Cinderella stories, record breaking stats, last-minute clinches. With storylines like these, how can you not be excited? On Oct. 1, MLB kicked off the 2024 playoffs and started the chase for the world series win. Two notable teams are absent this year, the Arizona Diamondbacks and reigning champ Texas Rangers, after facing off in the 2023 World Series. With these two out of contention, there is no telling who will be holding the trophy come November. Let’s discuss some possible contenders this year.
Among the 12 teams to make the playoffs are the Kansas City Royals, who made a remarkable rebound from their 56-106 season last year. Finishing second in the American League Central, the Royals are led by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. who boasts a batting average of .332 and racked up 32 home runs during the regular season. The last time this club saw the playoffs, in 2015, they hoisted the World Series trophy. Although they have some great talents, it will be hard to take down Juan Soto and the New York Yankees in the AL Divisional Series in which the series is tied 1-1 as of Hi’s Eye print deadline.
In a thrilling double header, the New York Mets clinched the playoffs to edge the Diamondbacks out of the bracket on the last day of the regular season. Their 2024 season got off to a slow start, but ended with the Mets tied with the Atlanta Braves for second in the NL East, and finishing with a 17-9 record in September. The Mets have been fueled by various good luck charms, like the “OMG” signs, their homage to player and Latin pop singer Jose Iglesias, and their biggest fan in attendance at the games, Grimace. They just knocked out the Phillies with a Francisco Lindor Grand Slam and fans across the tri-state area were celebrating all night. But, will the good luck charms be enough to take the Mets all the way for the first time since 2015, or will they crack under the postseason pressure in the next round?
Sitting at the top of the AL are the New York Yankees. In 2023, they had a horrible season, missing the playoffs and earning their longest losing streak since 1982. This year, however, with the addition of former San Diego Padre Juan Soto, the Yankees have been on fire. Center fielder Aaron Judge led the team in all aspects this year with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs. They are facing off against the Royals in the ALDS and the the Yankees are up 2-1 . Many fans are eager to see the Mets and Yankees face off in a Subway Series World Series, but will the two Yankees stars be enough to take this team all the way?
In the NL, the Los Angeles Dodgers had a historic 2024 season. In December, the team signed double threat Shohei Ohtani with the largest contract in baseball history. Despite having Tommy John surgery preventing him from pitching, the former Los Angeles Angel became the first player to record 50 stolen bases and 50 home runs in one season. In his playoff debut against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani did what he does best, and hit a three-run home run to get the team started in the second inning. Offensive superstars don’t mean anything if you don’t have the pitching to back it up though, which the Dodgers learned the hard way in the 2023 postseason. After getting eliminated by the Diamondbacks in the divisional series last year, the Dodgers are hoping not to make the same mistakes. The Padres are currently tied 2-2 in the series.
This has already been one of the most exciting postseasons yet, with every team having undeniable talent and potential, and we are just getting started. Which team will strike gold this year?