As the 2024 Major League Baseball regular season enters its final stretch, attention is shifting toward the upcoming postseason. The playoff positions have been heavily contested this season, with several teams making late dashes to the finish line for a place in October baseball. This year’s playoff picture is shaping up to provide some great matchups and, quite possibly, Cinderella stories.
Playoff Format
The MLB playoffs will feature the expanded 12-team format introduced in recent years, with six teams from each league participating. Each league has its three division winners and three wild card teams. In each league, the top two division winners are to get a bye to the Division Series, while the remaining four teams shall play in the Wild Card Series.
Key Teams to Watch
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West Champions)
The Dodgers remain a powerhouse in the National League, with an even makeup of superstars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman around and a strong rotation that continues to keep the Dodgers among the favorites in most peoples’ eyes for a deep playoff run.
2. Atlanta Braves (NL East Champions)
The Braves have dominated the NL East once again. The young core that led them to the division title in 2018, featuring Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies, evolved into a batting monster. A robust offense and better pitching make them immediate World Series contenders.
3. New York Yankees (AL East Champions)
After several postseason disappointments, the Yankees retooled for a deep run in October. With Gerrit Cole anchoring the staff, their pitching could be the reason in the Division Series.
4. Houston Astros (AL West Champions)
The Astros are still perennial contenders. Their core of experience, with players like Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman, knows what to do in big-time moments. Their consistent postseason trips ensure that they will be a player.
5. San Diego Padres (NL Wild Card)
The Padres have finally broken through after years of building. With stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, they have the talent to take down higher-seeded teams in short series.
6. Tampa Bay Rays (AL Wild Card)
The Rays continue to push the needle with their innovative ways of going about the game. Depth and versatility give the Rays a dangerous leg going into the postseason.
Projected Playoff Bracket
| American League | National League |
| 1. New York Yankees | 1. Los Angeles Dodgers |
| 2. Houston Astros | 2. Atlanta Braves |
| 3. Minnesota Twins | 3. Milwaukee Brewers |
| 4. Tampa Bay Rays | 4. San Diego Padres |
| 5. Boston Red Sox | 5. St. Louis Cardinals |
| 6. Seattle Mariners | 6. Philadelphia Phillies |
Potential Storylines
- Can the Dodgers translate their regular-season dominance into postseason success?
- Will the Braves’ young core take the next step and bring another title to Atlanta?
- Are the Yankees primed to end their World Series drought?
- Can the Astros continue their dynasty with another deep playoff run?
- Will we see a Cinderella story from a lower-seeded team like the Mariners or Phillies?
Factors to Consider
Upsets and Surprises
There will almost surely be upsets and surprises this postseason. In years past, teams have made deep runs from lower seedings; now, even more opportunities for underdogs have been added. The Wild Card Series could be particularly volatile due to its best-of-three nature.
Pitching Depth
Depth in pitching will come in more handy during the playoffs. Teams with good rotations and bullpens have a better chance of coming out ahead because series in the Division and Championship rounds could go long. There will be huge expectations for teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Braves to use their pitching to full strength.
Home-Field Advantage
The home-field advantage might prove significant, especially with the likes of the Braves and Dodgers, given the overwhelming crowds and great record at home, that may slightly go their way in important games.
October means a reason for baseball fans to get excited about high-emotional-level games that are filled with drama and action, and possibly historic performances that create excitement building off of itself. The teams noted above may be the front-runners, but the beauty of baseball is in its somewhat wild unpredictability. Any team that makes it to the postseason can get hot at the right time to make a run at the World Series title.
The 2024 MLB playoffs are set to provide a thrilling conclusion to an exhilarating season featuring a mix of established powerhouses and emerging contenders. This could be the makings of one of those classic Octobers that are remembered.
