The 2024 MLB postseason is officially underway, and fans are eagerly anticipating a fiercely competitive Wild Card Series between the Baltimore Orioles and the Kansas City Royals. This best-of-three series promises excitement and a chance for redemption and surprise for both sides.
Baltimore Orioles' Prospects
The Baltimore Orioles, who have secured the No. 4 seed, enter the postseason with a measure of confidence, driven by a second consecutive postseason berth. Last year, the Orioles were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers, but they appear determined to overcome past shortcomings. Baltimore finished second in the AL East with a 91-71 record, trailing only the Yankees, a testament to their consistent performance throughout the season.
A key player for the Orioles is their ace, right-handed pitcher Corbin Burnes. With a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA, Burnes has been a cornerstone of the Orioles’ pitching staff. Baltimore has confirmed him as the starter for Game 1, and his performance will be crucial in setting the tone for the series.
Baltimore's offense has also shown impressive form, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season. This offensive prowess could prove vital in a short series where momentum can shift rapidly.
Kansas City Royals' Remarkable Turnaround
The Kansas City Royals' journey to the postseason has been nothing short of remarkable. Securing the No. 5 seed, the Royals are experiencing postseason excitement for the first time since their World Series win in 2015. They endured a tough previous season with 106 losses but managed an extraordinary turnaround. Kansas City is now the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason a year following a 100-loss season, following in the footsteps of the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins.
The Royals’ resurgence has been powered in part by their standout players, including Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, and their ace left-hander Cole Ragans. Ragans, who posted an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA, is expected to be a formidable presence on the mound. Alongside Ragans, Seth Lugo is also anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting, underscoring the strength of Kansas City’s pitching staff.
Offensively, Kansas City has demonstrated their speed on the basepaths, swiping the third most bases among postseason teams. This element of their game could put significant pressure on Baltimore’s defense, which has a 20% caught stealing rate. However, an injury concern lingers for the Royals as Vinnie Pasquantino, who has not played since August 29 due to a broken thumb, has only recently been able to work out and hit.
The Matchup at Camden Yards
The series will commence at Camden Yards, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere during postseason games. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET, with Corbin Burnes set to take the mound for Baltimore. Kansas City’s Cole Ragans will oppose him, making for an intriguing pitching duel that could set the tone for the entire series. If a Game 3 is necessary, Michael Wacha is slated to start, adding another layer of strategic depth to the matchup.
The betting odds for this series have set Baltimore as the favorite at -155, with Kansas City at +130, while the over/under is 7.0 runs. These numbers reflect the anticipation of a tightly contested series.
Future Implications
The winner of this Wild Card Series will face the juggernaut New York Yankees in the ALDS. For the Orioles, this presents an opportunity to overturn last year’s postseason disappointment and make a deep run. For the Royals, a series win would continue their extraordinary turnaround story and bring further joy to a fanbase eager for postseason success.
As the first pitch approaches, both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and seize the moment. Whether it's Baltimore's relentless offense or Kansas City's remarkable resilience, this series is set to be a thrilling chapter in the 2024 MLB postseason.