How Many Games in ALCS: Your Guide to the MLB ALCS Playoff Series

The MLB postseason format is a thrilling journey through a series of elimination rounds, showcasing the best teams in Major League Baseball. It all begins with the Wild Card Games, where teams face off in a tense, best-of-three games series to secure their spot in the next round. This initial stage sets the tone for the intense competition that follows.

From the Wild Card Games, the winners advance to the Division Series. In this stage, both the American League and National League teams compete in a best-of-five series. Each game in the Division Series is crucial, as it brings teams one step closer to their ultimate goal: the World Series. The top teams from the regular season, often including division winners, leverage their home field advantage to gain an edge over their opponents.

Next, the postseason advances to the Championship Series, encompassing both the ALCS and NLCS. These series are best of seven, providing ample opportunity for teams to demonstrate their resilience and strategic prowess.

The MLB playoffs are structured to ensure that only the elite teams from the American League and the National League make it to the final rounds. Throughout the playoffs, home field advantage can play a pivotal role, offering teams the comfort and support of playing on familiar ground. The intensity and excitement of the MLB playoffs culminate in the World Series, where the champions of the American League and National League face off in a final, best-of-seven games showdown.

How Many Teams Qualify for the Postseason?

A total of 12 teams qualify for the MLB postseason, with six teams from each league (AL and NL). This elite group includes three division winners and three wild card teams boasting the best records among those who did not win their divisions. The postseason begins with the Wild Card Games, where the three wild card teams and the lowest-seeded division winner from each league compete in a best-of-three series to advance to the Division Series.

The journey through the playoffs is intense and filled with high-stakes games. Iconic teams like the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins have made their mark in postseason history, showcasing their skill on the field. Similarly, the National League features formidable competitors such as the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers, who often make deep runs in October. Here is a closer look at some notable teams and their playoff achievements:

• New York Yankees: With 27 World Series titles, the Yankees are the most successful team in MLB history. They have played numerous unforgettable games in the playoffs.
• Minnesota Twins: The Twins have won the World Series twice and have consistently been a strong postseason contender.
• Arizona Diamondbacks: Since their first appearance in the playoffs, the Diamondbacks have captured one World Series title, making a significant impact in a relatively short time.
• Milwaukee Brewers: Although the Brewers have not yet won a World Series, they have played crucial games in the playoffs and remain a formidable team.
• Atlanta Braves: The Braves have won the World Series four times and are known for their consistent playoff appearances and strong performances.
• Philadelphia Phillies: With two World Series titles, the Phillies have a rich playoff history and have played many memorable postseason games.
• Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles have secured three World Series championships and have played significant roles in playoff history.
• Houston Astros: With two World Series titles, the Astros have quickly become a dominant force in the American League, playing critical games in recent playoffs.
• Boston Red Sox: Known for their historic comebacks and intense playoff games, the Red Sox have played pivotal roles in many postseason series.

The Championship Series in both the American League (ALCS) and National League (NLCS) follow a best-of-seven format. But what does this mean for the teams involved? Simply put, the first team to win four games in the series advances to the World Series. This format allows for a high level of competition and strategy, as teams must demonstrate consistency and resilience over potentially seven games to win.

Key Points of the Championship Series Format:

• Best-of-Seven: The series can last anywhere from four to seven games.
• Advancement: The first team to win four games moves on to the World Series.
• Intensity: These series are crucial as they determine the league champions.

American League Championship Series (ALCS) and National League Championship Series (NLCS)

As the second to last rounds of the MLB postseason, the ALCS and NLCS are where the drama and intensity of baseball reach their peak. The winners of the Division Series in each league advance to these Championship Series. Why are these rounds so crucial? They play a role in determining the champions of each league who will then compete for the ultimate title in the World Series.

Important Aspects of ALCS and NLCS:

• Second to Last Rounds: These series decide the league champions.
• High Stakes: Winners advance to the World Series.
• Intense Competition: The best teams from each league face off.

ALDS and ALCS

The American League Division Series (ALDS) consists of two best-of-five series involving the four teams that advanced from the Wild Card round. How do these series compare to the ALCS? The ALDS is shorter and often more unpredictable, while the ALCS, with its best-of-seven format, allows for greater strategic depth and resilience.

Comparing ALDS and ALCS:

• ALDS Format: Best-of-five series.
• Teams Involved: Four teams that advanced from the Wild Card round.
• ALCS Format: Best-of-seven series, offering more room for strategy.

Seeding and Matchups

Seeding in the MLB postseason is determined by regular-season records, ensuring that teams with the best performances get a strategic advantage. The three division winners are seeded 1-3, while the wild card teams are seeded 4-6. How does this seeding impact the matchups? The highest-seeded division winner faces the lowest-seeded wild card team, creating a competitive balance.

How Division Winners and Wild Card Teams Are Seeded

Division winners and wild card teams are seeded based on their regular-season records. This system affects the matchups in the postseason and often leads to another common question: Do higher-seeded teams have an advantage? Generally, yes, as higher-seeded teams usually enjoy home-field advantage in their series.

While the exact dates for the 2024 ALCS haven't been announced, it typically takes place in mid-October, following the Division Series. Fans often ask, "When will the schedule be released?" MLB usually finalizes and releases the schedule closer to the end of the regular season. Currently, there are MLB Futures odds on all of the playoff rounds and the world series at all legal US baseball sportsbooks.

2024 ALCS Timing:

• Typical Timing: Mid-October.
• Schedule Release: Closer to the end of the regular season.

When Do the Championship Series Start?

The Championship Series usually starts immediately after the Division Series, with a brief break for travel and rest. For those planning to follow every game, a common question is, "When can we expect these series to begin?" Generally, the ALCS and NLCS begin in mid-October.

What happened in the last ALCS?

In the 2023 ALCS, the Houston Astros faced the Boston Red Sox. The series was intensely competitive, and many fans wonder, "What were the key moments?" Ultimately, the Houston Astros emerged victorious, advancing to the World Series.