2024 MLB Division Series predictions

The road to the World Series continues as the MLB Postseason moves on to the Division Series.

With that, we asked a number of MLB.com experts to weigh in and make their predictions on how the next round of the 2024 playoffs will turn out. Check out their picks for each series below.

Tigers (6) at Guardians (2)

Detroit extended its improbable run by sweeping the Astros at Minute Maid Park in the AL Wild Card Series, ending Houston’s streak of seven straight AL Championship Series appearances. After Tigers ace Tarik Skubal tossed six scoreless innings in Game 1, Detroit used eight hurlers to get the other 36 outs in the series as manager A.J. Hinch used his chaotic pitching strategy to perfection.

To continue their Cinderella story, the Tigers will have to take down a Guardians team that led MLB with a 2.57 bullpen ERA and has one of baseball’s best players in third baseman José Ramírez, who fell one homer shy of the seventh 40-40 season in MLB history.

“These two teams are not only from the same division, but also built very similarly — they rely on making contact, playing good defense and getting great relief pitching. The X-factor? Ramírez, who is the best position player in the series; if he shows up, his all-around game could be enough to push the Guardians through.” — Jason Catania, supervising editor, breaking news

Royals (5) at Yankees (1)

Our experts see the Yankees coming out on top in the first postseason matchup between these two teams since 1980. The Royals have more speed, a superior defense and a better starting rotation, but Kansas City could have its hands full with the Yankees’ powerful lineup. Fueled by the historically great duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Bronx Bombers led MLB in homers (237) and the AL in runs scored (815).

If the Royals are going to pull off the upset, they’ll likely need this series to follow the same blueprint as the AL Wild Card Series against the Orioles, which saw Kansas City hold Baltimore to just two runs while superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and co. did just enough on offense to eke out a pair of wins.

“The Yankees have an overwhelming edge in power — but the Royals can match New York’s frontline starting pitching, and their defense and baserunning are far superior. If they can keep these games close, that could be the difference.” — Alan Rittner, editorial producer

After clinching a postseason berth with a dramatic win on the final day of the regular season, the Mets once again kept their hopes alive by the slimmest of margins in the NL Wild Card Series against the Brewers. Trailing by two runs in the top of the ninth inning of Game 3, the Mets pulled ahead on a three-run homer by Pete Alonso off Milwaukee closer Devin Williams. It was the first lead-flipping homer in the ninth inning or later of a winner-take-all postseason game in MLB history.

New York now moves on to face the rival Phillies, who won the NL East by six games. Our experts think the Mets will run into trouble against a balanced and well-rested Philadelphia club trying to reach the NLCS for the third straight year.

“On paper, the Phillies seem to have the upper hand, but the Mets’ scrappiness and never-say-die attitude will carry them.” — Meghan Ward, editorial producer

Padres (4) at Dodgers (1)

Although the Dodgers won the NL West by five games with MLB’s best record (98-64) and have a high-powered lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani (making his postseason debut after the first 50-50 season in MLB history), Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, our experts think the Padres are headed for their second NLDS triumph over Los Angeles in three years.

San Diego’s offense is formidable as well, and the Friars appear to have an edge over the injury-plagued Dodgers on the mound, which could be the difference in the series. The Padres went 8-5 against L.A. in the regular season and posted the game’s best record after the All-Star break at 43-20 before steamrolling the Braves in the NL Wild Card Series, so they’re entering this matchup with a ton of confidence.

“Ohtani has shown he rises to every occasion. In his first chance in the playoffs, I expect him to take over the series.” — Andrew Werle, supervising editor, content operations