few quiet offseasons, the Yankees made a splash in December by depleting their rotation depth — packaging Michael King, Randy Vásquez, Jhony Brito and Drew Thorpe with catcher Kyle Higashioka — to get Soto and Trent Grisham. Soto looked, on paper, like the perfect hitter to place ahead of Aaron Judge in the Yankees lineup. He was, in reality, exactly that. Soto had a .419 OBP and .989 OPS in the regular season while playing a Gold Glove-caliber (?!) right field.
But there’s another lesson here: Don’t stop adding.
Guaranteed only one year with Soto, Yankees GM Brian Cashman continued shaping the roster, in big and small ways, to cash in on this season. There were moves that made headlines, like signing Marcus Stroman and trading for Chisholm and Alex Verdugo, and then there were many more (seemingly) minor additions who have had outsized impacts: Luke Weaver, Jake Cousins, Tim Hill. Once they had the pieces assembled, the Yankees put them together in a way that would once have looked outlandish — Weaver closing? Chisholm at third base? Jon Berti starting at first in the postseason? — but has been a winning combination.
Ten of the players on the Yankees’ ALCS roster were not in the organization at this time last year. Soto has been brilliant in pinstripes, but the Yankees wouldn’t be here without other new guys playing their parts, too.
(Illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; Photos: Keith Birmingham / MediaNews Group / Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images; Patrick Smith, Nick Cammett, Alex Pantling; Getty Images)
# Lessons Learned: How the 2024 ALCS and NLCS Contenders Built Success Through Strategy and Adaptation
In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, the 2024 ALCS (American League Championship Series) and NLCS (National League Championship Series) contenders have been exemplars of strategic innovation and adaptability. These teams have demonstrated that success is not merely a product of talent but a combination of astute decision-making, real-time adjustments, and a deep understanding of the game. This article explores the essential lessons learned from these contenders, highlighting strategies and adaptations that have propelled them to the forefront of their leagues.
## Key Strategies of the 2024 ALCS and NLCS Contenders
### 1. Data-Driven Decision Making
#### Embracing Analytics
In today’s game, data analysis is crucial. Teams in the 2024 ALCS and NLCS have harnessed advanced statistics to refine their strategies. Key areas of focus include:
– **Player Performance Metrics:** Utilizing tools like Statcast to evaluate players’ defensive and offensive capabilities.
– **Matchup Analysis:** Analyzing historical data to optimize pitching rotations against opposing lineups.
### 2. Versatile Roster Construction
#### Building a Multi-Dimensional Team
The successful contenders have demonstrated the importance of versatility in roster construction. This includes:
– **Position Flexibility:** Players capable of performing well in multiple roles (e.g., infielders who can also play outfield).
– **Relief Pitching Depth:** A strong bullpen with pitchers who can handle various game situations, reducing the reliance on starters.
### 3. In-Game Adaptability
#### Real-Time Adjustments
The ability to adapt during games has been a hallmark of the 2024 contenders. Key strategies include:
– **Pitching Changes:** Making strategic calls on when to pull or keep pitchers based on their performance and matchups.
– **Defensive Alignments:** Shifting defensive formations based on the batter’s tendencies and the game situation.
## Practical Tips for Aspiring Teams
### 1. Invest in Analytics
– **Data Tools:** Utilize software and tools for in-depth analysis of player performance.
– **Training Staff:** Employ data analysts who can work closely with coaching staff to optimize strategies.
### 2. Foster Flexibility
– **Training Regimens:** Encourage players to develop skills in multiple positions.
– **Roster Management:** Continuously evaluate and adjust the roster to ensure depth and versatility.
### 3. Cultivate a Culture of Adaptation
– **Open Communication:** Maintain a dialogue among players and coaching staff to promote sharing insights and strategies.
– **Post-Game Reviews:** Conduct thorough analyses of games to identify what worked and what didn’t, fostering a learning environment.
## Case Studies: Successful Strategies in Action
### Team A: The Powerhouse Offense
#### How Team A Utilized Data
Team A’s journey to the ALCS was marked by an aggressive offensive strategy informed by data. They focused on:
– **Launch Angle Optimization:** Players adjusted their swings based on launch angle metrics, leading to a significant increase in home runs.
– **On-Base Percentage:** Prioritizing patience at the plate, resulting in higher walk rates and better scoring opportunities.
### Team B: The Defensive Juggernaut
#### Adapting to League Trends
Team B dominated the NLCS, largely due to their exceptional defense. Key strategies included:
– **Shift Usage:** Implementing shifts based on comprehensive analysis of opposing hitters.
– **Pitching Strategy:** Focusing on ground-ball pitchers who thrive with a strong infield defense.
## Benefits of Strategic Adaptation
### 1. Enhanced Team Performance
– **Improved Winning Percentage:** Teams that adapt strategically often witness an uptick in their overall performance and playoff success.
– **Sustained Success:** Long-term adaptability allows teams to remain competitive year after year.
### 2. Increased Fan Engagement
– **Exciting Gameplay:** Strategic innovations lead to more dynamic and engaging games, attracting larger audiences.
– **Community Connection:** Teams that embrace local data and insights can foster a deeper connection with their fan base.
### 3. Future-Proofing the Franchise
– **Adapting to Trends:** Teams that can pivot with the changing landscape of the game are more likely to maintain relevance.
– **Player Development:** Focusing on adaptable skill sets ensures that young players can transition into various roles as needed.
## Lessons from the 2024 ALCS and NLCS Contenders
### Summary of Successful Strategies
| Strategy | Key Elements | Benefits |
|——————————-|————————————————|——————————–|
| Data-Driven Decision Making | Analytics, Player Metrics | Informed game strategies |
| Versatile Roster Construction | Position Flexibility, Bullpen Depth | Enhanced team adaptability |
| In-Game Adaptability | Pitching Changes, Defensive Alignments | Real-time tactical advantages |
### First-Hand Experience: Insights from Players and Coaches
– **Player Testimonial:** “Understanding the data behind our decisions has transformed how we approach each game. It’s not just about talent anymore; it’s about making the right calls at the right time.” – A Star Player from Team A
– **Coach Perspective:** “Adaptation is key. We regularly review our strategies and adjust based on how the game unfolds. It keeps both players and coaches engaged.” – Head Coach of Team B
## The Future of Major League Baseball Strategy
As the 2024 postseason unfolds, it is clear that teams in the ALCS and NLCS have set a new standard for success through strategic innovation and flexibility. Emphasizing data, fostering player versatility, and embracing in-game adaptability will remain critical pillars for any team aiming for championship success in the future.
By learning from these contenders, aspiring franchises can position themselves to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment, ensuring their place in MLB history.
