*Photo from the St.Louis Post-Dispatch*
Moving forward with the team preview series, it's time to do the AL Central. Here's the outlook for this division in 2021.
*Photo from AP News*
Minnesota Twins
2020 record: 36-24
Last year was another division winning season for the Twins, but they couldn't win a single playoff game once again. Main parts of their pitching left in the offseason, and Matt Shoemaker, JA Happ, and Hansel Robles were the additions made to replace them. Alex Colome as the closer should help a ton though. On the hitting side of things, Nelson Cruz is back, and Andrelton Simmons at shortstop makes a good defensive infield even deadlier, as he joins forces with Josh Donaldson on the left side. Even with the shuffling of pieces, the AL Central is Minnesota's to lose.
*Photo from Southside showdown*
Chicago White Sox
2020 record: 35-25
After a productive season in 2020, the White Sox got better. They got a new manager in Tony LaRussa to start. They lost Alex Colome in the bullpen, but Liam Hendriks is a really good add to replace him. They traded for Lance Lynn from the Rangers for the rotation, and signed Adam Eaton for outfield depth. They lost James McCann, but Yasmani Grandal was going to be the number one catcher anyway. The White Sox will definitely challenge the Twins for the AL Central this year.
*Photo from WIBW*
Kansas City Royals
2020 record: 26-34
The Royals were not contending last season, but their offseason moves got them closer to contention. Mike Minor is adding a veteran influence to a rather young pitching core. On the hitting side, it was a boon for the Royals. Michael A Taylor came first, then Carlos Santana to play first base, Jarrod Dyson was signed as outfield depth, and Andrew Benintendi from Boston. The Royals could surprise some people this year, given the additions to the core of Merrifield, Soler, Dozier, and Mondesi.
*Photo from Last word on Sports*
Cleveland Indians
2020 record: 35-25
For the Indians, it was only an offseason of pure pain. Yeah, they signed Eddie Rosario, but that's really it. They lost their closer Brad Hand to the Nationals, and, the big one, they traded Carlos Carrasco and Francisco Lindor to the Mets for a smattering of prospects. At least the pitching staff looks good with Bieber, Plesac, and McKenzie, but the Indians have traded away too much talent over the years, and they'll miss the playoffs.
*Photo from the Detroit Free Press*
Detroit Tigers
2020 record: 23-35
The Tigers are still a rebuilding team, but there are some bright spots. Top prospects Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal debuted last season, and they took Spencer Torkelson with the first overall pick. They also hired AJ Hinch to be their new manager. They also brought in Jose Urena to add to the rotation, and Nomar Mazara and Robbie Grossman join the outfield picture. This year will be another forgettable one.
Division assessment:
This division is kind of a hard one to gauge. The White Sox and Twins are clearly the favorites, but I don't know what the Indians are trying to do. They have the pitching necessary to make the playoffs, but the lineup lost a lot of firepower by trading Lindor. The Royals are going in the right direction, and the Tigers are still bad. Expect the AL Central to be a top heavy division this time around.
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