The Cleveland Guardians made MLB history in multiple ways as they punched their ticket to the 2025 MLB Playoffs. 

Looking back to early September, the Cleveland Guardians were going to have to go on a historic run to get themselves into the playoffs, and that’s exactly what they did.

It’s only fitting that as the Guardians punched their ticket on Saturday night, they also solidified themselves, making MLB history in multiple ways.

A Historic Hit By Pitch For CJ Kayfus

CJ Kayfus’ arm may feel a little sore on Sunday morning, but the 24-year-old can fight through the pain knowing that he was hit by a pitch, which secured Cleveland a spot in the playoffs.

This play also marked the first time in the live-ball era (1920-present) that a team clinched a postseason berth with a hit-by-pitch.

Every kid grows up dreaming of breaking MLB records, and Kayfus did just that. It just may not be the history he ever expected to set. 

Never Give Up Guardians

The Guardians were written off as a playoff team earlier this season. Even heading into September, they were given a slim chance of punching their ticket to the postseason with a record of 69-70 on September 4.

However, this ground never gave up and overcame numerous adversities to find itself in this position.

With Cleveland officially a playoff team in 2025, they’ve become the fifth team in MLB history to punch their playoff ticket after having a sub-.500 records that late in the season. The Guardians joined the 2009 Minnesota Twins, the 2008 Los Angeles Dodgers, the 2005 San Diego Padres, and the 1973 New York Mets. 

The reason a team plays 162 games, and Cleveland proved that this season.

Guardians Join Elite Group

With the Guardians headed back to the playoffs, they also joined a very short list of teams that have been able to consistently compete this late in the year.

Cleveland has now reached the playoffs 15 times since 1995, tying it with the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros over that stretch. The only team with more playoff appearances is the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Of course, the only thing separating Cleveland from that trio is that the Red Sox, Astros, and Dodgers all have multiple World Series titles in the span.

Who knows? Maybe 2025 will finally be the year the Guardians win is all.