The 2024 MLB postseason has commenced, and all eyes are now on the Wild Card Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. The best-of-three series is set to kick off at Camden Yards, home of the Orioles, who have secured the No. 4 seed in the postseason. This marks Baltimore's second consecutive postseason berth, a testament to their consistency and skill.
Baltimore will open Game 1 on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 4:08 p.m. ET with their ace, right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes, on the mound. Burnes has had an impressive season, posting a 15-9 record along with a 2.92 ERA, making him a formidable force against any lineup. On the other side, Kansas City will counter with left-hander Cole Ragans, who has recorded an 11-9 season with a 3.14 ERA. Ragans, along with his teammate Seth Lugo, is expected to be a top contender in this year’s Cy Young voting, giving the Royals a fighting chance.
The Orioles finished second in the AL East with a 91-71 record, trailing only the New York Yankees. Despite their solid season, they were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers last year, a fresh wound they'll look to heal with a strong postseason start this year. Boosted by an offense that scored 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season, the Orioles will rely heavily on their dynamic offense and steadfast pitching.
Offensively, Baltimore’s depth has proven to be a significant advantage. In contrast, Kansas City has a potent lineup headlined by young star Bobby Witt Jr. and veteran catcher Salvador Perez. The Royals have managed to combine experience with youthful exuberance, providing a balanced attack that will undoubtedly test Baltimore's pitching staff. In addition, Kansas City led in stolen bases among postseason teams, capitalizing on their speed to gain an edge. Baltimore's defense, however, has a respectable caught stealing rate of 20%, setting the stage for a thrilling cat-and-mouse game on the base paths.
Kansas City’s journey to the postseason has been nothing short of remarkable. Just last year, the Royals suffered 106 losses, making them one of only three teams in the Expansion Era to make the postseason immediately following a 100-loss season. They join the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins in this rare achievement. For Kansas City, this postseason appearance is their first since their World Series win in 2015, breathing new life into a franchise that has been eager to return to October baseball.
As both teams prepare for the series, Baltimore has confirmed Burnes as their starter for Game 1, while Michael Wacha is ready to take the mound for a potential Game 3, if necessary. Kansas City will likely lean heavily on Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, both having standout seasons. Vinnie Pasquantino’s situation remains a wildcard; he has not played since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb but has been working out and hitting, giving the Royals hope for his possible return.
The intensity of the series is also reflected in the betting odds, with the Orioles favored at -155 and the Royals at +130. The over/under is set at 7.0 runs, a threshold that the powerful offenses of both teams could easily surpass.
The winner of this nail-biting series will advance to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS, a matchup that promises to be another electrifying chapter in this year’s postseason. Both teams have compelling narratives and the talent to make deep runs, ensuring that this series will be watched closely by baseball fans everywhere.
As the first pitch approaches, excitement and anticipation fill the air. The postseason's intensity is palpable, and both the Orioles and Royals are ready to leave their mark. With high stakes, talented rosters, and a history of resilience, this Wild Card Series is set to be a memorable start to the 2024 MLB postseason.