# Guardians clinch 7th Central title in last 11 years

> Guardians secure AL Central title and first-round bye after hard-fought comeback.
- Title: Guardians clinch 7th Central title in last 11 years · Mlb
- Summary: Guardians secure AL Central title and first-round bye after hard-fought comeback. Cleveland Guardians clinch American League Central title for the third…
- Keywords: guardians, al central, playoff bye, cleveland, royals, white sox, al division series, parker messick, stephen vogt, austin hedges, sports, clinch
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/guardians-clinch-2026-al-central-title
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: guardians, al central, playoff bye, cleveland, royals, white sox, al division series, parker messick, stephen vogt, austin hedges, sports
## Cleveland struggles
Cleveland fell to one game over .500 with fourth straight loss.

> There is no glory without sucking and suffering and overcoming things
## Hedges offers hope
Austin Hedges said the team was being tested while maintaining top division standing.

> We're being tested right now while maintaining being right where we want to be
## Clinch the title
Guardians beat Royals 11-5 to clinch AL Central title.

> We're being tested right now while maintaining being right where we want to be
## First-round bye
Guardians secure first-round bye and No. 2 seed in AL playoffs.

> We'll begin playoff action on Saturday at Progressive Field
## Late-season surge
Guardians improved to 16-8 in September after 60-65 start.

> We know we've got our Michael Jordan
## Roster depth
Guardians have four pitchers with 30-plus starts and strong late-season performance.

> There are so many people that have contributed to this win
## Playoff preparation
Guardians rest five days before AL Division Series.

> Now, it's worth it. But we're not done.
## Key takeaway

Cleveland Guardians clinch American League Central title for the third straight season and secure first-round playoff bye with a 11-5 win over Royals.