Here's how the Twins can clinch the American League Central on Friday
The champagne could be flowing in the clubhouse if things fall into place.
September 22, 2023 at 4:15AM
The Twins can clinch the American League Central on Friday night with a win over the Los Angeles Angels at Target Field.
They can also clinch the title, even if they lose, if both Cleveland and Detroit lose.
The Twins (81-72) didn't play Thursday. They could have clinched while idle, but Cleveland beat Baltimore and Detroit stopped Oakland.
The Guardians (73-81) are a half-game ahead of the Tigers (72-81) for second place. If either of those teams win their remaining games, they would finish 81-81.
If the Twins lose their remaining nine games, they would finish 81-81. They would lose tiebreakers to both the Guardians and Tigers based on season results (the Twins were 6-7 against Cleveland and 5-8 against Detroit).
Playoff opponent: A reminder that there are now six playoff spots available in both the American and National League, with the top two seeds getting first round byes.
If the Twins win the division, they will be the No. 2 or No. 3 seed in the AL. If they are No. 2, they receive a bye into the ALDS. If they are No. 3, they will face the final American League wild-card entry.
The Twins' most likely scenario is getting the No. 3 seed, as they trail all three West teams vying for a postseason berth. Houston (85-68) has a half-game lead over Texas (84-68) and Seattle (84-68) in the West.
Whoever finishes in second place in the American League East — Baltimore (95-58) or Tampa Bay (94-60) — will be the first wild-card entry; the division winner is all but guaranteed the No. 1 overall seed.
The race for the final two wild card spots is tense with three teams chasing a postseason berth. Toronto (85-68) has a half-game lead over both Texas (84-68) and Seattle (84-68) in the battle for the final two spots.
Twins shortstop Carlos Correa is arguably their best player and easily their most expensive one. He’s frequently injured and a payroll-strapped team is up for sale. It feels like the Twins can’t afford to keep Correa, but the same is true of losing him.
