MLB Announces World Series and Playoff Schedule Dates
- Major League Baseball announced Monday that the World Series will begin Oct.
- The schedule represents a shift from the recent trend of November conclusions.
- The American League Division Series will include an additional scheduled off day between Game 1 and Game 2, according to the Associated Press.
Major League Baseball announced Monday that the World Series will begin Oct. 23, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for Oct. 31. Barring rainouts, this marks only the second time since 2020 that the championship will conclude in October, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
The schedule represents a shift from the recent trend of November conclusions. The Associated Press reports that the World Series extended into November in 2001, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025, with the 2022 series lasting as late as Nov. 5.
American League Division Series Scheduling Changes
The American League Division Series will include an additional scheduled off day between Game 1 and Game 2, according to the Associated Press. This specific format allows teams to utilize the same pitchers for Games 1 and 4, and Games 2 and 5, while maintaining a standard four days of rest.
The National League Division Series utilized this extra off day during the previous season. Both the AL and NL Division Series are scheduled to begin Oct. 3.
Wild Card and Division Series Format
The playoffs will follow the 12-team format introduced in 2022. Four best-of-three Wild Card Series are scheduled for consecutive days from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, with games hosted at the site of the higher seed.
Under this structure, the top two teams in each league receive first-round byes. The No. 3 seed faces the No. 6 seed, and the No. 4 seed plays the No. 5 seed, with the higher seed holding home-field advantage for the best-of-three matchups.
In the best-of-five Division Series, the top seed plays the winner of the 4-vs.-5 series, while the No. 2 seed faces the winner of the 3-vs.-6 series. The higher seed hosts Games 1 and 2, and Game 5 if necessary.
Championship Series and World Series Timeline
The National League Championship Series is scheduled to start Oct. 11, followed by the American League Championship Series on Oct. 12. Both matchups are best-of-seven series.
The World Series begins Oct. 23. If the series requires a deciding seventh game, it will take place on Oct. 31.