September 22, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke (59) pitches during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images Back in spring training, if someone told you that three of the last four teams in the American League playoffs were from the same division, what division would you guess?
The American League East is probably the most popular choice. The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles were primed for exciting seasons; one of the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays could have found a way into October.
Or you might think of the other side of the country and consider the American League West. After all, the Texas Rangers are the defending World Series champions, the Houston Astros are solid, and the Seattle Mariners have a great starting lineup.
Would anyone guess the AL Central?
Of course, for the Cleveland Guardians, that's doable.
But what about the Kansas City Royals? Detroit Tigers?
Let the wild cards create a wild playoff run in the American League. The Royals and their emerging superstar, Bobby Waite Jr., will try to stir things up against the heavily favored New York Yankees. In another ALDS game, the Detroit Tigers will face a familiar foe in the division champion Guardians.
Which teams will advance to the ALCS? As the past month has proven, anything can happen.
Series Game 1: Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees
August 4, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees allow outfielder Aaron Judge (99) to single in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports It's safe to say that many casual baseball fans will be cheering for Kansas City, an underdog team that few expected to make a splash this season. Just last year, the Royals were 56-106, last in the division. Since they're unlikely to succeed, the Royals have something working in their favor: zero pressure to win this series. No one thought they would be here. They can play freely.
That said, the Yankees are favored for a reason. They went 94-68, beat the Orioles for the division title, and ranked third in baseball in runs scored (815). By comparison, the Royals ranked 13th in the majors with 735 runs scored.
A big reason for the Yankees' offensive success is Aaron Judge. The 9-foot-4, 576-pound (approximately) slugger is hitting .322 this season with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and a .701 slugging percentage (real numbers this time, Not an approximation! In comparison, teammate Juan Soto looked underwhelming, despite hitting .288 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs.
Yes, the Royals have a little bit of magic. And Vinnie Pasquantino. But that's how their story ends, and there's no shame in losing compared to the big names coming out of New York.
Prediction: Yankees win 4
Series Game 2: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
September 4, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Left fielder Steven Kwan (38) hits a hit during the eighth inning of the Cleveland Guardians' game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Do you remember those old parody videos that were meant to satirize and promote tourism in Cleveland? They always end with a punchline: “We're not Detroit!”
By the way, these videos are still funny. Definitely worth it Going down the YouTube rabbit hole Go find it.
Regardless, the punchline comes in a different way than in the past. That's especially true in baseball, where the Tigers are a year ahead of schedule and may have more positive momentum than any team remaining in the playoffs.
On September 6, the Tigers were 71-71, and the playoffs seemed more like a 2025 goal. “Clinch” took his team to Houston and quickly eliminated the Astros at home in the wild-card round.
The Guardians played well, and to be fair, they won the AFC Central by 6 1/2 games over Detroit and Kansas City. Jose Ramirez was a great hitter with 39 homers, Josh Naylor had 31 bombs, and Tanner Bibee ) and Ben Lively are having solid seasons on the mound.
However, the Tigers' recent rise is too strong to ignore.
Sorry, Cleveland, but you're not Detroit.
Prediction: Tigers by 5 points