Previewing The 2024 AL Playoffs
Going over the Playoff Bracket for the American League in This Year's MLB Playoffs!
All teams have now played game 162— the last game of the season for 18 of the 30 MLB teams. However, for the other 12 teams, there is one goal in mind, win the World Series. From division winners & first round byes to teams that barely made the cut, what will this year’s postseason look like? [ American League Edition ]
American League
(1) New York Yankees (First Round Bye)
The Yankees are entering this year’s playoffs as the top seed in the American League with a final record of 94-68. As the number one seed, the Yankees will receive the bye & will start their playoff journey in the ALDS this weekend. The Bronx Bombers were the 2024 AL East Champions after having a terrific season. This team was headlined with Aaron Judge & Juan Soto, who was acquired before the season started from the Padres. Judge, who is heavily favored to win the American League MVP Award, had another monster season, hitting 58 homeruns with a .322/.458/1.159 shash-line & a total of 114 RBIs. His partner in the outfield, Soto, had a great season too, hitting .288/.419/.988 with 41 homeruns & 109 RBIs. In addition to their sluggers, the Yankees will hope their pitching, headlined by a top ROTY pick, Luis Gil & veteran Gerrit Cole. With superstars like this, the Yankees are looking to win their first World Series since 2009 this year.
(2) Cleveland Guardians (First Round Bye)
This is a Cleveland team that is where no one thought they would be. Under a new manager in Stephen Vogt, the Guardians were AL Central Champions with a record of 92-69 & will get the Wild Card Bye. The biggest superstar on the Guardians has been Jose Ramirez, who had an MVP-caliber season, hitting .242/.291/.638 with 39 homeruns, 118 RBIs, & 41 stolen bases. In addition to Ramirez, Josh Naylor, Steven Kwan, & David Fry have all made big contributions to this team. Speaking about the pitching staff, no big names appear besides All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase who went 4-2 with a 0.61 ERA & a 0.66 WHIP with 47 saves in 50 opportunities that make up his 74 games. With a dominant bullpen, teams will need to be ahead before they get to the bullpen if they are going to beat this Cleveland team.
(3) Houston Astros (Wild Card vs Detroit)
The Astros made a huge comeback to make the postseason. After starting the season with a 10-19 record, the Astros made multiple moves, including releasing first baseman Jose Abreu. By the All-Star break, the Astros were sitting just 6 games above .500 with a 50-44 record. However, the Astros started to catch a spark in the second half, when many of their stars such as Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, & Alex Bregman started to step up. As a result of this, the Astros won their fourth consecutive division title. Houston’s pitching staff is headlined by Framber Valdez, Ronel Blanco, & Josh Hader out of the bullpen. With Kyle Tucker & Yordan Alvarez recently coming back from injury, the Astros are a dangerous team in the playoffs with all their experience.
(4) Baltimore Orioles (Wild Card vs Kansas City)
The Orioles have been one of the best teams in the league this year. Gunnar Henderson had an MVP-caliber season, Corbin Burnes was dominant, & Colton Cowser had a season that could earn him the AL ROTY Award. However, a poor second-half prevented the Orioles from winning the AL East, giving them a record of 91 wins & 71 losses. Baltimore was swept by the Texas Rangers, who went on to win the World Series, in the ALDS last year after receiving the Wild Card bye. This year is different however, the Orioles now have playoff experience & they have some new pieces. Corbin Burnes, who was acquired by trade has been amazing this year & young players have emerged such as Colton Cowser, Heston Kjerstad, & Jackson Holliday. This year, the O’s will look to go deep into the postseason & win a World Series.
(5) Kansas City Royals (Wild Card vs Baltimore)
Kansas City went from losing 106 games in 2023 to going 86-76 this year & placing second in the AL Central. Kansas City’s success is thanks to Bobby Witt Jr. having a MVP season & Kansas City’s front office. This offseason, the Royals spent $109.5 million this offseason, including extending Bobby Witt Jr. to a massive 14 year, $377 million extension. In addition to Witt Jr., the Royals signed Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Hunter Renfore, Adam Frazier, & many other players. Another good sign for the Royals is that 1B Vinnie Pasquantino is on the Royals postseason roster & will return from injury during the Wild Card. With a good mixture of youth & veterans, Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, & the Kansas City Royals could be over-looked this postseason.
(6) Detroit Tigers (Wild Card vs Houston)
The Tigers have been a disappointing team this season. Especially, with all of their high hopes. By the All-Star break, Detroit was 3 games under .500 at 47-50. At the deadline, the Tigers made many trades, sending Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers in exchange for SS Trey Sweeny & Carson Kelly & Andrew Chafin to the Rangers. While the Tigers were sellers at the deadline, they made their team even better. When Javier Baez went down with injury, Trey Sweeny became the Tigers starting shortstop, & he has not disappointed. Not to mention AL Pitching Triple Crown winner, Tarik Skubal, who is destined to win the AL Cy Young Award. Skubal, who will start Game 1 of the Wild Card, has gone 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA & 0.92 WHIP this year. This young Detroit team could cause a few upsets in the playoffs this year.
Previewing The 2024 NL Playoffs
All teams have now played game 162— the last game of the season for 18 of the 30 MLB teams. However, for the other 12 teams, there is one goal in mind, win the World Series. From division winners & first round byes to teams that barely made the cut, what will this year’s postseason look like? [ National League Edition ]