Royals and Twins collapse in AL wildcard rankings

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Against all expectations, the American League Central remains on track to send three teams to the postseason for the first time in division history.

But not before two of those teams suffered pitiful collapses in September.

The Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins had the second and third wild-card spots locked in all month—or really the entire second half, with the Royals briefly tied with the Cleveland Guardians at the top of the division. That’s all gone now after both clubs played awfully over the last week and more.

The Royals, seeking their first playoff berth since 2015, have lost seven straight games. They are tied with the surprise Detroit Tigers for the second-third wild-card spot, although the Royals have the tiebreaker. The Twins have lost 10 of their last 15 games and, after starting the month 3½ games back of first place, are now out of the playoffs entirely.

Not surprisingly, these two are the biggest losers in this week’s MLB rankings.

All is not lost. Minnesota (81-75) will finish with six home games against Miami and Baltimore, with Baltimore perhaps not having much to gain by securing the first wild-card spot. Kansas City (82-74) will travel with three games each at Washington and Atlanta.

A look at our updated rankings:

1. New York Yankees (+1)

As the new closer, Luke Weaver took full advantage of four save opportunities.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers (+1)

Shohei Ohtani’s 60-60 chances? Definitely better than zero.

3. Philadelphia Phillies (-2)

Zack Wheeler deserves more than just a fleeting Cy Young Award nomination.

4. San Diego Padres (+2)

Attracted 3.3 million fans. What’s your excuse?

5. Cleveland Guardians (-)

That’s five AL Central titles since 2016.

6. Milwaukee Brewers (-2)

If the last two weekends are any indication, a wildcard rematch against Arizona would be a real blast.

7. Baltimore Orioles (-)

Jordan Westburg is back and the lineup is getting better.

8. Arizona Diamondbacks (-)

The club is once again arguing with the county over the renovation of the stadium.

9. New York Mets (+4)

Francisco Lindor replaced Luisangel Acuña with a great OPS of 1.228 in his first nine games.

10. Atlanta Braves (-)

I have to beat the Mets at home starting Tuesday.

11. Houston Astros (-)

Good: They can win the division any day. Bad: Yordan Alvarez is injured.

12. Detroit Tigers (+2)

19-8 since Javy Baez underwent hip surgery.

13. Kansas City Royals (-4)

To save a place in the play-offs, a successful away trip to Washington and Atlanta is necessary.

14. Minnesota Twins (-1)

A complete collapse and missing the playoffs is far worse than a quick exit in the first round.

15. Chicago Cubs (-)

“I mean, they’re way ahead of us.” – Craig Counsell about his old team, the Milwaukee Brewers.

16. Seattle Mariners (-)

Throwing away a 5-0 lead and almost giving up the playoff chances is not a good sign.

17. Boston Red Sox (-)

Rafael Devers, who hit only four home runs in his last 166 at-bats, has finally had to retire due to a shoulder injury.

18. St. Louis Cardinals (-)

Sonny Gray ends his season slightly early.

19. Tampa Bay Rays (+1)

“We have a chance,” says Kevin Cash. (GIF of Jim Carrey).

20. San Francisco Giants (+1)

One more start for Blake Snell to add a few zeros to his offseason haul.

21. Cincinnati Reds (-2)

Yes, firing the manager should be the goal.

22. Toronto Blue Jays (-)

Vlad Guerrero Jr. reaches the 100 mark for the first time since 2021.

23. Pittsburgh Pirates (-)

Paul Skenes lowers ERA to 1.99 in 22 starts. Yeah, pretty good debut.

24. Texas Rangers (-)

Jacob deGrom with a few short starts that give some hope for 25.

25. Washington Nationals (-)

The excitement surrounding CJ Abrams is a disappointing end to a team that has made progress.

26. Oakland Athletics (-)

It’s just time to head east on 80.

27. Los Angeles Angels (-)

This Jack Kochanowicz is developing into a relatively reliable starter.

28. Colorado Rockies (+1)

Ryan McMahon records his fifth season with at least 20 home runs.

29. Miami Marlins (-1)

Skip Schumaker will probably say goodbye to the stadium, whatever it is called these days.

30. Chicago White Sox (-)

The administration’s week was as good as its season was bad.

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ByJasper