According to USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale, the White Sox haven’t clinched a postseason series on home turf since 1906. After failing to punch their ticket to the ALCS in front of their home fans, they must now head to Cleveland to save their season.

Coming off a sluggish Game 4 loss in which the defense repeatedly misfired, Chicago faces an uphill battle to keep its pennant hopes alive in front of a hostile Cleveland crowd.

Though slugger Munetaka Murakami capped off a historic regular season as one of just three MLB hitters to reach a major milestone, his postseason production hasn’t been enough to carry a team that is faltering on the other side of the ball.

The last time the White Sox clinched a playoff series at home

The last time Chicago secured a postseason series victory on home soil was during their inaugural 1906 World Series title run, when they defeated their cross-town rival Chicago Cubs 8-3 in Game 6.

In the 120 years since, the White Sox have made 11 postseason appearances and won two additional World Series titles, yet neither champion team clinched on home turf. By dropping Game 4, Chicago missed another chance to break the streak and allowed the Guardians to completely shift the momentum after trailing 2-0 early in the series.

Now, the White Sox are trying to end a 21-year ALCS drought, aiming to reach the championship round for the first time since their historic 2005 World Series championship run.

Key takeaways

• The White Sox haven’t clinched a postseason series at home since the 1906 World Series.
• Slugging star Munetaka Murakami capped off a historic regular season for Chicago.
• Chicago drops Game 4 to force a decisive Game 5 in Cleveland.

Holding a 2-1 series lead, the White Sox have leaned on standout players like Munetaka Murakami. Chicago will look to keep that momentum going as they aim to close out the series today, instead of playing a decisive Game 5.

On the other hand, the Guardians enter this game with some sort of confidence after saving themselves with a dominant 9-3 win against the White Sox back in Game 3. Now, they need another great performance.

What happens if the White Sox win vs. Guardians?

If the White Sox win today, they will advance to the ALCS. After winning the first two games of the series, a victory gives Chicago the opportunity to face off against the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays.

A White Sox win would ensure their Cinderella story keeps on going and would put Murakami and company just one step away from the World Series. It would be an outstanding result for Chicago.

What happens if the White Sox and Guardians tie?

MLB games cannot end in a tie. If the White Sox and Guardians remain tied after nine full innings today, they will play extra innings until a winner is decided, either via a walk-off in the bottom half or by the home team holding a lead after the visiting team scores and getting three clutch outs.

What happens if the White Sox lose to the Guardians?

If the White Sox lose today, they will go to a crucial, win-or-go-home Game 5 against the Guardians. This would put plenty of pressure on the Guardians. They’d be at the verge of a historic collapse after having two opportunities to finish the series.

Key takeaways

• Chicago holds a 2-1 series lead over Cleveland heading into Game 4 of the ALDS.
• Cleveland forced Game 4 after securing a 9-3 victory in Game 3. Baseball-Reference.com
• A Chicago win advances the White Sox to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALCS. Sports731 Network

The South Siders managed to win the first two games and now have the series in their hands. Guaranteed Rate Field could ultimately be the stage where this team seals its ticket to the next round.

The Championship Series has two other intriguing contenders on the other side of the bracket. The Tampa Bay Rays lead the New York Yankees 2-0, and the winner of that series will face either the White Sox or the Guardians in the next round.

What happens if the White Sox defeat the Guardians?

The Chicago White Sox have already won the first two games, so with the series being a best-of-five, a win over the Guardians in Game 3 would send them to the Championship Series.

For the Guardians, the story would be completely different. Their dream of securing a spot in the next round would come to an end, and the focus would shift back toward next season.

What happens if the White Sox and Guardians tie?

Should the White Sox and Guardians remain deadlocked at the end of regulation today, they will head into extra frames and continue playing full innings until a winner emerges, either by a walk-off or the home side keeping the lead after a top-half score.

