1. Guardians vs. Tigers: A Respectful Rivalry

The Guardians and Tigers faced off in an epic five-game playoff series in 2024 and have now met six times over the last two weeks alone. There's no question that the two teams are each other's biggest rivals at the moment.

That said, Stephen Vogt could the rivalry one built out of "respect."

That's undeniably true right now. Tarik Skubal wouldn't have visited an opponent in the hospital if it wasn't.

2. Gavin Williams Is Ready To Establish Himself As One Of MLB's Best Pitchers

Gavin Williams alluded to how he almost wasn't on Cleveland's playoff roster a year ago. Maybe a little dramatic, but he wasn't in the Guardians postseason rotation.

The 26-year-old has had a stellar second half of the season, and is ready to build on that on the p

3. Guardians Are Desperate For Offense / Chase DeLauter

Chase DeLauter is in Cleveland and has a locker in the clubhouse. Stephen Vogt said the organization is seriously considering adding the top prospect to the playoff roster for what would be his MLB debut.

The Guardians lack bats, and that's no secret.

Adding DeLauter to the postseason roster would be a move of desperation, but Cleveland needs more offensive production to make a deep run into October.