As the MLB playoff 2024 regular season enters its final stretch, excitement for the postseason is ramping up. With the playoff picture starting to take shape, fans are eager to see which teams will battle for a chance to be crowned World Series champions. The playoff format has evolved over the years, and 2024 continues with the expanded system first introduced in 2022, ensuring even more teams have a shot at postseason glory.
How Many Teams Make the MLB Playoffs 2024?
A total of 12 teams will qualify for the 2024 MLB postseason, with six teams from each league: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). These include:
- Three division winners from each league (AL East, AL Central, AL West; NL East, NL Central, NL West).
- Three wild card teams in each league, consisting of the non-division winners with the best records.
The teams are seeded based on their regular-season performance, with the top two seeds in each league receiving a bye to the Division Series, while the other teams compete in the Wild Card Series.
Who’s In the MLB Playoffs 2024 So Far?
Several teams have already clinched playoff spots as the season nears its conclusion:
- American League: The New York Yankees (AL East) and Cleveland Guardians (AL Central) have secured playoff berths, with the Houston Astros leading the AL West.
- National League: The Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West) and Milwaukee Brewers (NL Central) have locked in their spots. The NL East is currently led by the Philadelphia Phillies.
In the wild card race, teams such as the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, and Kansas City Royals are fighting to claim the final spots in their respective leagues
The 2024 MLB playoffs follow a six-team format in each league, which has been in place since 2022. Here’s how it works:
- Top Two Seeds: The two division winners with the best records in each league earn a first-round bye, automatically advancing to the Division Series.
- Wild Card Series: The remaining division winner (seeded #3) faces the lowest-seeded wild card team (#6), while the other two wild card teams (#4 and #5) square off in a best-of-three series. All games in the Wild Card Series are hosted by the higher-seeded team.
- Division Series: The winners of the Wild Card Series advance to the best-of-five Division Series, where they will face the top two seeds from their respective leagues.
- Championship Series: The Division Series winners move on to the American League Championship Series (ALCS) and National League Championship Series (NLCS), both of which are best-of-seven series.
- World Series: The AL and NL champions will compete in the best-of-seven World Series to determine the 2024 MLB champion.
What to Expect in Each Round of the 2024 MLB Postseason
Wild Card Series (Best-of-Three)
- The Wild Card Series will kick off on October 1, 2024. This short series means there is little room for error, with all games hosted at the higher-seeded team’s ballpark.
- Teams that are able to leverage home-field advantage and strong starting pitching rotations will have the upper hand in these quick matchups.
Division Series (Best-of-Five)
- The Division Series begins on October 5 for the American League and on October 6 for the National League.
- The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, and 5 (if necessary), while the lower seed hosts Game 3 and Game 4 (if necessary). Given the best-of-five format, getting off to a strong start in the series is critical.
Championship Series (Best-of-Seven)
- The ALCS and NLCS follow a 2-3-2 format, where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 (if necessary).
- These series typically feature more drama and bigger moments as teams fight for the chance to compete in the World Series.
World Series (Best-of-Seven)
- The World Series kicks off on October 25, using the same 2-3-2 format. The first two games, as well as Games 6 and 7 (if necessary), are hosted by the team with the better regular-season record.
FAQs About the MLB Playoffs 2024
Q1: How many teams make the MLB playoffs?
A total of 12 teams qualify for the 2024 MLB playoffs: six from the American League and six from the National League.
Q2: What is the format of the Wild Card Series?
The Wild Card Series is a best-of-three format, with all games played at the higher-seeded team’s home stadium.
Q3: Which teams have already clinched playoff spots?
As of September 20, 2024, the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Milwaukee Brewers have clinched their spots, with more teams soon to follow.
Q4: When does the 2024 MLB postseason begin?
The postseason begins with the Wild Card Series on October 1, 2024.
Q5: How does the World Series format work?
The World Series is a best-of-seven series, with the higher-seeded team hosting Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 (if necessary).