It is worth noting that postseason rules drop the regular-season “ghost runner” format, so every extra inning starts with clean bases, just as the game originally began.

What happens if the White Sox lose to the Guardians?

If the White Sox lose to the Guardians, the series would move to 2-1 in Chicago’s favor, inevitably forcing a Game 4. That game is scheduled to be played tomorrow, Thursday, October 8, at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Key takeaways

• Will Venable’s squad holds a 2-0 series lead entering Game 3 against Cleveland.
• Extra innings will feature clean bases because postseason rules remove the ghost runner.
• A Guardians win forces Game 4 on Thursday, October 8, at Guaranteed Rate Field.

“BREAKING: The Cleveland Guardians are acquiring two-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Patrick Bailey in a trade with the San Francisco Giants for the No. 29 pick in this year’s draft and left-handed pitching prospect Matt ‘Tugboat’ Wilkinson,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on X.

The move highlights Cleveland’s continued focus on defensive strength behind the plate, even as Bailey’s offensive numbers remain limited this season. The 26-year-old is hitting .146 with one home run and five RBIs, but remains one of the most respected defensive catchers in baseball, ranking in the 99th percentile in Fielding Run Value. Over his MLB career, Bailey owns a .224 average with 22 home runs and a .611 OPS across three-plus seasons.

Guardians prioritize elite defense in move for Bailey

Bailey’s reputation as an elite defensive catcher appears to be the driving force behind Cleveland’s decision. Despite offensive inconsistencies, Cleveland has shown a clear willingness to prioritize defense up the middle, especially at premium positions like catcher. Bailey immediately strengthens that identity, providing stability and run prevention value that goes beyond traditional batting statistics.

Giants add draft capital and pitching depth in return package

San Francisco, meanwhile, receives significant future value in return, highlighted by the 29th overall pick in the 2026 Draft, along with pitching prospect Wilkinson. The pick is a competitive-balance selection, which made it eligible to be traded under MLB rules.

Wilkinson, 23, has shown strong early-season form in Double-A Akron, posting a 1.59 ERA across six appearances with 36 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings and a 0.918 WHIP. Originally selected by Cleveland in the 10th round of the 2023 Draft, he now becomes part of San Francisco’s pitching development pipeline.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Giants also gain additional draft pool flexibility, increasing their total bonus pool value to $17.35 million, the fourth highest in this year’s draft class.

The trade reflects contrasting organizational timelines, with Cleveland prioritizing immediate defensive upgrades and San Francisco strengthening long-term assets through draft capital and pitching depth

Judge, who also had a solid start with two home runs in the first three games, currently sits in sixth place on the MLB home run leaderboard, tied with several other players. It’s still early, and he has plenty of time to climb higher as the season progresses.

DeLauter’s hot start goes beyond the long ball. With five RBIs and a .353 batting average, he’s showing that the Cleveland Guardians could be in position to compete this season after taking three of four games from Seattle in the opening series.

Judge not leading any categories

After three games with the New York Yankees, Judge is not leading any major statistical category in 2026. The only areas where he ranks inside the top 10 are home runs and strikeouts, where he has seven, placing him seventh in that category.

It hasn’t been a terrible start for Judge, though. He’s hitting just .154, well below DeLauter’s mark, but expectations remain high. Projections from Baseball Reference still have him finishing around a .302 average with at least 45 home runs this season.

What are the Guardians paying DeLauter?

DeLauter is currently playing under a one-year major league deal worth $3.75 million with Cleveland. It’s his first contract at the MLB level, and if he continues at this pace, he could be in line for a significantly bigger deal next season—though a potential lockout could complicate that timeline.

Following his debut appearance in spring training with the Dodgers, Freeman was questioned by the media about his initial performance, offering valuable insights after a matchup with the Cleveland Guardians.

“It’s nice to be able to hit a ball to left-center already… that’s a good sign,” Freeman reflected to reporters. His first hit of the preseason suggests he’s in fine form for the challenges that lie ahead.

While Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Cy Young ambitions are unmistakable following his World Series MVP honors, Freeman is expected to generate significant buzz as the MLB season approaches, with the Dodgers eyeing another title defense in 2026.

Freeman’s performance against the Guardians

Though Freeman has little to prove to Dodgers fans, he demonstrates readiness for the upcoming season as Los Angeles prepares to defend its championship title in 2026.

These were his stats in the game against the Guardians:

• At-Bats: 2
• Hits: 1
• Doubles: 1
• RBIs: 2
• Runs: 1
• Exit Velocity: 103.7 mph

With several key players returning to the Dodgers following the World Baseball Classic in March, Los Angeles is preparing to ardently defend its title in the upcoming season.

To optimize player positions and lineups for the upcoming season, the Guardians are considering placing Kwan in center field. This strategy aims to explore his versatility and assess his potential impact from a different position.

“We’ve discussed this a few times, given our roster composition,” stated Stephen Vogt on Thursday. “We’ve mentioned, ‘Hey, there might come a time when you need to play center.’ He’s also shown interest in trying out center field.”

The spring training adjustments could provide valuable insights into maximizing the four-time Gold Glove winner’s contributions as the team seeks to elevate its performance in the upcoming season.

Kwan’s impact on the Guardians

Kwan’s influence extends beyond personal accolades. His talent, statistical achievements, and impeccable hitting technique have been pivotal for the Guardians, offering hope throughout the 2025 regular season.

One of Kwan’s highlights was his exceptional batting performance last season, boasting a .398 average in June. This achievement made him the first Guardian since Tris Speaker in 1921 to sustain such a high average nearly 70 games into a season.

This impressive stint occurred despite a wrist injury in late May, which required an injection during the All-Star break. Consequently, his average dropped from .285 in the first half to .254 in the second half.

Projected Guardians lineup for Opening Day

As Opening Day approaches, the Guardians are finalizing their lineup for the season’s inaugural game against the Seattle Mariners, a team also projected to make significant strides this year.

1. Steven Kwan LF
2. George Valera RF
3. Jose Ramírez 3B
4. Kyle Manzardo 1B
5. Chase DeLauter CF
6. C.J. Kayfus DH
7. Bo Naylor C
8. Gabriel Arias 2B
9. Brayan Rocchio SS

By sending left‑handed pitcher Franklin Gomez to Cleveland, the Mets converted roster depth into international bonus pool space — a move the team confirmed on social media as they continue reshaping their long‑term plan.

The decision comes as the Mets navigate a broader roster transition, with questions lingering around high-profile pursuits such as Kyle Tucker. Rather than standing still, the front office appears intent on reinforcing the pipeline that will support the franchise in the years ahead.

Why did the Mets move Franklin Gomez now?

The trade reflects a calculated shift toward international talent acquisition, an area where flexibility and timing are critical. By acquiring additional bonus pool space, New York gains the ability to be more aggressive in negotiations with top teenage prospects entering professional baseball.

For Cleveland, the move offers a low-risk pitching addition, while the Mets prioritize long-term upside over immediate depth. As MLB teams increasingly value international scouting, these types of exchanges have become a subtle but important part of roster construction.

How does this fit into the Mets’ broader offseason strategy?

Although the deal does not directly impact the major league roster, it aligns with the Mets’ renewed emphasis on development and sustainability. Strengthening the international budget provides another avenue to supplement future cores without relying solely on free agency.

During a recent interview with MLB insider Hector Gomez, the Dominican spoke about how he feels in Cleveland and made it clear that he would choose to stay there as long as he continues playing professional baseball.

“I’m very grateful with the Cleveland Guardians and its fans, who have always supported me throughout my career. I feel I should stay here for the rest of my career because of the incredible treatment I have always received from the fans; I can’t thank them enough for how loving they have been to me.”

