MLB Playoffs 2024 Format: How does the postseason work? Rules and bracket explained 

Less than two months remain before the beginning of the 2024 MLB playoffs. As such, interest in the postseason, and the format that underpins it, is gaining significant interest from fans.

Over the past few years, MLB has enacted several changes to the format of the playoffs. These changes have affected facets from the number of qualifying clubs to the number of victories that need to be secured.

How will the 2024 MLB Playoffs work?

In total, 12 teams will qualify for the 2024 postseason. This comes as a result of an increase from ten teams before 2022, due to adding a Wild Card berth in both leagues.

The American and National Leagues will have six entrants; the three divisional winners and three Wild Card teams.

"8.13 National League Playoff Picture #DBacks and Padres are RED hot & building separation from the pact. It’s a wild-wild west shootout in the NL! Mammoth series between the Braves & Giants resumes tonight. Massive WC implications in August play. #MLB #NationalLeague #Standings" - Spittin Cap

Each league's six teams will be ranked by their regular-season finish. In the 2024 MLB playoffs, the top two divisional finishers will be allowed byes directly into the LDS. Meanwhile, the third-ranked divisional champ will play the last-ranked Wild Card team, while the first and second Wild Card teams will play.

Unlike in previous years, the Wild Card Series will be a best two-out-of-three series, rather than a single elimination game, as was in place from 2012 to 2019 and again in 2021. The three games are slated to take place on consecutive days.

For the second round, clubs will be re-seeded. The top remaining team will face the winner of the series between the top two Wild Card teams. Meanwhile, the remaining club with the second-best record will play the winner of the third and sixth-ranked clubs.

"MLB has released the 2024 postseason schedule. The Wild Card Series will start on Tuesday, Oct 1st. Should the World Series go 7 games, the season ends on Sat, Nov 2nd; more than a month of playoff baseball." - Maury Brown

For the divisional series, also known as the second round, the first two games will be played at the home field of the higher-ranked team, with the next two at the home park of the lower-ranked team. If necessary, the best-of-five LDS will feature a Game 5 back in the home park of the top-ranked team.

The LCS and the World Series are the most highly anticipated part of the 2024 MLB playoffs. For the last two rounds, a best-of-seven series will take place, with both showdowns featuring a two-three-two format with respect to home game distribution.