2024 MLB Division Series Preview

The Wild Card stage is behind us, and the MLB Postseason 2024 moves into the Division Series, with one matchup stealing the spotlight: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres.

These are two top contenders to win the National League, along with the Philadelphia Phillies, who will face the New York Mets.

In the American League, the New York Yankees enter the fray against the surprising Kansas City Royals. At the same time, the Cleveland Guardians will take on the Detroit Tigers.

The series is set to be best-of-five.

2024 MLB Division Series Betting Odds

2024 MLB Division Series: Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers

The Cleveland Guardians finished the regular season with the second-best record in the American League, with 92 wins and 69 losses, making them a strong contender for the World Series. Their most important player remains third baseman José Ramírez, who ended the season with 118 RBIs and 39 home runs, but you can’t overlook a power hitter like Josh Naylor. The pitcher designated for this first game of the series is Tanner Bibee, who finished with 12 wins, eight losses, and a 3.47 ERA.This will be his first Postseason game.

The Detroit Tigers made history by eliminating the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round, ending the Astros’ streak of seven straight years playing in the American League Championship Series. Thisis a team with many players making their Postseason debut, but they have already shown what they are capable of against an experienced lineup. Their most dangerous bat remains Riley Greene, though Andy Ibáñez had a standout performance in the last game, driving in three runs.

Guardians vs. Tigers Betting Pick: Guardians

2024 MLB Division Series: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Mets

Philadelphia Phillies enter the Postseason with their experience as their key advantage: in the past two years, they won a World Series and reached the National League Championship Series. Bryce Harper remains the face of the franchise, but players like Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, and Nick Castellanos have come through in clutch moments. Zack Wheeler is their ace, which is why he has been named the starter for this game. He finished the season with a 16-7 record, a 2.57 ERA, and 200 innings pitched.

New York Mets edged out the Milwaukee Brewers in a thrilling Game 3, where Pete Alonso hit the decisive home run in the ninth inning to win 4-2. This could be a turning point for the first baseman, who had gone just 1-for-8 in the series before that home run. The Mets have Francisco Lindor as their star player, but they also boast a veteran like JD Martinez, who won a World Series in 2018. This could be the breakthrough year for a team that hasn’t won the National League since 2015.

Phillies vs. Mets Betting Pick: Phillies

2024 MLB Division Series: New York Yankees vs. Kansas City Royals

After several seasons of mediocrity, the arrival of Juan Soto has turned the Yankees into a franchise with serious aspirations to win their first World Series since 2009. Between Soto and Aaron Judge, they combined for 99 home runs and 253 RBIs. There isn’t a team in the league with more power than New York. Gerrit Cole will be the starting pitcher for this matchup, although his season wasn’t the most remarkable, with a record of 8-5 in 17 starts, only 95 innings pitched, and a 3.41 ERA.

The Kansas City Royals made a statement by eliminating the Baltimore Orioles, so they deserve to be treated with respect. Bobby Witt Jr. showed he could make an impact in the Postseason, hitting .333 in nine at-bats during the Wild Card anddriving in two runs. Additionally, this team has the experience of a World Series champion in Salvador Pérez, and Vinnie Pasquantino has put his injuries behind him, meaning he’ll be ready to contribute with his bat.

Yankees vs. Royals Betting Pick: Yankees

2024 MLB Division Series: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres

Los Angeles Dodgers are the top contenders to win the World Series, and their 98-64 record proves it. Every position is filled with great talent, but Shohei Ohtani stands out the most. This year, as a designated hitter, Ohtani became the first player to join the 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases club. He finished the season with 130 RBIs, 54 home runs, 59 stolen bases, and a .310 batting average. In addition to Ohtani, the Dodgers boast other stars like Teoscar Hernández, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts. On the mound will be Jack Flaherty, who wrapped up the season with a 6-2 record and a 3.58 ERA in 10 starts.

The frustrations of past years are behind them, as the San Diego Padres eliminated the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card round, and this seems to be the franchise’s breakout year. Fernando Tatis Jr. has reached the Postseason healthy, Manny Machado had one of his best years since moving to California, Luis Arraez is the best contact hitter in the league, and they’ve found a versatile player in Donovan Solano, who has delivered in key moments. Dylan Cease will take the mound for the Padres, finishing the season with a 14-11 record and a 3.47 ERA.

Dodgers vs. Padres Betting Pick: Dodgers