2024 MLB Postseason Matchups and Expert Predictions

The 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason is well underway following the completion of the Wild Card Series. With eight teams left in the race for the World Series, the upcoming Division Series matches promise to bring thrilling encounters both in the American League and the National League.

In the American League Division Series (ALDS), the Cleveland Guardians face off against the Detroit Tigers, while the New York Yankees are set to battle the Kansas City Royals. Each team presents its unique strengths and weaknesses, which analysts from CBS Sports have contemplated in their predictions.

R.J. Anderson notes that while the Tigers have impressed with their performances against the Guardians during the regular season, Cleveland’s overall lineup and pitching staff give them a slight edge. “The Guardians have the better lineup and pitching staff, despite Skubal being the best individual starter on the field,” Anderson wrote, predicting the Guardians to advance in four games.

Meanwhile, Mike Axisa highlights the Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal, who could prove pivotal in a potential fifth game. Axisa forecasts a close contest with the Tigers coming out on top in five games, thanks to Skubal’s influence.

Turning to the Yankees versus Royals series, the discussion centers on the Yankees’ duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Anderson and several other CBS Sports analysts point to the Yankees’ formidable hitters as a decisive factor, even against a strong pitching lineup from Kansas City led by Bobby Witt Jr.

The National League Division Series (NLDS) also showcases compelling encounters, including the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres. Anderson and his colleagues express divided opinions on this matchup, citing injuries within the Dodgers’ pitching staff and the balanced roster of the Padres as elements that could tilt the series.

Kate Feldman comments on the exceptional quality of the Padres’ rotation, even without injured star Joe Musgrove, and sees the potential for five games of “thrilling baseball,” which she predicts could ultimately favor the Dodgers.

In the other NLDS matchup, the Philadelphia Phillies are seen as having a clear path against the New York Mets. Analysts like Dayn Perry and Matt Snyder appreciate the depth and balance of the Phillies’ lineup, as well as the strategic advantages of having their rotation well-rested, leading them to pick Philadelphia as the likely victors in four games.

As the postseason progresses, fans and analysts alike continue to monitor these closely contested series, with eyes set on which teams will advance to the League Championship Series.