UPDATE: Major League Baseball has just confirmed that the 2023 World Series will kick off on October 24, officially scrapping plans for an early start. This announcement comes as a significant change from last year’s flexible scheduling, where a potential Game 1 date of October 22 was considered if League Championship Series (LCS) concluded quickly.
The decision was made public on Tuesday, following an unexpected twist in last year’s playoffs. The New York Mets advanced to Game 5 in the National League Championship Series but ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6, demonstrating the unpredictability of postseason outcomes.
Historically, since LCS expanded to a best-of-seven format in 1985, both leagues have finished in just four or five games only a handful of times—most recently in 2022. The last time the World Series began on a Friday was in 2022, marking a return to a long-standing tradition not seen since 1915.
Game 7 of this year’s World Series is slated for November 1, continuing a trend where the series has extended into November in multiple recent years, including notable dates like November 5, 2022. Fans can expect an exciting postseason, with the World Series set to start at a time when teams are fully energized for the climax of the season.
In addition to the World Series schedule, MLB has implemented a new format for the playoffs. The NL Division Series will feature an extra day off between Games 1 and 2, allowing teams to align their pitching rotations more effectively. Both the AL and NL Division Series will commence on October 4, with the AL Championship Series following on October 12.
With 12 teams making the playoffs under the current format, the top two teams in each league earn first-round byes. The excitement is palpable as fans gear up for a thrilling postseason, with the stakes higher than ever.
As teams vie for the championship, the anticipation for the World Series continues to build. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoffs progress, and mark your calendars for October 24—the start of baseball’s biggest stage. Don’t miss the action!