2024 MLB Wild Card Preview

October has finally arrived, and the 2024 MLB Wild Card series is set. The most intriguing matchup in the American League will feature the Baltimore Orioles against the Kansas City Royals. Meanwhile, in the National League, the San Diego Padres will face the Atlanta Braves.

The Orioles and Royals both had outstanding regular seasons and boast young players who have the potential to make history in the big leagues: Gunnar Henderson for Baltimore and Bobby Witt Jr. for Kansas City.

In the other American League matchup, the Houston Astros will be seeking their eighth consecutive Championship Series appearance, but the surprising Detroit Tigers will look to end that historic run.

Over in the National League, there’s no doubt that the Padres and Braves will produce the most electrifying series, but the Milwaukee Brewers will also face the New York Mets, who finished the season strong to secure a playoff berth.

The winner of each series will be the team that wins two out of the three scheduled games.

2024 MLB Wild Card Betting Odds

2024 MLB Wild Card: Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers

The Houston Astros once again took advantage of being in the weakest division in the American League and qualified for the postseason, aiming to reach, at least, the American League Championship Series for the eighth consecutive year. Their regular season record was 88-73, and they finished 46-35 at home.

Dominican pitcher Framber Valdez had an excellent year, finishing with 15 wins, 7 losses, and a 2.91 ERA, which is why he will be the starting pitcher for the first Wild Card game. On offense, there’s the always dangerous Venezuelan José Altuve, but, the real firepower comes from the bats of Yordan Álvarez (35 home runs and 86 RBIs) and Yainer Díaz (16 home runs and 84 RBIs). However, Álvarez is entering this game with knee issues, and players like Ben Gamel and Chas McCormick are on the injured list.

Despite a forgettable start to the season, Detroit improved its performance, especially after the All-Star break. The Tigers finished with a record of 86-76 and an away record of 43-38.

The player expected to be the star, Javier Báez, is injured, and his performance wasn’t up to par either, so the spotlight shifted to outfielder Riley Greene, who delivered 24 home runs and 74 RBIs. Other players to watch include Colt Keith, who finished with 61 RBIs, and utility player Matt Vierling, who hit 16 home runs.

Astros vs. Tigers Betting Pick: Astros

2024 MLB Wild Card: Baltimore Orioles vs. Kansas City Royals

The Baltimore Orioles had an excellent regular season, finishing with 91 wins and 71 losses. However, it wasn’t enough to surpass the New York Yankees in the AL East division.With a 7-3 record to close out the season, they finished strong, but they haven’t been unbeatable at home, as shown by their 44-37 record.

One thing to note is this team’s offensive capability, as they feature one of the strongest hitters, Venezuelan Anthony Santander, who finished with 44 home runs and 102 RBIs. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Gunnar Henderson had another year of growth, driving in 92 runs, hitting 37 homers, and posting a .282 batting average.

The team’s most significant injury is pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, but the man set to pitch against Kansas is their ace, Corbin Burnes, who ended the season with a 15-9 record and a 2.92 ERA over 194.1 innings pitched.

After several years without making the postseason, the Kansas City Royals secured a Wild Card spot with an 86-76 record, finishing behind the Cleveland Guardians in the Central division. Their end to the season wasn’t ideal, as they lost 6 of their last 10 games and had a 41-40 record on the road.

One of the most impactful players in the American League is on their roster: shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who won’t be the MVP due to Aaron Judge’s season. Witt batted .332 with 109 RBIs, 32 home runs, and 31 stolen bases, showcasing his all-around game. Joining Bobby is veteran Salvador Pérez, though first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is questionable, currently on the 10-day injured list. Cole Ragans will take the mound, carrying an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA over 186.1 innings.

Orioles vs. Royals Betting Pick: Orioles

2024 MLB Wild Card: Milwaukee Brewers vs. New York Mets

The Milwaukee Brewers were not among the top contenders to make the postseason, but their consistency rewarded them with the National League Central division title, finishing with 93 wins and 69 losses and being strong at home (47-34).

This season highlighted the impressive performance of shortstop Willy Adames, who finished with 112 RBIs and 32 home runs. William Contreras also showcased his power at the plate, driving in 92 runs and hitting .281. The bad news for the team is that their star outfielder, Christian Yelich, is injured and on the 60-day injured list. The team’s starting pitcher will be Freddy Peralta, who finished the regular season with 11 wins, 9 losses, and a 3.68 ERA.

The New York Mets didn’t secure their postseason spot until the final day of the regular season, defeating the Atlanta Braves 8-7 thanks to a ninth-inning home run by Francisco Lindor.

It was an epic way to achieve their goal, and Lindor solidified himself as the most important player on the team, finishing with 88 RBIs and 32 home runs. He wasn’t the team’s home run leader, though, as Pete Alonso hit 34. Second baseman Jeff McNeil is questionable for this game due to injury. Luis Severino will take the mound for the Mets, coming off a season with 11 wins, seven losses, and a 3.91 ERA.

Brewers vs. Mets Betting Pick: Brewers

2024 MLB Wild Card: San Diego Padres vs. Atlanta Braves

The San Diego Padres are hoping that the millions invested over the past few years will finally pay off, and at least their season was strong, finishing with 93 wins and 69 losses, placing second in the American League West behind the Dodgers.

At home, they lost 36 of 81 games, and several key players stood out, such as Manny Machado, who finished with 105 RBIs and 29 home runs, and Jackson Merrill, who drove in 90 runs. Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is questionable due to injury. Michael King will be the starting pitcher for the Padres, coming off a season with a 13-9 record and a 2.95 ERA.

The Atlanta Braves secured their postseason spot in their final game, defeating the Mets 3-0 at Truist Park. They finished with an 89-73 record, placing third in the National League East, six games behind the Philadelphia Phillies. Unfortunately, Chris Sale was unable to start that game as scheduled due to an injury.

Marcell Ozuna had one of his best seasons, finishing with 102 RBIs and 39 home runs. Another notable player is Matt Olson, who hit 29 home runs and drove in 98 runs. However, the Braves are dealing with several injuries, most notably Venezuelan Ronald Acuña Jr., who will not return this season. Austin Riley is also on the 15-day injured list.

Padres vs. Braves Betting Pick: Braves