The 2024 MLB postseason is officially underway, and anticipation is high as the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals prepare to clash in the Wild Card Series. Set as a best-of-three format, the series promises excitement, especially given the diverse backgrounds and statistical highlights of both teams.
Setting the Stage: Seeds and Season Recaps
The Baltimore Orioles have secured the No. 4 seed, a testament to their resilient season. Finishing second in the AL East to the New York Yankees with a 91-71 record, Baltimore's journey has been marked by consistent performance and determination. This is their second consecutive postseason berth, and they are undoubtedly eager to advance beyond their disappointing sweep in the ALDS by the Texas Rangers last year.
On the opposing side, the Kansas City Royals have clinched the No. 5 seed, marking their first postseason appearance since their triumphant World Series win in 2015. This achievement is particularly remarkable given their 106 losses last season. Kansas City becomes only the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason a year following a 100-loss season, joining the ranks of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins.
Pivotal Pitching Matchups
The series will commence at Camden Yards, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET. Baltimore has confirmed that their ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, will take the mound. Burnes has been a cornerstone for the Orioles, posting an impressive 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA. His performance this season has instilled confidence in Baltimore’s chances.
Kansas City will counter with their left-hander, Cole Ragans, who has also turned heads this season. Ragans, with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA, has been a vital player in the Royals' rotation. He, alongside Seth Lugo, is anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting, demonstrating Kansas City's strengthened pitching prowess.
Should the series extend to a third game, Michael Wacha is slated to take the mound for Kansas City, adding another layer of excitement and strategy to this already thrilling encounter.
Offensive Power and Key Players
Baltimore's offense has been vibrant as they head into the postseason. Scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season, the Orioles have shown they possess the firepower necessary for deep playoff contention. They will be looking to maintain this momentum against the Royals' pitching staff.
Kansas City, meanwhile, is relying on key figures like Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez to lead their offensive charge. Despite the notable absence of Vinnie Pasquantino, who hasn't played since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb, Pasquantino has been working out and hitting, suggesting a potential return that could further bolster the Royals’ lineup.
Additionally, Kansas City's aggressive base running could pose a challenge for Baltimore. The Royals have swiped the third most bases among postseason teams, while Baltimore’s defense has only managed a 20% caught stealing rate. This dynamic could significantly impact the flow and outcome of the games.
Odds and Expectations
The odds are tilting slightly in favor of Baltimore with a (BAL -155 | KC +130) line, reflecting Baltimore's overall steadiness throughout the season. The over/under for the series is set at 7.0 runs, indicating the expectation of a tightly contested and possibly low-scoring series.
Both teams enter the postseason with unique narratives and high stakes. For Baltimore, it's an opportunity to build on their recent postseason experience and push further than they did last year. For Kansas City, it is a chance to complete an extraordinary turnaround and rekindle the excitement reminiscent of their 2015 World Series run.
As the Orioles and Royals take the field, fans can look forward to a captivating series filled with strategic pitching matchups, explosive offenses, and the irresistible drama of postseason baseball. The winner will face the formidable New York Yankees in the ALDS, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling continuation of October baseball.