CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 28: Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) and Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (23) celebrate after the Cleveland Guardians won the 2025 American League Central Division Championship following the Major League Baseball game between the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians on September 28, 2025, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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As the regular season reaches its climax, the American League Central Division remains up for grabs over the next ten games. The Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox are locked in a fierce battle for the division championship.
Entering play on September 17, 2026, the Cleveland Guardians held a half-game lead over the White Sox. Cleveland boasted a 78-75 record with a .510 winning percentage, while Chicago sat at 77-75 with a .507 winning percentage.
According to FanGraphs, the Guardians hold a 59.4% probability of winning the division crown and an 80% chance of making the playoffs. Conversely, the White Sox carry a 40.7% chance of capturing the division and a 71.4% chance of reaching the postseason.
Should both teams finish the regular season tied, MLB tiebreaker rules would award the Central Division to the White Sox. Chicago currently holds the season series advantage, having won seven of the 13 games played between the two clubs. The White Sox clinched the tiebreaker by winning the first game of their recent September 14-16 series, though they dropped the final two contests.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 18: A detail of a New Era Cleveland Guardians baseball hat with the logo on top of a glove during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on May 18, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Guardians Remaining Central Division Schedule:
According to MLB.com, the Guardians have the following remaining schedule:
Ten games remain:
September 18-20: Home vs. Athletics
September 21: Off day
September 22-24: At Boston Red Sox
September 25-27: At Kansas City Royals
KANSAS CITY, MO – JULY 20: A view of a Chicago White Sox ball cap and glove before an MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals on July 20, 2024 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Chicago White Sox Remaining Central Division Schedule:
According to MLB.com, the White Sox have the following remaining schedule:
Ten games remain:
September 17-20: Home vs. Detroit Tigers
September 21: Off day
September 22-24: At Kansas City Royals
September 25-27: Home vs. Colorado Rockies
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 26: José Ramírez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on from the dugout during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 26, 2026 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Melina Pizano/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Guardians Remaining Schedule Particulars:
As noted by Sports Yahoo, the Guardians face two series against teams that are currently below the .500 mark.
Entering play on September 17, the Athletics held a 61-90 record, placing fourth in the American League West. Only the Angels were worse at 58-93.
Cleveland holds a 2-1 record against the Athletics this season.
Entering play on September 17, the Red Sox boasted an 82-69 record, third in the American League East.
The Guardians hold a 1-2 record against the Red Sox this season.
Entering play on September 17, the Royals sat at 66-85, last in the American League Central.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 21: Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox celebrates after scoring on a Miguel Vargas #20 (not pictured) two run home run against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Rate Field on August 21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images)
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Chicago White Sox Remaining Schedule Particulars:
Entering play on September 17, the White Sox held a 6-3 record against the Detroit Tigers, who were third in the American League Central.
Entering play on September 17, Chicago held a 7-3 record against the Royals, who were last in the American League Central.
Entering play on September 17, the White Sox had not yet faced the Rockies, who were last in the National League West.
Central Division Advantages for the Cleveland Guardians or Chicago White Sox?
Past records against opposing teams are now irrelevant.
The final ten games for Cleveland and Chicago will be nail-biters.
Which team’s hitters will catch fire?
Which team’s pitchers will best control the opposition?
Which team’s bullpen will rescue their weary starters?
Which team will gain momentum and ride it?
Luck, weather, and game strategy will all play significant roles.
Can the Guardians get José Ramírez healthy and producing, despite his lingering pain from a broken hamate bone?
Can the White Sox witness a return to form from slugger Munetaka Murakami?
For this old scout, this is a classic, old-fashioned pennant race.
The American League Central Division could very well be decided on the final day of the season.
The final schedules for the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox appear remarkably even.
The American League Central Division remains up for grabs.
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