The Yankees and Rays have been circling each other for months, seemingly destined for an October matchup to determine the best team in the American League.

On Saturday, the second-ever playoff series between the division foes will begin — one round too soon.

Because of an MLB playoff format that was antiquated at inception, the two best teams in the AL were always going to meet in the Division Series if they were going to meet at all.

While the 85-win Guardians and 84-win White Sox fight for a spot in the ALCS, the 98-win Rays and 93-win Yankees will have to overcome a far greater obstacle to play for the pennant. The White Sox already took advantage of the worst division winner in MLB history by sweeping the 81-win Astros while the Yankees defeated the Red Sox, the third-best team in the league.