Postseason play began for most of the 2024 MLB playoff field on Tuesday. But a handful of clubs will have to wait a little longer to begin their chase for the World Series title.
The top two seeds in the American League and National League earned a bye into the Division Series. The No. 1 New York Yankees and No. 2 Cleveland Guardians bypassed the AL Wild Card Series, while the No. 1 Los Angeles Dodgers and No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies earned byes to the NLDS.
So who might the Yankees, Guardians, Dodgers and Phillies each play first this postseason? Here's what to know about how the Division Series matchups will take shape:
Is there reseeding in the MLB playoffs?
The MLB playoffs follow a bracket format and don't reseed teams following the opening round. That means the No. 1 seed in each league will face the winner of the 4-5 matchup, while the No. 2 seed draws the winner of the 3-6 matchup.
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MLB playoff bracket: What are the Division Series matchups in 2024?
Two Division Series matchups are already locked in after the No. 6 Detroit Tigers upset the No. 3 Houston Astros in two games and the No. 5 Kansas City Royals secured a two-game sweep over the No. 4 Baltimore Orioles. Here's a full look at what the next playoff round could look like:
American League
- No. 1 New York Yankees vs. No. 5 Kansas City Royals
- No. 2 Cleveland Guardians vs. No. 6 Detroit Tigers
National League
- No. 1 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. No. 4 San Diego Padres/No. 5 Atlanta Braves (San Diego leads Atlanta 1-0 in series)
- No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies vs. No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers/No. 6 New York Mets (New York leads Milwaukee 1-0 in series)
How many games are in the Wild Card Series?
The Wild Card Series has a best-of-three format where the higher seed hosts all three games.
When does the Division Series start?
The Division Series is slated to begin on Saturday, Oct. 5.
How many games are in the Division Series?
The Division Series features a best-of-five format where the higher seed hosts Games 1, 2 and 5.
