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MLB Playoffs: American League Division Series Preview & Predictions

The American League Division series are set.

There were two sweeps in the Wild Card round to secure the series on Wednesday night. All of the action will begin on Saturday afternoon as the top four teams in the American League take the field.

Below, take a look at previews and predictions for the upcoming series.

Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees enter the postseason as the top seed in the American League against the upstart Kansas City Royals.

Two AL MVP candidates will square off in Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. The starpower is set for a series that will run through New York.

On the mound, the Royals will look take care of business. Cole Ragans has been the ace of a staff that has emerged in the most important time of year with Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. Kansas City allowed just one run in two games against the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card round. They have the arms to match the Yankees’ staff, which will begin with Gerrit Cole on Saturday.

Of course, the Yankees have the best duo in baseball in Judge and Juan Soto. they have both put up MVP-caliber seasons and will look to keep momentum going in the playoffs. New York was inconsistent over the final months of the season. The lineup around the two-headed monster struggled to create traffic on the base paths and will be challenged by a strong rotation.

In the end, the Yankees have more star power and home-field advantage in the series. It will not be easy, but this could be the year for the Yanks.

Prediction: Yankees win series 3-1

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians

The Detroit Tigers are another up-and-coming team in the American League. Talk about getting hot at the right time. Detroit was written off midway through the year and went on an insane run to get in. The Tigers then won two games in Houston to advance and take on AL Central foe Cleveland.

The Guardians were one of baseball’s best teams from the opening weeks. Jose Ramirez continues to be one of the most underrated stars in the game, leading Cleveland to the second seed in the league.

The Tigers have ridden ace and eventual AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal. The lineup is deep and the hopes are high for the citizens of Detroit.

What will prevail when the lights are the brightest? Both teams are starving for a World Championships and the journey continues on Saturday.

Prediction: Guardians win series 3-2

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