Baseball's expanded playoff format debuted in 2022, increasing Wild Card teams to six and total postseason berths to twelve. This change offers fans more high-stakes October baseball, as demonstrated by the record 49.3 million views during the 2023 NLCS on FS1 alone, best for broadcast revenue.

TL;DR

The MLB postseason usually kicks off the first week of October, involving 12 teams across four distinct rounds. It begins with the best-of-three Wild Card Series, followed by the Division Series, Championship Series, and the World Series. Most games air on major networks like FOX, FS1, TBS, and ESPN. The entire tournament lasts approximately one month, concluding with a champion crowned by late October or very early November.

What Is the Current MLB Playoff Schedule?

The postseason follows a rigid timeline that begins shortly after the 162-game regular season ends in late September. Games occur daily throughout October to ensure the World Series finishes before winter weather impacts open-air stadiums in northern cities.

League officials set specific dates annually. For instance, the 2024 World Series is scheduled to begin on 25 October. If the series goes to a full seven games, the final match occurs on 2 November. Fans should watch for official updates from the league office in August regarding specific start times.

Sources:MLB Official Postseason Schedule, ESPN MLB News

How Does the Playoff Qualification Process Work?

Six teams from both the American League and National League qualify for the postseason based on their regular-season win-loss records. This includes the three division winners and three wild card teams from each league, totalling 12 participants in the modern format.

• The two division winners with the best records receive a first-round bye.
• The third division winner plays the lowest-ranked wild card team.
• Higher seeds host all games in the short Wild Card Series.
• The bracket remains fixed once the postseason begins, with no re-seeding.

This structure rewards consistency over the long summer months. Teams often clinch their spots in mid-September, though the final seeding frequently comes down to the final weekend of the month. Tiebreaker rules now rely on head-to-head records rather than extra games.

Sources:MLB Standings and Rules, The Athletic Baseball

How to Choose Which Playoff Games to Watch

Deciding which matchups to prioritise depends on your schedule and interest in specific regional rivalries.

• Check the broadcasting schedule to see if games air on cable or terrestrial TV.
• Priority should go to elimination games where a team might be knocked out.
• Night games are standard for the World Series to reach a wider audience.
• Consider day games during the Wild Card round if you prefer weekday viewing.

Final Thoughts

The baseball playoffs offer a thrilling conclusion to the year. Check local listings this October to catch the action. Who will win it all this season?

References:

MLB Official Postseason ScheduleESPN MLB NewsMLB Standings and RulesThe Athletic Baseball