Guardians magic number, explained: Cleveland closes in on playoffs (UPDATED)

For Cleveland Guardians fans wondering what their magic number is to clinch a postseason berth, we have you covered.

The Cleveland Guardians have not been to the postseason since the 2020 season, where they were swept in the first round by the New York Yankees. Now, they have the chance to make a return to fall baseball.

With the 2022 regular season officially ending on Oct. 5, fans will be hearing a lot about magic numbers for the top teams in baseball who are in postseason position. For those wondering what a magic number is, and how big is Cleveland’s is, we have the answer for you.

What is a MLB magic number?

The following is an explanation of an MLB magic number, courtesy of FanSided’s Noah Yingling:

“Each MLB team has a “magic number” for the playoffs. It is the number of games needed until a team clinches a playoff spot or their division. For each win the team has, one number is knocked off. For each loss that their opponent in the Wild Card and/or division has, one number is also knocked off.”

What is the Guardians’ magic number?

Following their win over the Twins on Monday, the Guardians’ magic number sits at 12 to clinch the AL Central title, following the team’s 11-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

That number will be altered over the week, as they face off against the Chicago White Sox, the team who holds second place in the AL Central. If the Guardians are to hypothetically sweep the three-game set, then that magic number will drop down to 6.

Barring an epic collapse, the Guardians will win the division crown for the first time since 2018.