The 2024 MLB World Series: What to Expect
As the excitement of the 2024 MLB postseason reaches its peak, baseball fans are eagerly anticipating the World Series, set to commence next week. However, the exact start date remains uncertain, hinging on the outcomes of the League Championship Series (LCS) this weekend. The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are poised to potentially close out their respective series, which could lead to the Fall Classic kicking off as early as Tuesday, October 22. Conversely, if either the National League Championship Series (NLCS) or American League Championship Series (ALCS) extends beyond Saturday, the World Series will begin on Friday, October 25.
Current Standings in the Championship Series
At present, the New York Mets find themselves in a precarious position, trailing the Dodgers 3-1 in the NLCS. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians are battling against the Yankees, having recently secured a thrilling walk-off victory but still trailing 2-1 in the ALCS. The stakes are high, and the drama is palpable as teams vie for a chance to compete in the ultimate showdown of Major League Baseball.
New Scheduling Format
This year, Major League Baseball has introduced a new scheduling format aimed at minimizing downtime between the LCS and the World Series. In previous seasons, teams have faced extended breaks, which can disrupt momentum. For instance, last year’s LCS matchups went the distance, with both series stretching to seven games, leaving little time for rest. However, in 2022, the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies experienced a four-day hiatus between clinching their pennants and the start of the World Series. The new format seeks to maintain the competitive edge and excitement that comes with continuous play.
Potential World Series Schedule
As we await the final results of the LCS, here’s a look at the potential schedule for the 2024 World Series:
- Game 1: Tuesday, October 22 or Friday, October 25
- Game 2: Wednesday, October 23 or Saturday, October 26
- Game 3: Friday, October 25 or Monday, October 28
- Game 4: Saturday, October 26 or Tuesday, October 29
- Game 5: Sunday, October 27 or Wednesday, October 30 (if necessary)
- Game 6: Tuesday, October 29 or Friday, November 1 (if necessary)
- Game 7: Wednesday, October 30 or Saturday, November 2 (if necessary)
The Dodgers will enjoy home-field advantage in the World Series if they secure the NL pennant, while both the Yankees and Guardians would have the upper hand against the Mets.
Teams Eliminated from the Playoffs
As the postseason unfolds, several teams have already faced elimination. The Detroit Tigers, San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals, and Philadelphia Phillies were all ousted during the League Division Series. Additionally, the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and Houston Astros were eliminated in the Wild Card Series, marking a dramatic start to October baseball.
Recap of the 2024 MLB Playoff Scores
As we look ahead to the World Series, let’s recap the playoff scores to date, highlighting the intensity of the Championship Series:
Championship Series Scores:
- NLCS Game 1: Dodgers 9, Mets 0 (Los Angeles leads 1-0)
- NLCS Game 2: Mets 7, Dodgers 3 (Series tied 1-1)
- NLCS Game 3: Dodgers 8, Mets 0 (Los Angeles leads 2-1)
- NLCS Game 4: Dodgers 10, Mets 2 (Los Angeles leads 3-1)
- ALCS Game 1: Yankees 5, Guardians 2 (New York leads 1-0)
- ALCS Game 2: Yankees 6, Guardians 3 (New York leads 2-0)
- ALCS Game 3: Guardians 7, Yankees 5 (New York leads 2-1)
Upcoming Games:
- NLCS Game 5: Mets vs. Dodgers, Friday, October 18
- ALCS Game 4: Yankees vs. Guardians, Friday, October 18
- NLCS Game 6: Dodgers vs. Mets, Sunday, October 20 (if necessary)
- ALCS Game 6: Yankees vs. Guardians, Monday, October 21 (if necessary)
- ALCS Game 7: Yankees vs. Guardians, Tuesday, October 22 (if necessary)
The anticipation for the World Series is building, and fans are ready to witness which teams will rise to the occasion and compete for the coveted championship title. With the stakes higher than ever, the next few days promise to be filled with thrilling baseball action.