The 2024 MLB postseason is off to an electrifying start, and all eyes are on the Wild Card Series as the Baltimore Orioles face off against the Kansas City Royals. This best-of-three series promises to be a compelling matchup, beginning at Camden Yards on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 4:08 p.m. ET.
A Tale of Two Teams
The Baltimore Orioles enter the postseason with high hopes, having secured the No. 4 seed. They have been a consistent force, finishing the regular season with a 91-71 record, second only to the Yankees in the AL East. The Orioles are no strangers to the playoffs; this marks their second consecutive postseason berth. However, they have something to prove after being swept out of the ALDS by the Texas Rangers last year.
On the other side, the Kansas City Royals are experiencing the thrill of postseason action for the first time since their memorable World Series win in 2015. The Royals have come a long way from their dismal 106-loss season just a year ago. In fact, they are the third team in the Expansion Era to make the postseason following a 100-loss season, joining the 2017 Minnesota Twins and the 2020 Miami Marlins in this rare feat.
The Pitching Matchup
Pitching will be a crucial factor as Baltimore's ace, right-hander Corbin Burnes, takes the mound for Game 1. Burnes has been formidable this season, posting a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA. His performance will be key to setting the tone for the Orioles.
Facing Burnes will be Kansas City's left-hander, Cole Ragans, who has been solid with an 11-9 record and a 3.14 ERA. Ragans, along with Seth Lugo, is anticipated to finish in the top five of this year’s Cy Young voting, showcasing the depth and talent within the Royals' pitching staff. Both teams are prepared to battle it out on the mound, with Game 3 potentially seeing Michael Wacha taking the ball if necessary.
Offensive Firepower and Key Players
Baltimore's offense has shown its mettle, scoring 56 runs in their final 10 games of the regular season. They will need to continue this offensive surge to advance past the Wild Card. The Orioles' defensive prowess, with a 20% caught stealing rate, will also play a significant role, particularly against a Royals team that swiped the third most bases among postseason teams.
Kansas City will rely heavily on the prowess of players like Bobby Witt Jr. and veteran Salvador Perez, alongside pitchers Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. Vinnie Pasquantino, who has not played since Aug. 29 due to a broken thumb, has been working out and hitting. His return could provide a timely boost for the Royals as they aim to capitalize on their momentum.
Odds and Stakes
The odds for this intriguing series see Baltimore slightly favored at -155 to Kansas City's +130. The over/under is set at 7.0 runs, reflecting the balanced offensive and defensive capabilities of both teams. For the Orioles, continuing their postseason journey depends on overcoming a resilient Royals squad. The winner of this series will face the New York Yankees in the next round, adding an extra layer of anticipation and high stakes to the proceedings.
With Game 1 just around the corner, both teams are poised for what promises to be a high-intensity battle at Camden Yards. Baseball fans are in for a treat as the 2024 postseason continues to unfold with drama, excitement, and top-tier performances from some of MLB's finest talents.