AL Central standings explained: Updated Tigers, Twins, Royals playoff odds and tiebreakers for 2024 MLB round

The much-maligned AL Central is making a comeback.

The division hasn’t sent a team to the ALCS since 2016 and trails the AL East and AL West due to years of issues with the Royals and Tigers, among others, but three teams are expected to represent the AL Central in the postseason in October.

One thing has already been decided. The Guardians are in the playoffs after surviving a disappointing 2023 season and riding this year’s fast start to the division title. At least one and almost certainly two division rivals will join them in what could make for a chaotic final weekend in baseball.

Here’s a look at how the AL Central is faring as the season nears its end.

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AL Central playoff image

AL Central standings

1. Guardian92-67 (.579)
2. Royals85-74 (.535)
3. tiger85-74 (.535)
4. Gemini82-77 (.516)
5. White Sox39-120 (.241)

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.

Otherwise, here’s what each team needs to do to make it to the postseason.

The magic number of tigers

The Tigers’ magic number entering Friday is 1. That means Detroit can clinch victory as early as Saturday, but it would require help from the Twins.

With three games remaining and a magic number of just two, the Tigers control their own destiny. In fact, they could lose a game and still be in control of their destiny.

Detroit is also in the running for No. 5 in the AL, but to do that they would have to finish with a better record than the Royals, who have the direct comparison.

The royals’ magic number

The Royals’ magic number, which arrives on Thursday, is also 1.

It wasn’t long ago that Kansas City actually sat atop the AL Central for a day, and it looked like it would secure at least a postseason spot, but one, well before the final weekend of the season A seven-game losing streak ended the Royals’ hopes in trouble.

However, Kansas City bounced back against the Nationals, and a Twins loss to the Marlins on Thursday helped the cause. The Royals now have their fate in their own hands and are still in 5th place thanks to the tiebreaker over the Tigers. Kansas City can claim victory as early as Friday if they keep winning.

Magic number of Gemini

The Twins don’t have a magic number since they’re not currently in a postseason spot. Your elimination number is 1and they will need help from either the Royals or the Tigers if they want to make the postseason.

Minnesota spent much of the second half in playoff position, but a recent decline combined with Detroit’s resurgence means the Twins could be eliminated as early as Friday if they don’t find their rhythm.

On the bright side, the Twins have the head-to-head tie with the Tigers and Royals, meaning they would emerge victorious in both two-team and three-team scenarios.

MORE: How do MLB tiebreakers work?

MLB Wild Card Rankings

The rankings were updated with the Royals and Tigers games on September 26th.

• WC1: Orioles, 88-71 (.553), +3.0
• WC2: Royals, 85-74 (.535)
• WC3: Tigers, 85-74 (.535)
• —
• twins, 82-77 (.516), 3.0GB
• sailors, 82-77 (.516), ELIMINATED
• Red Sox, 80-79 (.503), ELIMINATED
• rays, 78-81 (.491), ELIMINATED
• Ranger, 75-84 (.472), ELIMINATED
• Blue Jays, 74-85 (.465), ELIMINATED
• Athletics, 69-90 (.434), ELIMINATED
• Angel, 63-96 (.396), ELIMINATED
• White Sox, 39-120 (.245), ELIMINATED

MORE: Complete wild card picture, MLB playoff round

Are the Tigers in the playoffs?

The Tigers have not yet secured a spot in the playoffs, but they control their own destiny with a 3.0 game lead and can clinch a spot as early as Friday.

Are the Twins in the playoffs?

The Twins are currently out of a postseason berth and are 3.0 games behind the Tigers and Royals. Minnesota will need help from at least one of these two division rivals to get back into the game and secure a ticket to October.

The Twins are in the head-to-head tiebreaker against both the Royals and Tigers, meaning they would prevail even in a three-team matchup.

Are the Royals in the playoffs?

The Royals haven’t secured a playoff spot yet, but they control their own destiny and currently hold the No. 5 seed in the AL. Kansas City can clinch victory as early as Friday with a little help from the Twins.