The much-maligned AL Central is making a comeback.
The division hasn't sent a team to the ALCS since 2016, lagging behind the AL East and AL West with years of struggles from the Royals and Tigers, among others, but three teams will likely represent the AL Central in the postseason this October.
One has already been decided. The Guardians are playoff-bound after overcoming a disappointing 2023 campaign and riding this year's scorching hot start to a division title. At least one and almost certainly two division rivals will be joining them, which could make for a chaotic final weekend across baseball.
Here's a look at how the AL Central is shaking out as the season nears an end.
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AL Central playoff picture
AL Central standings
- Guardians, 92-68 (.575)
- Tigers, 86-74 (.538)
- Royals, 85-75 (.531)
- Twins, 82-78 (.513)
- White Sox, 39-121 (.244)
Two things are certain: the Guardians have already clinched the AL Central, and the White Sox are out — it might be best to leave it at that.
As for the rest, here's what each team needs to do to make the postseason.
Tigers magic number
The Tigers clinched their first postseason berth since 2014 on Friday, ending all suspense about their October status.
Entering the weekend, Detroit is still looking to finalize its playoff seed. A win and a Royals loss on Saturday would give the Tigers the No. 5 seed and a wild-card matchup with the Orioles.
Royals magic number
The Royals also clinched a postseason berth on Friday, punching their ticket for the first time since they won the World Series in 2015.
Kansas City slipped to the No. 6 seed, however, and will need to make up a game on the Tigers over the final two days of the season to jump back to No. 5. If they can't, the Royals would head to Houston for the Wild Card Series.
Twins magic number
The Twins were eliminated from postseason contention with their loss to the Orioles on Friday night.
MORE: How do MLB tiebreakers work?
MLB wild-card standings
Standings updated through Royals and Tigers games on Sept. 27.
- WC1: Orioles, 89-71 (.555), +4.0
- WC2: Tigers, 86-74 (.538), +1.0
- WC3: Royals, 85-75 (.531)
- —
- Mariners, 83-77 (.519), ELIMINATED
- Twins, 82-78 (.513), ELIMINATED
- Red Sox, 80-80 (.500), ELIMINATED
- Rays, 79-81 (.494), ELIMINATED
- Rangers, 76-84 (.475), ELIMINATED
- Blue Jays, 74-86 (.463), ELIMINATED
- Athletics, 69-91 (.431), ELIMINATED
- Angels, 63-97 (.394), ELIMINATED
- White Sox, 39-121 (.244), ELIMINATED
MORE: Complete wild-card picture, MLB playoff bracket
Are the Tigers in the playoffs?
The Tigers are playoff-bound for the first time since 2014. They will either face the Orioles or Astros in the Wild Card Round.
Are the Twins in the playoffs?
The Twins were eliminated from postseason contention on Friday, completing an ugly collapse over the season's final few weeks.
Are the Royals in the playoffs?
The Royals clinched a postseason berth for the first time since 2015 and will face either the Astros or Orioles in the Wild Card Round,
