The Dodgers secured their place in the 2024 World Series by defeating the Mets in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday. This victory means that fans will experience a five-day hiatus before the World Series commences.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Dodgers and Yankees is scheduled to kick off on Friday, October 25, and could extend until Saturday, November 2, if the series goes to the full seven games.
A key question arises: Why is there such an extended break between the conclusion of the League Championship Series and the World Series? Major League Baseball had anticipated this scenario when it released the postseason schedule in early August, allowing for the possible adjustment of World Series dates if both League Championship Series concluded early.
However, the recent outcomes with a five-game American League Championship Series and a six-game National League Championship Series did not finish swiftly enough to invoke any schedule changes. Had both league championship series concluded by Saturday, October 19, the World Series would have been moved to start on Tuesday, October 22, running until October 30.
The Mets’ push to a Game 6 in the NLCS ultimately ensured the World Series will commence on the scheduled Friday. If the NLCS had proceeded to seven games, it would have concluded on Monday, October 21. Conversely, if the ALCS extended to seven games, it would have wrapped up on Tuesday, October 22.
A Friday start for the World Series makes sense in this context, particularly considering the potential for a rainout that could delay the game to Wednesday. Additionally, if the NLCS had concluded a day earlier, the World Series would be poised to begin tomorrow. As it stands, fans will enjoy a full work week to prepare for the series.
The exact start times for the World Series games have yet to be determined, but all games will be televised on Fox.