For years, before the 2024 campaign, the AL Central was considered by the weakest division in baseball.
The AL Central champion rarely had the best record in the league and sent few Wild Cards to the postseason.
Things, however, are not the same this year.
The Guardians lead with a 78-59 record, one of the best in the entire American League, and the division currently boasts two of the three Wild Card spots: the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins.
Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antoinette spoke about the competitiveness in the division and how the tides have turned.
“It’s proven to be one of the most competitive, if not the most competitive division in baseball.” @CleGuardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti tells @DreKnott that the race for the AL Central Division will prepare teams for the postseason,” Bally Sports Cleveland posted on X.
"It's proven to be one of the most competitive, if not the most competitive division in baseball."@CleGuardians President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti tells @DreKnott that the race for the AL Central Division will prepare teams for the postseason.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/aS7qhjts3U
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) September 2, 2024
In recent years, the AL Central has been mediocre, at best.
But even the Detroit Tigers are taking steps forward this year and if the season ended today, the division would be sending more teams to the playoffs than the AL East and the West.
With the notable exception of the Chicago White Sox, arguably the worst team in baseball, the rest of the squads in the division are highly competitive.
The Guardians have built a sustainable juggernaut with a top farm system and stars Jose Ramirez, Steven Kwan and Josh Naylor, not to mention the best bullpen in baseball.
The Twins and Royals, led by young stars Royce Lewis and Bobby Witt Jr., are making things interesting in the division.
The baseball universe used to laugh at the entire AL Central.
The scenario has changed.
NEXT: Guardians Catcher Describes Team Mentality In Adversity
