The 2024 MLB postseason has officially commenced, capturing the excitement of baseball fans across the nation. This year’s Wild Card Series is set to be an intense best-of-three matchup, featuring the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. With both teams vying for a chance to advance, the stakes at Camden Yards couldn't be higher.
Baltimore Orioles: Hungry for Redemption
The Baltimore Orioles, who have secured the No. 4 seed, are back in the postseason for the second consecutive year. Last season's campaign ended in disappointment as they were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers. Determined to avoid a similar fate, the Orioles are looking to make a deep run this year.
Baltimore's ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, will take the mound for Game 1. Burnes has been a cornerstone of the Orioles’ rotation, posting an impressive 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA. His consistency and leadership will be crucial as the Orioles aim to gain an early advantage in the series.
Offensively, the Orioles have been in good form, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season. Their lineup has shown the ability to put up big numbers, a trend they'll hope to continue as they battle the Royals. Although they finished second to the Yankees in the AL East with a 91-71 record, the Orioles are well-positioned to make a significant impact in this postseason.
Kansas City Royals: A Remarkable Turnaround
On the other side of the diamond, the Kansas City Royals are experiencing postseason excitement for the first time since their World Series win in 2015. Securing the No. 5 seed, the Royals have experienced a dramatic turnaround, having lost 106 games last season. Their resurgence places them among the rare teams in the Expansion Era to make the postseason a year after a 100-loss season, joining the ranks of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins.
Kansas City's left-handed pitcher, Cole Ragans, will start opposite Burnes in Game 1. Ragans has had a noteworthy season himself, achieving an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA. His performances have been instrumental in propelling the Royals into the postseason.
The Royals are heavily reliant on key players such as Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo. Both Ragans and Lugo are anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting, underscoring their importance to the team. However, they will have to manage without Vinnie Pasquantino, who has been sidelined since August 29 due to a broken thumb. Despite his injury, Pasquantino has been actively working out and hitting, leaving a possibility he might contribute if the series extends.
Series Dynamics: Offense vs. Defense
This series offers intriguing dynamics, especially with Kansas City’s aggressive base running. The Royals swiped the third-most bases among postseason teams, a strategy that will test Baltimore’s defense, which boasts a 20% caught stealing rate. The tactical battle on the basepaths could be a defining factor in the series.
The odds for the series offer a slight edge to the Orioles (BAL -155 | KC +130), but the closely matched pitching rotations and offensive capabilities suggest a tightly contested series. The over/under set at 7.0 runs illustrates expectations of competitive and low-scoring contests, where each run will be hard-fought.
What's at Stake
As the series commences at Camden Yards on Tuesday, October 1, with Game 1 scheduled for 4:08 p.m. ET, both teams will be acutely aware of the prize on the horizon. The winner of this Wild Card Series will advance to face the formidable New York Yankees in the ALDS.
Fans can expect a captivating spectacle as the Orioles seek redemption and the Royals aim to continue their remarkable turnaround. With high-caliber starting pitchers and pivotal players in both lineups, this series promises to deliver the thrill and excitement that epitomizes postseason baseball.