MLB Playoffs 2024: Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies upset the clock

Be honest: At the beginning of the season, did you predict a round of the American League Division Series that would include the New York Yankees (plausibly) and three AL Central teams, none of which are the Minnesota Twins (are you kidding)?

In the National League it comes as less of a surprise. The league's powers – the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres – are still alive, and in a thrilling three-game wild-card win by the New York Mets over the Milwaukee Brewers, there really was no result that would lead to that could be described as a surprise.

The Wildcard round was exciting to watch, but now it's time to move on, for the winners and for the teams that were waiting to find out the identity of their LDS opponent.

Let's take a first look at the pairings, taking into account the views of the teams that followed the first round with us. What did they see that might make them think? What have they seen that might amaze them?

Let's judge. Teams are listed in order of the most worried about the least worried, but here's a spoiler: none of the four bye teams should be worry-free.