Deep Dive On How The AL Central Could Be Elite In 2023
Updated: Jun 14, 2023
With the MLB season approaching, it is time for some way-too-early division predictions. First, we have the AL Central with the Royals, Guardians, Twins, Tigers, and White Sox. The Guardians are the defending division champs looking to repeat for the first time since their three-peat from 2016 through 2018. That being said, let’s start predicting and upsetting certain fan bases, shall we?
Detroit Tigers: 70-92, 18 GB
In last place for the AL Central in 2023, we have the Detroit Tigers. Tigers fans are not going to have much excitement this season. Detroit’s young, rebuilding roster needs time to mature and improve. Despite a 77-win season in 2021, the Tigers fell again in 2022 with a 66-96 season.
The offense did not improve much in the offseason and the pitching suffered significant losses. Former number one pick Casey Mize underwent Tommy John surgery last June and will likely miss all of 2023. Detroit will also be without Tarik Skubal as he is recovering from a flexor tendon surgery. This team is going to be desperate for success but will not find much of it in 2023.
Chicago White Sox: 72-90, 16 GB
In fourth place in the AL Central, we have the Chicago White Sox who were playing in the ALDS in 2021. This team will fall off hard in 2023 despite still having some star power. Losing former MVP Jose Abreu will prove detrimental to their offense and roster overall. Chicago will still win 70-72 games but will have a surprising drop-off in production on both sides.
However, if the White Sox can have a healthy group of Tim Anderson, Yasmani Grandal, Eloy Jimenez, and Luis Robert, they will win more games than projected. They added Mike Clevinger this offseason which helps with their pitching staff as well as adding outfielder Andrew Benintendi on a five-year deal to improve their offense.
Chicago is either going to surprise everyone and be competitive or be near the bottom like most of the projections for them.
Kansas City Royals: 83-79, 5 GB
In third place in the AL Central, we have the Kansas City Royals, yes you read that correctly. After their World Series success in 2014 and 2015, the Royals have been in a major rebuild ever since. However, the Royals are going to be the biggest surprise in this AL Central division in 2023.
Their only downfall despite having some legitimate young talent is that they have no experience. This lineup has yet to prove themselves and that will have to happen this season. Bobby Witt is about to step into a big role on this team but he cannot be the only one that performs well.
This team also lacks star power in their bullpen and pitching will once again be a weak spot on this roster. KC is either going to somehow manage 80 wins or sit around the 70-72 win mark simply because they will struggle to compete in games.
Minnesota Twins: 86-76, 4 GB
In second place in the AL Central, we have the Minnesota Twins. The Twins finished the 2022 season with 78 wins which was far below what they expected. This roster is loaded with talent considering they re-signed Carlos Correa to a six-year, $200 million deal. This roster has all the pieces to be a legitimate contender both in the AL Central and the MLB overall.
The Twins also added to their already strong rotation when they acquired Pablo Lopez from the Marlins. The Twins were busy this offseason trying to back-build their roster and so far they seem to be succeeding. The Twins will compete in this division easily but this roster is far better than just a division crown. Look for the Twins to sit near 90 wins and do not be surprised if they eclipse 90 wins and make the playoffs.
Cleveland Guardians: 90-72
Finally, in first place, we have the defending division champs in the Cleveland Guardians. This team was one game away from playing in the ALCS in 2022 but they did win the division for the first time since 2018. After not losing essentially any of this well-molded roster, Cleveland is primed for another playoff run.
They have a strong rotation and a good mix of veterans and prospects in the lineup which should propel Cleveland to another division championship. The Guardian’s biggest weakness has to be whether their bullpen can stay consistent. They figured it out last season but I am sure they want to solidify this bullpen well before the season begins. The Guardians also are a little weak in the outfield when it comes to their batting. If they can get the weak links in the batting lineup to improve, this roster is solid.
Despite their roster, Cleveland will still be a coin-flip team in some way. They have to fix the little weaknesses or it will hurt them as the season goes on. The Guardians are legit but only if they commit to the full process of becoming an elite ball club.
Final Thoughts On The AL Central
The AL Central is not going to be the prettiest division in the MLB this season. It will be a battle between the Guardians and the Twins with no worry about the rest of the division. The Royals and White Sox are on the cusp of a breakthrough while the Tigers are still too far away from being relevant in the division. If you are interested in a baseball division with a lot of success and bright spots, turn back now and find another division because the AL Central is not that division in 2023.