The 2024 MLB postseason has commenced, and anticipation is brewing as the Baltimore Orioles prepare to face the Kansas City Royals in the Wild Card Series. With the series set as a best-of-three, both teams are eager to advance, bringing unique narratives and renewed hopes into the playoffs.
Setting the Stage
Securing the No. 4 seed, the Baltimore Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals, who clinched the No. 5 seed, at Camden Yards. The series kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET. This matchup emerges with significant storylines for both franchises. For Baltimore, it marks their second consecutive postseason berth. The Orioles finished second to the Yankees in the AL East with a 91-71 record, a season defined by offensive prowess, particularly in the closing stretch, where they scored 56 runs in their final 10 games.
Conversely, Kansas City is relishing the thrill of October baseball for the first time since their World Series triumph in 2015. This appearance is particularly notable considering the Royals endured a challenging season just a year ago, suffering 106 losses. Their turnaround ties them with the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins as the only teams in the Expansion Era to reach the postseason a year after losing 100 games.
Pitching Showdown
The pitching duel in Game 1 promises to be a spectacle. Baltimore’s ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, will take the mound. Burnes has put up impressive numbers this season, boasting a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA. On the Kansas City side, left-hander Cole Ragans, who posted an 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA, is slated to start. Both pitchers are expected to be crucial in their teams' success, with Ragans and teammate Seth Lugo anticipated to rank among the top five in this year’s Cy Young voting.
If the series extends to a decisive third game, Michael Wacha will pitch for the Royals, adding further intrigue to this pitching-rich confrontation. The Orioles’ defensive strategy will be put to the test, particularly in managing Kansas City's active base-stealing approach, as the Royals ranked third in stolen bases among postseason teams. Baltimore’s defense comes equipped with a 20% caught stealing rate, setting up a compelling dynamic between aggressive baserunning and defensive prowess.
Key Players and Absences
Kansas City’s lineup will heavily rely on the performances of Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Cole Ragans, and Seth Lugo. Despite a broken thumb that has sidelined Vinnie Pasquantino since Aug. 29, there is optimism surrounding his return, as he has been diligently working out and hitting.
Baltimore, meanwhile, aims to harness the energy of their home crowd and the capabilities of their robust offensive unit. They also maintain the hope of exorcising the ghosts of last year's postseason, where they were swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers.
Odds and Stakes
According to the odds, Baltimore is favored (-155) over Kansas City (+130), with an over/under set at 7.0 runs. This tight margin underscores the competitive nature of the series. Each team knows that securing this Wild Card victory affords them the opportunity to challenge the New York Yankees in the ALDS, a matchup that carries its own set of historical and competitive significances.
As the postseason unfurls, all eyes will be on Camden Yards, where the Orioles and Royals begin their quest. Both teams arrive with compelling backstories, formidable talent, and the weight of expectations—making this Wild Card Series not just a playoff opener but a dramatic chapter in the annals of baseball history.