The Chicago White Sox were slotted in as the No. 2 seed for most of the year, but suddenly find themselves a game behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central with six games left to play.
The White Sox own the season series against the Guardians, so all they need to do in the final week of play is win one more game than the Guardians. The White Sox play the Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies. Both teams are in last place in their respective divisions.
Meanwhile, the Guardians also play the Royals, but first have a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Assuming the Guardians take care of business against the Royals, the White Sox really need the Red Sox to hand the Guardians some losses.
The White Sox have been scuffling as of late, but they should be able to win both of their remaining series. The Guardians should also win their series against the Royals, but on paper the Red Sox are a much better team than them.
The only problem is that the Red Sox have already clinched their postseason spot. That's not to say they won't play hard or try to win, but they may operate with some foresight. That could mean limiting innings for some of their pitchers, or playing it safe for rehabbing players like Willson Contreras and Ceddanne Rafaela.
The final week of the season could end up shaking the standings quite a bit. However, the race between the White Sox and Guardians is certainly the most interesting.