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ESPN’s latest power rankings show Guardians could face another tough battle for AL Central crown in 2027 

ByHenry Palattella
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Sep 6, 2026: Detroit Tigers first baseman Colt Keith (33) scores as Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) waits for the throw during the first inning at Progressive Field. Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2026: Detroit Tigers first baseman Colt Keith (33) scores as Cleveland Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey (16) waits for the throw during the first inning at Progressive Field. Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In 2025, the Cleveland Guardians stole the American League Central from the Detroit Tigers thanks to a fantastic comeback in September. Even though the Tigers got the last laugh in that year’s Division Series, it seemed like that that series would be the precursor to a years-long battle between the two of them for the top of the division. 

That may not have been the case in 2026 thanks to Detroit’s unfortunate injury luck, but it looks like that could be a one-year blip rather than a long-term trend. 

Earlier today ESPN’s David Schoenfield put out some way-too-early power rankings (tis the season), where they had the Guardians ranked as the No. 8 team on their list… which was one spot behind the No. 7 ranked Detroit Tigers. 

That ranking may seem kind of odd considering the Guardians just won the AL Central while the Tigers finished the season fourth place in the division with a 76-86 record, they have a bevy of young talent and improved their long-term output with a solid trade deadline. 

The Tigers could be the Guardians' biggest AL Central competition in 2027

That young core was the biggest reason why Schoenfield was bullish on the Tigers bouncing back, and for good reason. Along with having Rookie of the Year favorite Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark already on their big league roster, they should get some contributions from prospects Zyhir Hope and River Ryan, who were acquired in the Tarik Skubal trade. 

In fact, Ryan may end up becoming one of the most important players on Detroit’s roster considering the Tigers are coming off a season where they ran out of pitching as the season went on. 

The Tigers offense is clearly in a good spot (+78 run differential), but they’re going to need Riley Greene to stay healthy after he missed some time in 2026 with a hamstring strain. 

That brings us to Schoenfield’s assessment of the Guardians, which also featured a lot of praise for young talent. He seems optimistic that Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazzana should be able to take some steps forward after showing flashes in 2026, and also said he believes the Guardians offense will be better in 2027 thanks to a full season of Jo Adell. 

While that may be true, are we sure that’s going to happen? Adell spent parts of the final two months of the season showing why he could be a solid middle-of-the-order bat, but he also spent a good portion of that time showing why he may not be worth $10 million a year. 

Schoenfield also seems to think it’s going to be a two-horse race atop the AL Central, as he has the White Sox lagging behind in the No. 13 spot, the Twins at 19 and the Royals at 25. 

It’s far too early to make any kind of definitive prediction about the 2027 season, but Schoenfield’s article was a reminder that the race to win next year’s AL Central isn’t going to be easy regardless of which teams are in it.

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