2024 Major League Baseball season

This article is about the 2024 Major League Baseball season only. For information on all of baseball, see 2024 in baseball.

2024 MLB season
League	Major League Baseball
Sport	Baseball
Duration	March 20 – September 29, 2024
Number of games	162
Number of teams	30
TV partner(s)	Fox/FS1 TBS ESPN/ABC MLB Network
Draft
Top draft pick	Cleveland Guardians
Regular season
Postseason
World Series

The 2024 Major League Baseball season (MLB) is scheduled to begin on March 20–21 with a two-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres held in Seoul, South Korea before the regular season proper runs from March 28 to September 29. The 94th All-Star Game is planned for July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The postseason is then scheduled to begin on October 1 with a potential World Series Game 7 set for November 2. Going into the season, the defending World Series champions are the Texas Rangers.

The Oakland Athletics were approved by MLB owners to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028.

Schedule

On July 13, 2023, Major League Baseball released its 2024 schedule. There are 162 games scheduled for all teams. As has been the case since 2023, each team will play 13 games against their division rivals, totaling 52 games. Each team will play six games against six opponents and seven games against four opponents in the same league for a total of 64 games. Each team will also play 46 interleague games, including a four-game home-and-home series against their designated interleague rival.

As part of the MLB World Tour, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres are scheduled to open the season at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on March 20–21, in the first-ever MLB regular season games played in South Korea. Opening Day in North America is then planned for March 28, with all 30 clubs in action. Other MLB World Tour series include the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City on April 27–28, the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies at London Stadium in London on June 8–9, and the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays in spring training at Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo on March 9–10.

The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals are scheduled to play at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 20, in a game honoring the Negro leagues and hall of fame outfielder Willie Mays. The 94th All-Star Game is planned for July 16, hosted by the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The MLB Little League Classic at Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania is scheduled for August 18 with the New York Yankees taking on the Detroit Tigers.

Rule changes

On December 21, 2023, MLB announced a set of rule changes that will take effect in 2024.

• Following a dead ball, the pitch clock will restart as soon as the pitcher receives a new ball from the umpire (previously the clock restarted once the pitcher entered the circle around the pitcher's mound). When runners are on base, the clock's starting time will decrease from 20 seconds to 18 seconds.
• Visits to the mound will be reduced from five to four. Teams will receive an extra mound visit in the ninth inning if they have used four prior to that point.
• The runner's lane will be widened to the cut of the infield grass in fair territory. The distance between the foul line and the infield grass will be between 18 and 24 inches in all ballparks, with a grace period for non-compliant parks to make modifications. The runner's actions are deemed legal if running in fair territory provided both feet are on or touching the dirt.
• A pitcher who warms up at the start of an inning must face at least one batter; they may not be replaced during or after warmups.

Spring training

Spring training for the 2024 season began in late February and is scheduled to last through March. Teams began workouts and practice for spring training beginning in mid-February. Pitchers and catchers reported first, followed by position players a few days later.

Spring training games began on February 22. There are several times during spring training where a team will have two different squads playing different teams simultaneously. In addition to spring training games, teams occasionally played exhibition games with non-MLB teams, such as Minor League Baseball teams, independent teams, or college teams. These exhibition games are not counted in spring training standings. Spring training is scheduled to end on March 26, two days before the Opening Day.

During spring training in 2024, MLB launched a new initiative called MLB Spring Breakout. Each organization puts together a team of their best prospects to compete against another organization's prospects from March 14 to March 17.

Managerial changes

General managers

Off-season

Team	Former GM	Reason For Leaving	New GM	Notes
Chicago White Sox	Rick Hahn	Fired	Chris Getz	On August 22, 2023, Hahn and Executive Vice President Kenny Williams, who both held their previous titles since 2012, were fired. On August 31, Chris Getz was named the new general manager and senior vice president of the team.
Boston Red Sox	Brian O'Halloran	Reassigned	Craig Breslow	On September 14, 2023, O'Halloran accepted the position of senior vice president of baseball operations with the team. On October 25, Breslow was hired to the position of Chief Baseball Officer, which encompasses the duties of general manager.
New York Mets	Billy Eppler	Resigned	David Stearns	On October 5, 2023, Eppler resigned as general manager as a result of MLB opening an investigation into his potentially improper use of the injured list. On October 1, Stearns was hired to the position of President of Baseball Operations, which encompasses the duties of general manager.
Miami Marlins	Kim Ng		Peter Bendix	On October 16, 2023, Ng resigned as general manager after three years. The Marlins made one postseason appearance during her tenure. On November 5, Bendix was hired by the Miami Marlins to be their President of Baseball Operations.
Tampa Bay Rays	Peter Bendix	Hired by the Miami Marlins	TBA	On November 5, 2023, Bendix was hired by the Miami Marlins to be their President of Baseball Operations, which encompasses the duties of general manager.

