The 2024 MLB postseason is just around the corner. The regular season ends on either Sunday, September 29th or, depending on what happens with the Mets and Braves, Monday, September 30th.

12 teams reach the MLB playoffs, six from each league. Two teams from each league (division winners with the best record) receive byes into the first round, while the remaining four teams from each league compete in the Wild Card round. The Wild Card round will be played in a best-of-three format, with the winners advancing to the Division Series.

Below is everything you need to know about the 2024 MLB postseason schedule and format:

When do the 2024 MLB playoffs start?

The 2024 MLB Playoffs begin on Tuesday, October 1st with four games in the Wild Card Series.

When will the 2024 World Series take place?

The 2024 World Series is currently scheduled to begin on October 25 and would last until November 2, when the series will consist of seven games. The World Series could start earlier depending on when the LCS ends in each league.

Which teams will participate in the 2024 MLB playoffs?

Bundesliga

Philadelphia Phillies (won the National League East)

Los Angeles Dodgers

Milwaukee Brewers (won the National League Central)

San Diego Padres

*Two wild card spots are open

American League

New York Yankees

Houston Astros (won the American League West)

Cleveland Guardians (won in the American League Central)

Baltimore Orioles

*Two wild card spots are open

Related: Check out the Rotoworld Baseball Show

Who holds the MLB postseason tiebreaker in 2024?

There is no more Game 163 to determine playoff spots. Tiebreakers are determined mathematically, starting with the direct balance, then the intradepartmental balance (if necessary), and finally the interdepartmental balance (if necessary).

Who has home field advantage for the World Series in 2024?

The home advantage goes to the team with the best record. If the teams have the same record, home advantage is determined by tiebreaker.

What is the 2024 MLB postseason schedule?

Wild Card Series: 1st-3rd October

What is the format for the Wild Card Series?

The Wild Card Series is a best-of-three format. The lowest seeded division winner (with the worst record of the three division winners) will face the lowest seeded Wild Card team. The other Wild Card series consists of the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds. All games take place at the venue of the highest seeded team.

(Airs on ABC, ESPN, ESPN 2)

Division Series: 5th-12th October

Is the Division Series still a best-of-five?

Yes. The Division Series is played in a 2-2-1 format, with the highest seed having home advantage (Games 1-2 and 5 if necessary).

(ALDS airs on TBS, truTV and Max; NLDS airs on FOX or FS1: showtimes to be announced)

*if required

Championship Series: 13th-22nd October

(ALCS airs on TBS, truTV and Max; NLCS airs on FOX or FS1: showtimes to be announced)

*if required

World Series 2024: October 25 – November 2 (start date may change depending on the end of the LCS)

(World Series broadcast on FOX: game times have not yet been determined)

*if required

2024 MLB Playoffs Rules

Does the pitch clock apply in the 2024 MLB Playoffs?

Yes. Pitchers have 15 seconds to throw a pitch without a runner on base and 18 seconds to throw a pitch with at least one runner on base. A pitcher’s violation results in an automatic ball. If a batter is not in the batter’s box eight seconds before the pitch clock expires, he is penalized with an automatic strike.

Pitchers can reset the clock twice per plate appearance, either by stepping off the pad or attempting a pickoff.

Will there be a man at second base in extra innings in the 2024 MLB Playoffs?

No. Unlike the regular season, the bases are empty at the start of the extra innings and the game is played to the end under these circumstances.

Can teams replace an injured player during the MLB playoffs?

Yes. Teams may replace an injured player during a series, but that player is considered ineligible for the remainder of the series and the following round if the team advances.

In addition, a pitcher may only be replaced by another pitcher and a position player may only be replaced by another position player.