MLB Teams As Game Of Thrones Houses: American League Central

Welcome back! This week we're moving west and covering the American League Central. The division carries a reputation for being the least glamorous in baseball, though the White Sox's surprising surge and divine intervention from Pope Leo XIV have catapulted it into a semblance of relevancy.

 In case you missed Part One, check it out!

• Part One

Detroit Tigers: House Mormont

The Mormonts are a small, stubborn northern house. Their motto, “Here We Stand,” encapsulates the Tigers’ grittiness and stubborn on-and-off rebuild. Neither the Mormonts nor the Tigers have much, but they hold onto what they have fiercely. The Tigers have won four World Series titles and have kept back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal (though that could change at this year’s trade deadline). 

Cleveland Guardians: House Royce

House Royce isn’t featured heavily in the ASOIAF books or shows, and a lot of people overlook the Guardians.  The Royces are a respected house that married into the Targaryen family. Cleveland’s front office builds a perennial contender without lavish spending or big moves. 

Kansas City Royals: House Manderly

House Manderly often gets dismissed because its sigil is a mermaid. Look closer, and they’re the wealthiest northern house. While the Royals' coffers aren’t overflowing, they have Bobby Witt Jr., one of the most exciting players in baseball, who isn’t helped by the front office’s failure to build a legitimate team around him. 

Chicago White Sox: House Bolton

Imagine the worst person you know. It could be your neighbor or your annoying relative. Heck, it could be someone in your immediate family. Among baseball teams, it’s the Chicago White Sox. The Boltons' house sigil is a flayed man, which is fitting since you might get flayed by a White Sox fan at Rate Field.

Minnesota Twins: The Night’s Watch

The Night’s Watch is a military group that mans the Wall in the North. It started as an honorable group of volunteer knights. Over time, it fell to waste as criminals seeking to escape punishment, bastards, and other unscrupulous men filled its ranks. The Night’s Watch is broke and is constantly refused aid by the crown.

Sound familiar? I don’t think there are any corrupt players on the team, but the Pohlad family’s reticence to spend and general apathy frustrates fans. Minnesota’s $131.6 million competitive balance tax payroll ranks in the bottom third of the league (24th). Victor Caratini, their biggest offseason acquisition, signed to a modest two-year $14 million contract. Homegrown superstar Byron Buxton, who’s posted a .902 OPS, 145 wRC+, and 2.9 fWAR across 342 plate appearances, is the Twins’ Jon Snow.

Looking for a comprehensive list of trade candidates at the MLB trade deadline? Check out our list, now at 40+ players, and updated (near) daily!