KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The AL Central, once considered the weakest division in baseball, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the postseason. Three teams from the division are still in contention in the divisional round, showcasing a remarkable turnaround from their performances last season.
The Guardians, Tigers, and Royals, all of whom finished below .500 last year, have defied expectations and secured spots in the playoffs. The Guardians, as the AL Central champions, are set to face the Tigers, who recently swept the AL West champion Astros. Meanwhile, the Royals are heading to New York to take on the Yankees after sweeping the Orioles.
Despite their modest payrolls and lackluster performances in the past, these teams have shown resilience and determination this season. The Royals, who spent over $100 million on free agents in the offseason, have managed to field a competitive team with a payroll of $117 million. The Guardians and Tigers, with payrolls of $109 million and $101 million respectively, have also punched above their weight.
The Tigers, who went on a remarkable 31-13 run to secure a playoff berth, have displayed unwavering focus and teamwork. On the other hand, the Royals overcame challenges, including injuries to key players, to make their first playoff appearance since winning the World Series in 2015.
The AL Central's resurgence has been particularly striking given the struggles of other teams in the division. The White Sox finished with a dismal 41-121 record, while the Twins, last year's division champions, narrowly missed out on a playoff spot. The competitive nature of the division has been evident throughout the season, with multiple teams vying for postseason berths.
As the AL Central teams gear up for the divisional round, they are determined to continue their surprising playoff runs. With a mix of talent, perseverance, and teamwork, these underdog teams have proven that anything is possible in baseball.
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