The Cleveland Guardians have achieved what many believed impossible, completing a Guardians historic comeback that stands as the largest deficit overcome in Major League Baseball history. After trailing the Detroit Tigers by 15.5 games in early July, Cleveland moved into sole possession of first place in the AL Central with a commanding 5-1 victory over Detroit on Wednesday night, September 24, 2025.
This remarkable turnaround surpasses the previous record held by the 1978 New York Yankees, who overcame a 14-game deficit to win the AL East. The only comparable comeback in baseball history occurred in 1914 when the Boston Braves were 15 games back on July 4 and rallied to win by 10.5 games, though this was before the modern division era began in 1969.
Record-Breaking September Performance
The Guardians’ September surge has been nothing short of extraordinary, posting an 18-5 record that represents the best in Major League Baseball for the month. This hot streak has transformed their season completely, with FanGraphs showing their playoff chances jumping from just 2.9% on September 1 to an impressive 92.3% following their latest victory.
Key to this remarkable run has been the team’s pitching staff, which has allowed two or fewer runs in 19 consecutive games. This streak matches the 2019 Tampa Bay Rays and 1916 New York Giants for the second-longest such streak since the pitching mound was moved to its current distance. Only the 1917 Chicago White Sox hold the record at 20 games.
During this 19-game stretch, Guardians starters have compiled a perfect 12-0 record with a microscopic 1.35 ERA. Tanner Bibee exemplified this excellence in Wednesday’s crucial victory, allowing just one run over six innings to improve to 3-0 in September.
Unlikely Heroes Emerge in Championship Push
While established stars like All-Star third baseman José Ramírez continue to deliver clutch performances, including a two-run double in Wednesday’s win, the Guardians have received unexpected contributions from throughout their roster. George Valera, who made his major league debut on September 1 after eight years in Cleveland’s minor league system, has become a key contributor with timely hits including a crucial two-run homer against Detroit.
The timing of this comeback cannot be understated, as Cleveland now holds a one-game lead over Detroit with just four games remaining in the regular season. The Guardians also possess the critical tiebreaker advantage, having won the season series against the Tigers. Manager Stephen Vogt, who has guided this improbable turnaround, emphasized the team’s focus on taking things one game at a time despite the historic nature of their achievement.
This Guardians historic comeback represents more than just statistical achievement—it embodies the unpredictable nature of baseball and the power of perseverance. As the team prepares for their final regular season games, they’ve already secured their place in baseball folklore while positioning themselves for what could be their second consecutive AL Central championship.