MLB playoffs 2024: ALCS, NLCS expert predictions - ESPN

The 2024 MLB playoffs are down to just four teams after an exciting division series round saw the New York Mets eliminate the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat their division rivals, the San Diego Padres, in a thrilling win-or-go-home Game 5.

Now that the matchups are set — Mets-Dodgers and Cleveland Guardians-New York Yankees — it's time for some (more) predictions! We asked our MLB experts to weigh in on who will advance to the World Series, which players will earn MVP honors in the league championship series and the themes we'll all be talking about in the week to come. We'll also have our experts explain why their initial Fall Classic predictions are still in play — or went very wrong.

LCS previews: Mets-Dodgers | Guardians-Yankees | Bracket

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In how many games: Seven games (2 votes), six games (4), five games (2)

MVP if Dodgers win: Shohei Ohtani (5), Mookie Betts (2), Teoscar Hernandez (1)

Who picked the Dodgers: Tristan Cockcroft, Bradford Doolittle, Alden Gonzalez, Eric Karabell, Tim Kurkjian, Buster Olney, David Schoenfield, Xavier Scruggs

In how many games: Seven games (4 votes), six games (2)

MVP if Mets win: Francisco Lindor (2), Sean Manaea (1), Starling Marte (1), Brandon Nimmo (1), Mark Vientos (1)

Who picked the Mets: Jorge Castillo, Paul Hembekides, Tim Keown, Kiley McDaniel, Jesse Rogers, Jeff Passan

The one thing we'll all be talking about:

The Mets' unbelievable ride to the World Series has included beating a division rival (Braves) to clinch their playoff berth, dismissing David Stearns' former employer (Brewers) in the NL Wild Card Series, and eliminating another division rival and NL pennant favorite