During the middle of the summer, it appeared that the Detroit Tigers were a lock to qualify for the postseason. But recent struggles and a surge from the Cleveland Guardians now have those hopes in jeopardy, and it could turn out to be the biggest blown lead in the MLB in over 125 years.
Tigers, Guardians Can Make MLB History This Week
The Tigers made their mark on baseball in 2024. Their unlikely, late-season surge saw them secure a surprise postseason berth, though they were eliminated by Cleveland in the Division Series by a count of 3 games to 2. But the roster had announced its arrival, and there were mild expectations for the team heading into the current campaign.
Heading into 2025, the Tigers were listed at +3000 to win the World Series. That betting line certainly didn’t make them contenders, but placed them near the middle of the pack as a dark horse.
Which would be more embarrassing, the Tigers blowing a 15 1/2-game AL Central lead or the Mets missing the postseason with a $340 million payroll?
With one week left in the regular season, both possibilities are in play.https://t.co/HmJk7lalWi pic.twitter.com/UoojTPtPZO
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 22, 2025
But they were considered contenders by mid-summer. On July 8th, Detroit had the best record of any team in the MLB. They were 3 games better than the Los Angeles Dodgers at that point, and 3.5 up on the Houston Astros for the top team in the American League.
In the AL Central, they were ahead of the Twins and Royals by 14 games each, and ahead of the Guardians by 15.5.
The Two Teams Will Square Off During Final Week Of Season
Heading into the final week of the season, that lead over Cleveland is now down to a single game. Should the Guardians move in front of the Tigers before the end of the upcoming weekend, it would mark the biggest comeback for a postseason berth in modern AL/NL history, which dates back 125 years.
The Detroit Tigers have imploded. Since August 24th, they have posted a record of 7-18, including 9 losses in their last 10 games. That has coincided with a surge from the Guardians that has seen them win 15 of their last 17 contests. With six games left to play on the regular season slate, the lead is officially down to one game.
As luck would have it, the Tigers and Guardians will meet for a three game series starting on Tuesday.