Field managers

Off-season

Team	Former Manager	Interim Manager	Reason For Leaving	New Manager	Notes
San Francisco Giants	Gabe Kapler	Kai Correa	Fired	Bob Melvin	On September 29, 2023, the Giants fired Kapler. After four seasons with the team, he compiled a record of 295–248 (.543) and made the playoffs once in 2021. Bench coach Kai Correa was named interim manager for the final three games of the 2023 season. Melvin was hired on October 25. This will be his fifth managerial position, previously managing in Seattle, Arizona, Oakland, and San Diego, compiling a lifetime managerial record of 1,517–1,425 ().
New York Mets	Buck Showalter	N/A		Carlos Mendoza	On October 1, 2023, Showalter that announced he would not return to manage the Mets for the 2024 season. According to team owner Steve Cohen and general manager Billy Eppler, the Mets informed Showalter that they did not plan to bring him back for next season, even though he had one year left on his contract. He compiled a record of 176–148 (.543) in two seasons with the team with one playoff appearance. On November 13, Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza was named the new manager of the team.
Los Angeles Angels	Phil Nevin		Option not picked up	Ron Washington	On October 2, 2023, the Angels announced they would not be picking up Nevin's option for 2024. After taking over as manager in June 2022, he compiled a record of 119–149 (.444) with no playoff appearances. Washington was hired on November 8. This will be his second managerial position, previously managing Texas from 2007 to 2014, going 664–611 (.521) and winning the AL pennant in back-to-back seasons in 2010 and 2011.
Cleveland Guardians	Terry Francona		Resigned	Stephen Vogt	On October 3, 2023, Francona announced he was stepping away as manager of the Guardians. In 11 seasons with Cleveland, he compiled a record of 921–757 (.549) with six playoff appearances, three AL Central division titles, and a World Series appearance. Vogt was hired on November 6. This will be his first managerial position.
San Diego Padres	Bob Melvin		Hired by the San Francisco Giants	Mike Shildt	Melvin was granted permission from the Padres to become the manager of the San Francisco Giants on October 24, 2023. In his tenure with the Padres, he compiled a record of 171–153 (.528), with one playoff appearance, advancing to the NLCS in 2022. On November 21, Mike Shildt was named the new manager of the Padres. This will be his second managerial position.
Houston Astros	Dusty Baker		Retired	Joe Espada	On October 25, 2023, Baker announced his retirement after four seasons with the Astros and 26 years overall as a manager. He finished his tenure with the Astros with a 320–226 (.586) record, winning the 2022 World Series. On November 13, Joe Espada was named the new manager of the team. This is his first managerial position.
Chicago Cubs	David Ross		Fired	Craig Counsell	On November 6, 2023, the Cubs fired Ross after four seasons with the Cubs. he finished his tenure with a 262–284 (.480) record, with one playoff appearance, winning the NL Central in the 2020 season. Counsell was hired on the same day. As the Brewers manager, he compiled a record of 707–625 (.531), with three NL Central division titles and five overall playoff appearances.
Milwaukee Brewers	Craig Counsell		Contract expired	Pat Murphy	Counsell's contract with the Brewers expired on November 1, 2023. The Brewers’ offered a contract extension to Counsell weeks prior, before the 53-year-old became a free agent and interviewed with other clubs. Counsell became the manager of the Chicago Cubs on November 6. As the Brewers manager for nine seasons, he compiled a record of 707–625 (.531), with three NL Central division titles and five overall playoff appearances. On November 15, Pat Murphy was named the new manager of the team. This will be his second managerial position.

Uniforms

Wholesale changes

• Nike's new Vapor Premier template will be used across all Major League uniforms, replacing the previous Majestic Athletic FlexBase template that Nike inherited upon taking over MLB's uniform contract in 2020. The new template was first used in the uniforms worn during the 2023 All-Star Game. The Nike Vapor Premier uniforms, manufactured by Fanatics, have received criticism from players and fans for its subpar quality compared to previous uniforms. During spring training, the Royals have opted out of using the Vapor Premier template, instead wearing unifoms that feature the larger player name and number font used by the older uniforms.
• The Diamondbacks unveiled a new uniform set, adding teal as a full-time accent color. Cream returned as the base color on the home uniforms for the first time since 2006, as is the alternate "D-snake" logo. Sand was removed entirely from the uniforms, except for the "City Connect" uniform.
• Due to Nike's 4+1 Rule, the Phillies dropped their red alternate uniform in favor a City Connect uniform to be unveiled during the 2024 season. It had been used in the regular season for home games in 2016 and 2017, and again from 2021 to 2023 for road games.
• The Mets removed the white outline to their black alternate uniforms and caps.
• The Yankees made slight changes to their road uniform by removing the white outline and a stripe pattern on their sleeves. It was the first time since 1972 that the team had changed their road uniforms.
• The Nationals added a pullover alternate uniform and changed their road uniforms. It was the first time since the Cincinnati Reds uniforms from 1972–1992 to have a pullover jersey on a regular basis. The team also retired their red alternate uniform with a white curly "W". The team also removed the front numbers to their home and alternate navy jerseys.
• The Marlins modified their black alternate uniforms by featuring white accents to the team's name on the front and player's name and number on the back. The team also introduced and modified their teal alternate uniforms by featuring the team's name as well.
• The Braves added a red-lining to their alternate navy jerseys.

