2024 MLB Postseason Preview: Playoff Bracket, Where and How to Watch, Teams to Look Out For

It’s October, can you feel the excitement over the 2024 MLB postseason? The regular season has been a rollercoaster ride, and now, the best teams are geared up for the ultimate clash for glory. Picture this — nail-biting games between the best teams, that will have you on the edge of your seats. From historic rivalries to underdog stories, every game is going to be filled with tension, so, let’s hit a home run with this postseason preview! 

2024 MLB postseason bracket – Byes and wild card series

MLB post-season kicked off with a bang on Tuesday, with four Game 1 matchups in the best-of-three wild card series. The air was filled with tension as the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals made their playoff debuts. The Tigers shone against the Houston Astros and the Royals rose to the occasion against the Baltimore Orioles. Now, the four teams, who lost on Tuesday, will face elimination in Wednesday’s Game 2. At present, some squads are sitting pretty and enjoying a well-deserved break. The four top teams include the New York Yankees, the Cleveland Guardians, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Philadelphia Phillies.

These teams are enjoying the first-round byes and are all set to get straight into the League Division Series. On Monday, the postseason picture was locked in when the Mets and Braves held into the last two playoff spots, with the Arizona Diamondbacks on the outside, looking in. The Wild Card Series will be hosted by the higher-seeded teams and will conclude on October 3. Here’s the full playoff schedule to catch all the action:

MLB playoff schedule and changes in start dates, and how to watch

With the postseason, things are heating up, and staying on top of when to catch the games is crucial. No one wants to miss a thrilling moment. The Wild Card Series is in full swing now, and here is the entire schedule.

  • Wild Card Series: October 1-3, 2024
  • League Division Series: Starting October 5, 2024
  • League Championship Series: Kicking off on October 13, 2024
  • World Series: Starting from October 22 or October 25, 2024

Fans can tune in through a variety of networks like ESPN, Fox, and TBS. So stock up on your favorite snack, settle in your comfy chair, and get ready for some thrilling actions. Whether you are rooting for the Yankees, the Tigers, or anyone else, this postseason is sure to deliver more than your expectations.

The biggest stories of the playoffs

New York Yankees: The return of the Bronx Bombers

The New York Yankees are gearing up for the next leg and all eyes are going to be on MVP candidates Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Both have carried the team to the success path this season. And while Judge did fall into a slump, his gameplay was stellar. But his postseason average has been shaky, so, Soto’s ability to get on base could help further. If the Yanks want to lift the trophy, they would need these two stars to shine brightly in the October spotlight. 

One thing the team would have to pay attention to is just their fundamental baseball. They rank last in the majors for baserunning, their defensive lapses and the sole reliance on home runs could haunt them forward. Eyes will be peeled off Aaron Boone and how he can guide his team through the playoffs successfully. 

Kansas City Royals- The underdogs who are on a mission!

Don’t underestimate the Royals! The team has become the poster child for resilience and has had a fairytale season this year. They have emerging stars like Bobby Witt Jr and MJ Melendez, who have shown their penchant to pull off some surprising games. Keep an eye on them aiming for that postseason glory.

Detroit Tigers: The tough competitors

The Detroit Tigers just won the game against the Houston Astros and made their place. And there seems to be no stopping them. They have a star, Tarik Skubal, and an offense they can capitalize on. So, definitely, a team to look out for in the postseason in MLB. 

Los Angeles Dodgers: triple threat

Los Angeles Dodgers have been a glory to watch, especially with Shohei Ohtani, slashing all boundaries. Plus Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are also stellar players. Given such a lineup, we can look for nothing more than the best from them. The only thing that might stop them on their road to glory is injuries. There have been an alarming number of Dodgers injured players. 

Philadelphia Phillies: The high-flying contenders

The Phillies have been a fan favorite this year. They have a veteran roster and also narrowly missed the World Series in 2023. What makes the team different this year is the pitching staff, which consists of five 2024 All-Stars. Christopher Sanchez has been dominant since August and all eyes are going to be on him to make an impact. But one can’t even ignore Bryce Harper. In other news, his jersey was the second highest-selling in MLB, just below Ohtani.

San Diego Padres: The wild cards

Finally, the Padres is a team that’s shown to thrive under pressure. Their game with the Braves was a delight to watch! With a lineup full of dynamic players, including Fernando Tatis Jr., they are ready to create some fireworks in the playoffs. 

The stakes are high at MLB and every pitch counts now – October is going to be filled with drama and excitement and of course a whole lot of baseball. The journey to the World Series begins now, and it promises to be a wild one. Who are you rooting for? Share below. 

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