*Photo from the Chicago Tribune*
Opening day is 5 days away, and it's time to continue our division previews for the 2022 season. The AL East was covered yesterday, so it's time to hit the AL Central. Order is based off 2021 division standings.
Chicago White Sox
2021 record: 93-69
The White Sox had some problems in 2021, and they did next to nothing in the offseason. All they did was re-sign Leury Garcia, trade Craig Kimbrel for AJ Pollock, and let Carlos Rodon walk in free agency. The White Sox still figure to be on top of the AL Central thanks to it being a weak division, but we'll see if Tony La Russa has learned from his mistakes or not.
Cleveland Guardians
2021 record: 80-82
I just don't understand what the Guardians are doing at all. They've traded some key pieces and let others walk in free agency, yet routinely think they are a competitive team. They've got the pitching to do it, but man that lineup is weak. That's not a playoff lineup. They haven't done anything all offseason and are looking at another year hovering around .500 unless something drastic happens.
Detroit Tigers
2021 record 77-85
At long last, things are looking up for the Detroit Tigers. Thanks to strong performances from Robbie Grossman, Akil Baddoo, and Casey Mize among others, the Tigers had a surprisingly good season last year. That has been supplemented with strong free agent additions such as Javier Baez and Eduardo Rodriguez. That, plus the fact that Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene are almost ready, makes it entirely possible that the Tigers finish at .500 or above this year.
Kansas City Royals
2021 record: 74-88
Although their hot start to 2021 tapered off significantly in the summer and they fell off hard, it was a good sign to see progress and life coming out of the rebuild. Salvador Perez is extended and Whit Merrifield is still here, and they brought in Amir Garrett and Zack Greinke this offseason. With Bobby Witt Jr on the horizon, the Royals will take another step forward this year.
Minnesota Twins
2021 record: 73-89
After an abhorrent 2021, I'll give the Twins credit for not blowing everything up and investing in the team to try and win. Out go Mitch Garver, Michael Pineda, and Josh Donaldson, and in come Gary Sanchez, Gio Urshela, Chris Archer, Sonny Gray, Dylan Bundy, and the big prize, Carlos Correa. It's pretty clear that the Twins made themselves better, but I'm not sure if it's enough to compete for a playoff spot.
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