Uniform advertisements

• Kansas City Royals: QuikTrip
• Los Angeles Dodgers: Guggenheim Baseball Management
• San Francisco Giants: Chevrolet (2024 season only)

City Connect

Through the 2023 season, there are 20 teams participating in the City Connect alternate jersey program. The Guardians, Tigers, Twins, Mets, Phillies, Cardinals, Rays and Blue Jays will unveil new City Connect uniforms during the first half of the season. Additionally, the Dodgers will unveil a new City Connect this year, becoming the first team to change their City Connect uniform since the program's inception.

Anniversaries and special events

Team	Special occasion
All Teams	Jackie Robinson Day (April 15)
	Pink Ribbons for breast cancer awareness (May 12, Mother's Day)
	Patch for Armed Forces Day (May 20) and Camouflage caps for Armed Force's Day Weekend (May 19–21)
	Poppy for Memorial Day (May 27)
	"4–ALS" patch for Lou Gehrig Day (June 2)
	"Play Ball" patch in partnership with USA Baseball and USA Softball (June 7–9)
	Blue Ribbons for prostate cancer (June 16, Father's Day)
	Gold Ribbons for childhood cancer (September 1)
	#21 patch for Roberto Clemente Day day (September 15)
	"MLB Debut" patch for players who play their first Major League game
Arizona Diamondbacks	Inaugural season of the Arizona Diamondback team Hall of Fame. Luis Gonzalez and Randy Johnson will be the 1st inductees.
Atlanta Braves	50th Anniversary of Hank Aaron's 715th Home Run
Baltimore Orioles	70th Anniversary Season
Boston Red Sox	20th Anniversary of 2004 World Series Championship
	#49 Patch in memory of Tim Wakefield
Detroit Tigers	40th Anniversary of 1984 World Series Championship
New York Mets	55th Anniversary of 1969 World Series Championship
New York Yankees	15th Anniversary of 2009 World Series Championship
	25th Anniversary of 1999 World Series Championship
Oakland Athletics	35th Anniversary of 1989 World Series Championship
	50th Anniversary of 1974 World Series Championship
Philadelphia Phillies	20th Anniversary of Citizens Bank Park
Pittsburgh Pirates	45th Anniversary of 1979 World Series Championship
San Diego Padres	20th Anniversary of Petco Park Jersey patch in memory of owner Peter Seidler
San Francisco Giants	10th Anniversary of 2014 World Series Championship
St. Louis Cardinals	60th Anniversary of 1964 World Series Championship
Texas Rangers	2024 MLB All-Star Game
	2023 World Series championship (March 28)
Washington Nationals	5th Anniversary of 2019 World Series Championship

Venues

The Oakland Athletics lease with the Oakland Coliseum expires after the end of the season. On June 15, 2023, the team officially announced they would begin the relocation process to Las Vegas. The move was approved by the other MLB owners on November 16. The Athletics would move into a new 30,000-seat fixed roof ballpark by the 2028 season.

Broadcast rights

Television

National

This is the third year of the existing seven-year deals with ESPN, Fox, TBS, Apple TV+, and MLB Network.

Linear television

• Fox will continue to air their Baseball Night in America and Fox Saturday Baseball slate of exclusive games on select Saturday and select Thursday nights. The network will also air the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and the game at Rickwood Field, all of those will be exclusive games. FS1 will also broadcast non-exclusive games. Following his retirement, Adam Wainwright joined Fox as a full-time color commentator. He previously had done color commentary for Fox during select playoff games.
• TBS will continue to broadcast Tuesday Night Baseball. Most games are blacked out in the home markets of the teams playing, however, TBS is allowed to co-exist once with a teams' local broadcast.
• ESPN will continue to broadcast Sunday Night Baseball, with the option to show alternate broadcasts. ESPN will also exclusively air five other non-Sunday night games, including a primetime game on opening night and one game each from the MLB Mexico City Series and the MLB London Series. ESPN will also air both games from the MLB Seoul Series, though those games will be blacked out in local markets. The network also has the rights to the Home Run Derby. Select games may air on ABC and ESPN2.
• MLB Network will continue to broadcast games daily. While most games will be simulcasts of the home teams' regional sports network broadcasts, select games will be produced by the network under its MLB Network Showcase banner. All games are blacked out in the home markets of the teams playing.