The Guardians managed to reach the first round of the playoffs in 2025, but unfortunately fell 6–3 to the Detroit Tigers. Looking ahead, they trust that Ramirez and his teammates can make a big impact in 2026.

Ramirez’s vision regarding his contract extension with the Guardians

His strong performances led Ramirez to sign a contract extension back in 2022. It was a seven-year, $141 million deal, which Ramirez acknowledged was below market value, though he said he understands the limitations of a small-market team.

“That was ultimately my decision…I got a significant salary bump,” he said, via translation from Master Flip on X. “I knew it wasn’t fully reflective of my market value…But I’m a veteran, I understand how the game works.

“Cleveland is a small-market team, and they simply can’t pay me what I could command on the open market. So I told them, Let’s find a fair agreement that works for both sides.”

Jose Ramirez’s 2025 stats

Jose Ramirez continued to be the cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians’ offense in 2025, posting a stellar .283 batting average alongside 30 home runs. His elite production resulted in 85 RBIs and a robust .863 OPS, marks that once again solidified his status as one of the premier third basemen in the American League.

ESPN‘s Alden Gonzalez reports that the Blue Jays have inked right-handed pitcher Nic Enright to a two-year minor league contract. Gonzalez stated regarding the reported latest acquisition from the Guardians.

However, it is noted that Enright will be sidelined until the 2027 MLB season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent after last season. Despite this setback, the two-year minor league agreement represents an attempt at a major league comeback for Enright in future seasons.

The decision to sign an injured player who will miss the 2026 season has sparked debate. Nevertheless, the Blue Jays’ reported acquisition of Enright taps into the promising potential he showcased during his impressive 2025 season with the Guardians.

Enright’s 2025 season stats with the Guardians

Enright contributed significantly to a Guardians roster that aimed to make waves in the postseason. Unfortunately, they fell short in the Wild Card Series, suffering a 3-0 defeat to the Detroit Tigers.

Enright’s performance during the regular season instilled hope among fans for a more successful postseason run. Here are his standout stats from the 2025 season:

• Games (G): 27
• ERA: 2.03
• Innings Pitched (IP): 31.0
• W-L Record: 2–1
• Strikeouts (SO): 30
• WHIP: 1.16
• Saves (SV): 1

Recent reports have fueled intrigue, suggesting that the Mets could target Cleveland Guardians‘ standout, Steven Kwan. Baseball analyst Chris Rose notably discussed the viable prospect of bringing Kwan to New York, thereby strengthening the Mets’ outfield lineup.

“I do think there’s one other trade candidate. I think Steven Kwan would fit them ideally,” Rose commented, as noted by JM Baseball. His analysis underscores the possibility of Kwan’s impactful contribution in the Mets’ outfield setup.

“They need outfield help. He is the most consistent guy. He can thrive in New York because he’s unwavering; he doesn’t get distracted. He just goes out and plays, delivering excellent at-bats,” Rose commended about the 28-year-old left fielder.

Offseason dynamics could define Kwan’s future

While Rose’s comments add weight to the Kwan speculation, multiple factors could influence the Mets’ pursuit. Primarily, the decision from Tatsuya Imai, a coveted Japanese talent linked with the Mets and several other teams, looms large.

Additionally, the Mets have their sights set on Cody Bellinger, frequently highlighted as a pivotal target this offseason. Furthermore, Kyle Tucker is another name circulating within trade talks, positioning him as a prospective acquisition for the Mets.

Balancing these considerations, the Mets should proceed thoughtfully regarding Kwan. While Kwan represents a significant possible asset, aligning priorities and understanding their key targets would dictate whether an offer to the Guardians is forthcoming.

In conclusion, the Mets face a defining offseason as they attempt to recalibrate and fortify their roster. With pivotal decisions pending, the potential acquisition of Steven Kwan and other marquee players will shape the franchise’s fortunes in the season ahead.