Guardians Win A.L. Central Title

The former Cleveland Indians were renamed the Cleveland Guardians, and are playing their first season under their name. Maybe it was the name change, but the Guardians exceeded expectations and have won the 2022 American League Central title. The Guardians beat the Texas Rangers 10-4 on September 25th, clinching the franchises’ first division crown since 2018, and fourth in the last ten years under manager Terry Francona.

The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox were expected to compete for the A.L. Central title, but both have been, well, underachieving flops. Both are below .500 while the Guardians are 86-67 after beating the Rangers, and have won 18 of their last 21 with the majors’ youngest team. Cleveland opted to go with young players and let go or traded some high priced veterans and it paid off this season.