Thursday was a busy day for the American League. A few teams clinched a postseason spot. The Chicago White Sox clinched for the first time since 2021. Also, they became the first team in MLB history to reach the playoffs after three consecutive 100+ loss seasons.
Plus, their rival, the Cleveland Guardians, followed suit, as the AL Central remains up for grabs.
Meanwhile, out West, the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers are duking it out for the AL West.
All of which signifies that the battle for the AL Division titles in the Central and West is anyone's to take, per ESPN.
In the Central Division, the Guardians hold a one-game lead over the White Sox. Also, the Astros and Rangers are tied at 79-80. Each team will close out the regular season this weekend.
Article Continues BelowThe White Sox will face off against the Colorado Rockies. The Guardians will play the Kansas City Royals. If the White Sox win two games and the Guardians win two, or vice versa, that will decide the American League Central Division title.
The Astros are in the midst of a four-game series against the Athletics, having won the first game on Thursday, 7-5. The Rangers are also set to take on the Minnesota Twins this weekend in a three-game series.
Both teams need to win 80-82 games to win the division. It is also a division-or-bust situation, meaning whoever loses is eliminated from the playoffs entirely. The Astros also have the tiebreaker.
The 2026 MLB Playoffs will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

