2024 MLB Wild Card Series Preview (Sports)
October 1, 2024
The 2024 MLB Playoffs officially start today with the best-of-three Wild Card series matchups to determine which four teams will move onto the League Division Series.
American League
First-round byes
No. 1 Yankees, No. 2 Guardians
Wild Card Series
No. 3 Astros vs. No. 6 Tigers
No. 4 Orioles vs. No. 5 Royals
- The Tigers are playing their best baseball this season going 17-8 in September after being 8 games under .500 on August 11th to claim the final AL wild-card spot.
- The Astros also had some struggles during the regular season being 33-40 and 10 games behind the Mariners in June, but they were able to close the gap by the end of July and would eventually sure their spot in the AL wild-card.
- The Orioles pitching staff has been with dealing with injuries towards the end of the regular season with Kyle Bradish (finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting last season), and two other starters, John Means and Tyler Wells, all having season-ending elbow surgery.
- The Royals will have a more consistent pitching staff with more depth in their rotation and bullpen.
National League
First-round byes
No. 1 Dodgers, No. 2 Phillies
Wild Card Series
No. 3 Brewers vs. No. 6 Mets
No. 4 Padres vs. No. 5 Braves
- The Brewers have been one of the more consistent and well-rounded teams throughout the season being able to cleanly pitch, score runs, and play solid defense.
- The Mets were struggling for most of the regular season, up until the last couple months where they have been able to flip their season around and find a spot in the NL wild-card round. Their MVP shortstop Francisco Lindor has been a key part of their success, and their starting pitching will have to come through if the Mets want to make a run in the playoffs.
- The Padres have been one of the best teams since the All-Star break with a league best record of 43-19. They have momentum on their side, and their strong offense and bullpen will cause troubles for other teams.
- The Braves have been dealing with injuries to their top players all season (Ronald Acuña Jr./Outfielder, Austin Riley/Third Baseman, Chris Sale/Pitching), but they were able to clinch a spot in the NL wild-card with their strong starting pitching. The Braves will need to rely on their entire pitching staff if they want to make a run in the playoffs.