5 predictions for the Cleveland Guardians in the second half of the season

4. Guardians win the American League Central

Given the preceding entries into this list of predictions, the Cleveland Guardians returning to their rightful place atop the American League Central seems like a given.

Cleveland has allowed the fewest runs in the division this season (369), which has been a major factor in holding the best run differential as well (+85). When taking into consideration the state of their starting rotation, this feat becomes more impressive. Cleveland's AL Central-leading run differential is the fourth-best in the sport currently, behind only the Philadelphia Phillies (+110), New York Yankees (+106), and Los Angeles Dodgers (+88). This is elite company to be in, and is indiciative of just how good the Guardians have been this season.

There is one more factor that should be acknowledged when mentioning the Guardians' chances of winning the central. Remaining home games. Cleveland has 40 home games remaining on their schedule compared to 27 road games. Meanwhile, Minnesota has 36, and Kansas City has 32 home dates left in the regular season. Taking into account each team's record at home, Cleveland (30-11) seems to be in a much better position to take advantage of their schedule than either Minnesota (27-18) or Kansas City (31-18).