As the 2024 MLB playoffs approach, the anticipation is palpable. Fans and analysts alike are gearing up for what is often dubbed the best month of the year in baseball. With the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the pack at 98 wins, it's set to be an exhilarating postseason. Interestingly, the Dodgers' win total is the lowest for a league leader since the Angels' similar feat in 2014. However, that hasn't dampened the excitement surrounding their potential playoff run.
Reflecting on recent history, the postseason tends to favor the underdogs and those who peak at the right moment. The Braves in 2021 and the Phillies in 2022 are prime examples, having defied regular-season expectations to attain postseason glory. This unpredictability is what makes October baseball so captivating.
The Powerhouses: Dodgers and Yankees
The Dodgers are well-equipped, boasting both a formidable rotation and a potent offense. Walker Buehler has delivered solid performances in his recent outings, providing stability on the mound. The additions of Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto further bolster their pitching staff, which had been a concern a few weeks ago. Offensively, the team is stacked with MVP candidates Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. As one analyst noted, "The Dodgers can bang with anyone offensively."
On the East Coast, the New York Yankees have made significant moves to strengthen their lineup. Sluggers Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have joined the team, creating a daunting challenge for opposing pitchers. Gerrit Cole's rediscovered dominant form over the past few months adds to their optimism. With Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt in the rotation, the Yankees have a solid pitching foundation. Despite these strengths, there remains a sense of cautious optimism. “Do I actually think the Yankees are going to win the World Series? No. Not really,” admitted one seasoned observer.
Teams to Watch: Padres and Phillies
The San Diego Padres are another team to watch. Their offense, led by stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., is explosive. Their rotation features a blend of stability and dynamism, with Dylan Cease, Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish, and Michael King anchoring the staff. There's a general sentiment that while the Padres might exit early, they're still a decent pick for the title. As hinted, "It wouldn't be shocking to see the Padres bow out early, but they are a decent pick to win it all."
Then, there are the Philadelphia Phillies. Although they've had a mixed record of 10-11 since September 6, their playoff track record in the past two postseasons has been impressive. “The past two postseasons, the Phillies showed they were better built for the sprint of the playoffs than the marathon of the regular season,” a perspective echoed by many.
Underdogs and Dark Horses
The Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians are dark horses who can't be overlooked. The Astros have turned their season around dramatically with an MLB-best 76-49 record after a 12-24 start. Meanwhile, the Guardians, led by stars José Ramírez and Josh Naylor, boast the season's best bullpen. “Anyone who doesn’t take the Guardians seriously as a World Series championship threat is ignorant to how good a team this is,” asserted one analyst.
The Milwaukee Brewers and the Kansas City Royals also bring unique strengths to the postseason. The Brewers are known for their excellent bullpen and strong base-stealing prowess, which could prove crucial in close games. Kansas City’s rotation features a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young arms, and in Bobby Witt Jr., they have a standout talent ready to make his mark.
Don't discount the Detroit Tigers, either. They have made a late-season surge and possess the AL Cy Young winner in Tarik Skubal, making them a formidable opponent despite their underdog status.
The Unpredictability of October
Reflecting on recent postseason history, who could forget the dominant runs of the 2016 Cubs, 2017 Astros and Dodgers, and 2018 Red Sox? Those seasons saw teams with strong regular-season records translating that success into championship wins. Yet, as we’ve seen with the Phillies and Braves, lesser regular-season records are no barrier to October triumphs.
This year's playoff field is wide open. “Here it comes: the best month of the year. I’m ecstatic for the 2024 MLB playoffs,” exclaimed one excited fan. Every team entering the postseason is a legitimate threat to take it all, making every game must-watch television. As we gear up for another thrilling October, one thing is certain: it could go either way!