In the 2026 ALDS, the Chicago White Sox hold a 1-0 series lead over the Cleveland Guardians after a 3-0 Game 1 shutout, while the Tampa Bay Rays lead the New York Yankees 1-0 following a 1-0 pitchers' duel victory. The White Sox, who swept the Houston Astros in the wild-card round, benefit from strong recent form and pitching depth against a Guardians squad that earned the AL Central title but faces a short turnaround. The Rays, AL East winners with the top seed, leverage home advantage and elite pitching to hold off the Yankees, who swept the Boston Red Sox in the wild card but must rebound on the road. Series momentum, bullpen usage, and starting pitcher matchups in Games 2 through 5 will shape which clubs advance to the ALCS.