Streaming

• This will be the first regular season that the streaming service Max will simulcast TBS' games on its Bleacher Report Sports Add-on tier.
• Apple TV+ continues to hold the rights to Friday Night Baseball. Apple has the option to opt out of the Friday Night Baseball deal prior to this season, however if it does not opt out it will not be able to exit the agreement until it expires in the 2028 season. If Apple continues to hold its deal, then this would also be the second year of DirecTV's sub-licensing agreement to show these games to commercial establishments.
• NBC Sports' deal for MLB Sunday Leadoff has not yet been renewed.

Postseason

During the postseason, the ESPN networks, including ABC (with Spanish–language simulcasts on ESPN Deportes) will air all four Wild Card Series. TBS (with Spanish-language simulcasts on MLB Network) will then broadcast the American League Division Series and the American League Championship Series, and Fox Sports (Fox and FS1, with Spanish-language simulcasts on Fox Deportes) will broadcast the National League Division Series, the National League Championship Series, and the World Series.

Local

• On October 31, 2023, the Minnesota Twins announced that television play-by-play announcer Dick Bremer would leave the booth to join the team's front office as its special assistant. On December 1, the Twins replaced Bremer with Cory Provus, and Kris Atteberry took Provus' place as the radio play-by-play announcer.
• On November 9, Jason Benetti left the Chicago White Sox to join the Detroit Tigers as its lead television play-by-play announcer. Benetti replaced Matt Shepard whose contract was not renewed by Bally Sports Detroit. Dan Dickerson, the team's lead radio play-by-play announcer, will call games when Benetti has assignments with Fox Sports.
• On December 18, C. J. Nitkowski left the Texas Rangers to join the Atlanta Braves as its primary television analyst. Jeff Francoeur, who served as the Braves' primary analyst the previous season, will continue to make occasional appearances.
• On January 25, 2024, the Chicago White Sox announced John Schriffen as their lead television play-by-play announcer, replacing Jason Benetti who departed to join the Detroit Tigers as their lead play-by-play television announcer.
• On February 13, the Oakland Athletics announced Jenny Cavnar as their lead television play-by-play announcer. She will be the first woman to be the primary play-by-play voice of an MLB team. On February 20, the Athletics also hired Chris Caray, son of St. Louis Cardinals announcer Chip Caray, to serve as Cavnar's backup.

AT&T SportsNet closure

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) wound down its AT&T SportsNet regional sports network (RSN) business prior to the start of the 2024 season. The move affected the Colorado Rockies on AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, the Houston Astros on AT&T SportsNet Southwest, and the Pittsburgh Pirates on AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh.

The Astros and the NBA's Houston Rockets took over AT&T SportsNet Southwest and rebranded it to the Space City Home Network after the end of the Astros' regular season on October 3, 2023. Fenway Sports Group, owners of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Red Sox, took over AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, rebranding it to just SportsNet Pittsburgh on October 2, 2023. On December 13, 2023, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced they would jointly own SportsNet Pittsburgh beginning on January 1, 2024. NESN, through Fenway Sports Group, will operate the network. The Colorado Rockies have yet to announce cable television coverage plans for the 2024 season. They did, however, announce ROCKIES.TV, a streaming service with no blackouts that is available with MLB.tv for $199.99 a year or $39.99 a month, or without MLB.tv for $99.99 a year or $19.99 a month. Plans for distribution on cable television have not be announced yet.

WBD had owned a 29% share of Root Sports Northwest, the Mariners' RSN, through the end of the 2023 season, and had produced Mariners telecasts. The Mariners took full control of the network on January 1, 2024.

Diamond Sports bankruptcy

See also: Diamond Sports Group § Bankruptcy

This would be the second season affected by the February 2023 bankruptcy of Diamond Sports Group, owners of the Bally Sports regional sports networks. Diamond Sports Group may cut ties with additional teams it previously had deals with. The rights of those teams that Major League Baseball took over from Diamond midway through the 2023 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres, could also change in 2024. Diamond's deal with the Minnesota Twins also expired before the season.

On February 2, 2024, Diamond Sports announced agreements with the Rangers, Guardians and Twins that will result in a decreased rights fee and will end their contracts with Diamond after the 2024 season.

Retirements

The following players and coaches retired during the 2024 season and before the start of the 2025 campaign:

• Shin-Soo Choo – December 14, 2023 (announced); will retire at the end of the season

Retired numbers

• Dwight Gooden will have his No. 16 retired by the New York Mets on April 14. This will be the eighth number to be retired by the team.
• Darryl Strawberry will have his No. 18 retired by the New York Mets on June 1. This will be the ninth number to be retired by the team.

External links

• 2024 Major League Baseball Schedule