We're one step closer to crowning the 2024 MLB Champions. The wild card round was full of excitement and upsets, setting the stage for an exciting (and surprising?) divisional round.
For the first time in years, the AL Central is shaking off its reputation as the weakest division in the American League. Three of the four remaining AL teams hail from the Central, giving us the potential for an all-central ALCS, a scenario almost no one predicted at the start of the season.
Over in the National League, the matchups are just as enticing, fueled by new and old rivalries. The Padres will head to Los Angeles in hopes of finally toppling the Dodgers, while the Mets and Phillies gear up for a showdown that promises fireworks—not just on the field, but in the stands, where two of baseball's most passionate fanbases will clash.
A five-game series may not have the same unpredictability as the best-of-three Wild Card round, but recent years have shown that anything can happen in October. Let’s dive into each team's biggest Key to Success
American League:
Detroit Tigers: AJ Hinch's Masterclass
Tigers’ manager AJ Hinch has orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent memory. Whether it's strategic in-game decisions or lineup management, Hinch has pushed all the right buttons, getting the most out of a team that, on paper, shouldn't be in the playoffs.
Their ace is arguably the best starter in baseball, but outside of Skubal, nobody on this Tigers roster should scare another team. For Detroit to get past a strong Cleveland team, Hinch must continue his tactical wizardry.
Cleveland Guardians: Get the Ball to the Bullpen
Cleveland boasts the best bullpen in the league, led by the nearly unhittable Emmanuel Clase. With four relievers capable of closing games, (soon-to-be) Manager of the Year Stephen Vogt's job is simple—get the ball to his elite bullpen with a lead and let them attack.
For that to happen, the Guardians’ starters and lineup need to do their part by jumping out to early leads, allowing Vogt to unleash his bullpen aggressively.
Kansas City Royals: Supporting Cast Behind Bobby Witt Jr.
It’s no secret that Bobby Witt Jr. is the heart and soul of the Royals, but if they’re going to beat the Yankees, they’ll need contributions from other hitters. Maikel Garcia’s performance against the Orioles was a bright spot, creating the only run in Game 1, and the return of “The Pasquatch,”, played a pivotal role in the Game 2 victory.
While the Royals’ rotation (and bullpen) has the edge over the Yankees, none of that will matter if the offense doesn’t step up. They can’t afford to rely on Witt Jr. alone.
New York Yankees: Starting Pitching Must Deliver
Gerrit Cole found his stride in September, and the Yankees will need him to continue that form if they want to make a deep playoff run. But beyond Cole, New York’s rotation is riddled with uncertainty. Carlos Rodon has been up and down, and Luis Gil has shown flashes of brilliance mixed with command issues.
The Yankees' bullpen has improved as of late, but no one in the Bronx will feel comfortable if this series comes down to a battle of the bullpens. Boone must manage his rotation wisely to avoid those late-game situations against Kansas City’s strong bullpen.
National League:
Philadelphia Phillies: Can the Pitching Staff Rebound?
Few teams have experienced a more dramatic fall-off in pitching performance than the Phillies. After dominating the first half of the season, Philadelphia’s staff has regressed from the best staff in baseball, to posting the 20th worst ERA in the second half. If they want to avoid an early exit (and painful upset), the pitching needs to return to its early-season form.
New York Mets: Keep the Magic Alive
The Mets have captured the nation’s attention with their wild week. After pulling off a miraculous comeback to clinch a wild card spot on Monday, they followed it up by forcing Devin Williams into the worst outing of his career in a win-or-go-home game against the Brewers.
The Mets’ boast potentially the weakest roster of the remaining NL teams, but that hasn't mattered. There’s something special about this team, and if they can keep the momentum going, they could be a force to be reckoned with.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Yamamoto, Then What?
The Dodgers will ride with their $325m ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, in Game 1, and if necessary, Game 5. After him, though, question marks abound. JFlare’s performance has dipped after a stellar start to the season in Detroit, with veterans like Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow unavailable due to injury and no other starters stepping up down the stretch, it'll be interesting to see how the Dodgers approach games 3 and 4.
Could the Dodgers take a risk and start Michael Kopech in a critical Game 3 or 4? Given the uncertainty surrounding the rest of the rotation, it might be their best option.
San Diego Padres: Stay the Course
The Padres have been baseball’s best team since the All-Star break. Even with the loss of Joe Musgrove to Tommy John surgery, San Diego’s pitching staff is the strongest of the remaining playoff teams.
On the offensive side, Fernando Tatis Jr. has rediscovered his form, and his playoff performances have reminded everyone just how dangerous (and electric) he can be. The Padres’ star-studded lineup and balanced pitching give them a strong chance of toppling their division rival, the Dodgers.
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